Two subject tests needed for Harvard?

<p>Hi all,</p>

<p>I am applying to several colleges for the Fall 2015 Semester, and looking on the required lists to apply, many of them say that two or more SAT II tests are needed. Harvard says that you only need to send in one, but recommend two. All of us know though that' 'recommended' is really just another word for 'required'.
Anyway, Through a series of unfortunate events, I only have one subject test (Bio E/M) which I'm taking next month. I was going to take Chinese and math, but dropped them due to personal reasons. </p>

<p>Do I need more than one SAT subject test score? If I do, how can I register for one before the dead-lines roll through? Or am I just screwed? </p>

<p>“recommended” obviously does not mean “required”, but they would like to see your subject tests. Don’t you think your application would be stronger with a few high subject test scores? You will be going up against thousands of qualified applicants who have heeded the recommendation for two subject tests. How would Harvard consider you against those applicants when you have not taken the time and planned accordingly to meet their recommendation? Even your Bio subject test is being taken at the last minute. Not good planning on your part.</p>

<p>I know, I am trying to register for the December 6th test date for Mathematics I and II, as the Bio E/M I already am taking. Can I still register this late?</p>

<p>Call the college board and find out. Don’t take Math I and II. Just take Math II if you qualify.</p>

<p>alright, I just looked, I don’t think i can apply to the December 6th test date. The closest one is January 24th, after most of the deadlines. I might just wait a year and boost up my GPA and prepare more. I’m graduating 3 years early anyway.</p>

<p>This whole situation for you seems rushed. You are young and can easily take another year to apply. Do yourself a favor and consider this option. Study and prepare for your SAT. You should retake this exam. Your score is respectable, but you can likely improve. Take the time to prepare for your subject tests. These are particularly important for home schooled applicants to demonstrate proficiency.</p>

<p>Ill think about it. thanks.</p>

<p>As long as you’ve registered for Subject Tests, you’re able to take additional tests at that session. </p>

<p>? how?</p>

<p>You just need to tell the proctor at spot to add or change your SAT2 subjects right before the test.</p>

<p>Well, okay, I know that that is a broad question. what i mean is what do you mean? session as in test date? or are you saying if I put down that I have registered for the SAT tests, and say that I have, the colleges will accept their scores?</p>

<p>I believe you’re a 15-16 year old home schooled student, correct? If I may, please consider that with your GPA and test scores, you’re extremely un-remarkable for a younger applicant to Harvard. Unremarkable applicants = part of the +94% of rejected applicants. If you’re intent on enrolling in college in Sept '15, please be sure you have a wide list of affordable schools targeted. Best of luck to you.</p>

<p>thanks, that’s reassuring. Are all of you people reading my previous posts?
I am now seriously considering abandoning this venture and spend another year making myself more approachable as a candidate.</p>

<p>Jolex: I’m not stalking you but trying to sincerely give you advice. If you feel I’m off base, you’re 100% free to ignore it. However, seeing as you’re not even in a full HS environment, you can probably use some perspective on what competitive Harvard applicants look like.</p>

<p><a href=“***Official Harvard University 2018 SCEA Decisions ONLY*** - Harvard University - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/harvard-university/1586643-official-harvard-university-2018-scea-decisions-only-p1.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p><a href=“*** Official Harvard University 2018 RD Decisions Only*** - Harvard University - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/harvard-university/1627558-official-harvard-university-2018-rd-decisions-only-p1.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Frankly I’m not here to reassure you falsely. That would be a disservice you don’t deserve.</p>

<p>No, didn’t mean to state that you’re stalking me! I realize that I’m not the best applicant for Harvard and all those more selective schools, which is why I’m considering waiting a year. It’s good to get a reality check from the general public every once in a while</p>

<p>“Recommended” means that they really want to see the subject tests (Harvard’s admissions people have previously stated that they consider the subject tests to be more predictive than the reasoning test), but that they may cut some slack for low income, first generation, etc. students who may be less informed about the college admission process and may not realize that they may need the subject tests (or cannot afford them).</p>

<p>If you are home schooled, then doing well in additional subject tests can allow you to show external validation that what you learned at home is at least up to the level of what good students in regular high schools learn in those subjects.</p>

<p>Jolex,
Some of us older posters look at old posts from people that we are trying to help, so that we have more information than is provided in a current thread. A student (or parent) sometimes asks a question about financial aid, for example. S/he states that income is too high to qualify for aid, but doesn’t know how to afford tuition. An old post, but not the current one, may state grades and test scores. Looking at the old thread, someone will say “you qualify for MERIT aid at many schools - consider applying to some of those”. </p>

<p>what do you mean avoid applying as transfer student? Also, I already am dual-enrolling at a college. So far, I have accrued about 40 credits so far, almost the amount of classes needed for AA. Unfortunately, I’m not enrolled in the college officially, so I can’t actually get the degree.</p>