<p>I plan on applying to USC. I'll be graduating from a traditional public high school, so subject tests in addition to an ACT won't be required for me. However, tw USC website says that the tests are recommended. This is my top choice school, and I would really like scholarships as well. Is it a good idea to take subject tests? I'm going to guess that it is, so which ones and how many should I take?</p>
<p>Our D (who will be a sophmore at USC in the fall) took a humanities (US History) and a math/science (Biology).</p>
<p>I’d focus more on nailing either SAT or ACT. My friends who worked in the admin office said the single most important factor are those two tests (which makes sense, SCs rise in the rankings are largely predicated on those numbers rising). Subject tests are a nice addition to the package, but I wouldn’t study for those at the expense of the other two.</p>
<p>I agree, raise your SAT at high as possible and look into taking the ACT as some people do better than on the SAT. Then, if you have time, take 2 SAT IIs in your strongest subjects.</p>
<p>Before anything, focus on your GPA. USC is a numbers game, and you should make sure your GPA places you into the top 10% of your high school class. USC likes to know that you can handle college academics, and the last thing they want is their retention rate lowered.</p>
<p>Thank you so much! I’ve taken SAT and ACT, and while my ACT was slightly better (28/1810) I feel like I can raise the SAT significantly. Last semester I was number 10/300+ but my gpa did raise a little bit this semester so I am probably tied with a few people for a higher spot. I plan on taking the SAT In November (the October date falls on my birthday) so I’m considering doing 2 subject tests on the December date if I think I should. I’ll see how well I can balance all the tests with my senior course load (my most challenging yet) :)</p>