Testing Requirements

Test Preparation
1

<p>Hi!</p>

<p>So I have a question about whether I should send my SAT reasoning test or Subject tests to certain colleges.
Some of the schools I'm applying to only require one but I have weak spots in both of them.</p>

<p>My SAT testings score breakdown is: 640 (CR), 600 (W) and 540 (M). Clearly, my weak link is math but everything else is reasonably solid.</p>

<p>My SA IIs were: 680 (Spanish) and 550 (Literature). I didn't even prepare for these so they're decently low but together, they are a 1230 which is higher than my CR and M combined scores.</p>

<p>So my question is, which looks better and which should I submit: my SAT or SAT IIs?</p>

<p>Any feedback would be helpful!</p>

2

<p>For most colleges, there is not an option between the two. They require that you submit either SAT or ACT and you cannot just submit subject tests. After that, those same colleges that require either SAT or ACT break down into the following groups: (a) the majority which do not even consider subject tests for admissions; (b) a significant group that recommends or considers subject tests but does not require them; and © 26 colleges that require two subject tests but 16 of those don’ t require them if you submit ACT instead of SAT.</p>

<p>There is a small number that accept subject tests in lieu of the SAT or ACT but those usually require three subject tests for that. there is also a significant group that does not require any tests but many of those will consider any tests that you choose to send.</p>

<p>Bottom line: in deciding which tests to send check the particular colleges’ rules but you can assume you will usually be required to submit at least that SAT since you have no ACT.</p>

3

<p>SAT Subject Tests are different from the SAT reasoning test. I don’t know of an college that would ask for SAT Subject Tests OVER the SAT Reasoning test. Some schools require the SAT Reasoning test and 2 SAT Subject Tests, but an SAT Subject Test cannot be used in lieu of an SAT Reasoning Test.</p>