<p>It says that Northwestern recommends SAT subject tests. By recommend, what exactly do they mean? Are you at a distinct disadvantage if you do not submit subject tests? I plan on just submitting ACTs plus writing, will I be at a disadvantage? I took two subject tests my sophomore year and didn't do too well, that is why I am avoiding sending in any SAT material. Thank you.</p>
<p>The subject tests are used as a guide to indicate how strong your high school background is in those subjects. Just like any other score, a strong score on the subject tests can only bolster your application. If you look, throughout the Northwestern website, they use "recommend" quite often. They leave the terminology vague, but just as doing what someone recommends raises their opinion of you, doing what Northwestern recommends would be to your advantage. Most of the individuals I live and speak with took a few of the SAT II subject tests.</p>
<p>Some special programs require at least two subject tests. Also, if you have improved the score on the subject tests that you didn't exactly ace the first time, Northwestern will look at it in a good light. Here is a direct quote from the website: "Higher SAT Subject Test scores tend to offset lower SAT Reasoning Test or ACT results."</p>
<p>The ACT is not a substitute for the subject tests. The style and content of the tests are different enough to not be related.</p>
<p>Final point. If everyone submits SAT II scores, and you don't, you will be at a disadvantage (given the rest of the application is equivalent). If no one submits SAT II scores and you submit your competitive scores (once again, given the rest of the application is equivalent), you will be at an advantage. Since you do not know whether the other applicants will submit SAT II scores, if your scores are good, you have to submit your scores in order to eliminate the risk of the first outcome I stated.</p>
<p>Hopefully that wasn't too complicated. Good luck!</p>
<p>--Shamazing
Shamazing</a>?! -- College Student's Blog</p>