Subject Tests Just for Princeton?

Applying to College
1

So, I’m currently deciding which reach schools I want to apply to. As a writer, Princeton would definitely be my top choice school. However, my SAT score (which I’ve only taken once) is below the 25th percentile. I’m planning on re-taking it at least once, but I’m worried it still won’t be good enough. I have some good extra curriculars and achievements (two published stories, six years of theater and singing, currently directing a play that I wrote with local actors, attorney in mock trial, etc.). Anyway, this brings me to my question: Princeton is the only school on my list that requires subject tests, but I haven’t taken or studied for any because I didn’t think I needed to. I figured I would focus on closer academic reaches like Emory and NYU. But now that I’m putting my list together, I really wish that Princeton could be on it. Should I take the tests for the heck of it, or just leave it because I’ll most likely be rejected anyway?

2

Probably better to ask the question once your SAT scores are well above the 25th percentile.

While the Subject Tests are optional, and I doubt they would move the needle one way or another, the reason schools like Princeton made them optional is that some applicants from lower SES backgrounds can’t afford more tests or the applicants attend a HS where no students apply to colleges where Subject Tests are requested, and therefore, may not have received the best advice from a GC.

If these don’t apply to you, then I would suggest taking the Subject Tests.

3

skieurope, Thanks for the reply! Though, as far as I know, two subject tests are required for Princeton?

As you said though, I will definitely wait until after I get my SAT results to decide.

4

Nope. Recommended.

https://admission.princeton.edu/how-apply/standardized-testing

5

I stand corrected! I must have read something that said otherwise–I’ll make sure to check the website in the future. Thanks for the clarification.

6

Probably an older version. It’s only been in the last year or 2 that top colleges have made them optional. But yes, since the requirements change every year, it seems, check for what the requirements are this year. Good luck.