Two SAT Subject Tests or Three?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>Will submitting only two SAT II scores hurt me in any way (as opposed to three)? The two I was thinking of are Math II and Literature. I'm sure I can score at least 750 on both of them as I've done enough practice tests to have a sense of where I am, but haven't prepared for a third subject test and worry if I tried to write one I would do worse than on the other two (700+ but not very strong). Would Harvard have an issue with me writing and submitting only two, or is there an unspoken expectation I write at least 3 to be competitive? </p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Subjects tests are now optional. So, submitting what used to be the required amount (2) won’t hurt you: <a href=“Application Requirements”>https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/application-process/application-requirements&lt;/a&gt;

</p>

3

<p>Yes, the SAT IIs are “optional” at Harvard now, but if you take them and score well, it is a good idea to send them. With the SAT I writing sample, they now need only 2 rather than 3 SAT IIs. But its ok to send 3.</p>

4

<p>^^ Harvard did away with requiring 3 SAT Subject Tests about three years ago. </p>

<p>FWIW: Some high schools require students not taking an AP class to take the SAT Subject Test at the end of courses. So, some students apply with 8 to 12 SAT Subject Tests. But, students sending in more than the required amount of tests are NOT given a boost – it’s not like the more tests you send in the better your chances – that’s not how admissions works! So currently at Harvard, sending is 0 is okay, sending in 2 is okay, sending is 3 or more is okay, but not more advantageous.</p>

5

<p>

While STs are no longer strictly required, treating them as optional might be risky.</p>

<p>After all, Harvard does say “we normally require two SAT Subject Tests”</p>

6

<p>@sherpa: It’s NOT risky, at least according to this Harvard Crimson article: <a href=“SAT IIs No Longer Required for Admission | News | The Harvard Crimson”>http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2014/5/28/sat-subject-test-admissions/&lt;/a&gt;

</p>

7

<p>Gibby, I think that we can agree that they have become optional and that the inclusion of ST scores will neither make or break an application.</p>

<p>Still, if H is saying that they “normally require two SAT Subject Tests”, it is hard to imagine that there is NO risk in omitting them, especially if the applicant comes from a high school where taking the tests is the norm and finances aren’t an issue.</p>

<p>To address the OP’s question, yes, two are fine and, in my opinion, Literature and Math Level 2 are an excellent combination.</p>