Hi! I am thinking about applying to Lafayette, however I just got my subject tests back, and am incredibly embarassed with my scores. I took both US History and Math I and got a 600 on both. I could retake the tests again, but that is only if I have the SAT score I want by the last test date. I have a 3.98 UW GPA, am involved in several extra curriculars, will have taken 6 AP classes by graduation, and my SAT is in the mid 1400 range. I know that Lafayette recommends SAT IIs, but I am scared that these scores will really hurt my chance of admission since they are definitely on the lower end. However, I am also nervous that not sending any SAT IIs will also hurt my chance at admission. I plan on going pre-med and want to major in chemistry or some type of engineering. What should I do about my SAT IIs?
My son had similar stats (lower SATs, actually) and didn’t submit his subject tests because, while fine, they would not have stood out and he was admitted with no clear hook. He applied as a possible biochem major, was admitted, and is attending now switching to chemical engineering. That said, stats are only one piece of the application so YMMV.
My son also had similar stats, lower SAT and was accepted without any subject tests. In his case, he just didn’t take any! (Not strong in sciences, is just taking calc now and didn’t think it was worth it to just take history etc). He is going in as a history/perhaps Econ major).
Try taking other subject tests in areas that you are strong at, and if you do well, submit them. If not, don’t worry about it.
There are many ways to show academic skill (Grades, SAT, ACT, AP’s) and SAT subject tests are only one way. Do well in other areas and you won’t have to worry about sAT subject tests.