Third+ Subject Tests

Test Preparation SAT Subject Test Preparation
1

<p>Although Georgetown and, perhaps, USC are the only highly-ranked universities that explicitly require 3 subject tests, it seems that most aspiring students on CC take 3, if not more, subject tests.</p>

<p>I am a rising junior and have just taken my first two subject tests, a humanity (USH) and a science (chem), and got an 800 on each. Receiving those scores, I was under the impression that, since I don't foresee myself applying to Georgetown, I was done with subject testing as long as I didn't change my mind/decide to apply to an engineering program (which I doubt highly). </p>

<p>However, it seems that no one stops at 2 subject tests. Is there a specific rhyme or reason? Is there an implicit want from colleges of a third test, of, perhaps, at least one math so that all three fields -- the humanities, sciences, and mathematics -- are covered? </p>

<p>In short, should I prepare to take at least Math II next year after taking pre-calc? Also, in general for subject tests, should I only take ones that I am confident that I can definitely get an 800 on?</p>

2

<p>Good question, I’m interested to hear an answer as well. Here’s a bump.</p>

3

<p>Really, I did it for kicks.</p>

4

<p>Some schools like MIT and Caltech require Math II, so in that case you might have to take a 3rd.</p>

5

<p>^ MIT requires either Math Level 1 or Level 2.</p>

6

<p>It helps them prove themselves more even though they probably don’t need to do so. It’s for an ego boost 85% of the time.</p>

7

<p>I thought this would be a good place to ask; I have:
Math IIC 800
Chem 800
Phys 800</p>

<p>Do I need to take a fourth SAT subject test?</p>

8

<p>I’ve taken five SAT II tests; although I admit it’s a bit excessive, I don’t think that it can hurt to display your skill in a particular area, especially if it helps portray you as a well-rounded student (i.e., with good scores in both sciences and humanities).</p>

9

<p>@silverturtle:</p>

<p>Which ones have you taken, or are planning to take?</p>

10

<p>^ I have taken Math 2, Chemistry, and Literature (I won’t be sending the last score). I will take US History and Physics as well.</p>

11

<p>^So a total of 4 (that you’re planning to send)?</p>

<p>Are you considering taking more? Or is it simply not worth it?</p>

12

<p>^ Four is enough for me.</p>

13

<p>To the OP: I don’t believe taking more than 2 subject tests is a good idea if studying for the 3rd represents a significant time investment. Otherwise, go for it :)</p>

<p>Silverturtle: Are you only applying to score choice colleges?</p>

14

<p>I don’t know about the other people who take more than 3 subject tests, but I plan on doing so personally because I need to somewhat qualify my abysmal GPA. I have taken five already, but plan on taking three or four more because I know all of these subjects fairly well already and do not need to prepare for their respective exams too extensively. It is just to show adcoms that I am not an idiot as my GPA suggests, basically! :)</p>