Urgent question about SAT and SAT subject tests!

Basically, I’m applying to common app schools and UC schools. Between November and December, I have to take both SAT (for national merit) and subject tests. I’m not really planning to study for the SAT, but do want to do well on my subject tests. So my main questions:

  1. Since I want more time to study for subject tests, can I take them in December, or is it a bad idea to put them off till then?
  2. Are December tests acceptable for UCs and common app schools? This wasn't clear to me.
  3. When I take SAT subject tests in November/December, am I supposed to have them sent directly to all the schools I'm applying to? What if I do badly?
  4. Same as #4: When I take the SAT do I have to have it sent directly to National Merit?
  5. Overall, would you recommend I take SAT in Nov. and SAT II in Dec. or vice versa?

Thank you all very much! I am filling out the registration right now.

The UC’s take up to the December SAT sittings:

If you’re applying for admission to the fall term, be sure to take your admissions tests no later than December of your senior year/last year prior to high school/secondary school graduation — preferably earlier — to ensure that your application receives prompt and full consideration. It is unlikely that scores from tests taken after our December deadline will arrive in our office in time for our review process.

For the SAT Subject tests:

Remember, these are recommendations, not mandates. You will not be penalized for failing to take the SAT Subject Tests. On the other hand, submission of these test scores (just like submission of AP and/or IB scores) may add positively to the review of your application.

I would take the SAT I in November if National Merit is important to you and take the Subject tests in December.

@Gumbymom The thing I am worried about is doing badly on my subject tests. They would still be sent to all the UCs/ Currently I have a 770 in Math II and a 720 in Chemistry. I plan to retake Math II and take Biology M. Say I do worse/the same on Math II and get a 700+ on bio. How will this impact my application as a biochem major? Also, say I am applying to 7 common app schools, do I arrange for the subject test scores to be sent to every single one of them? Also, I have heard that for UCs, taking tests late may negatively impact you because it causes them to delay review of your app, and they may look at it with more scrutiny. Will this be the case if I take December subject tests?

Your Subject tests are fine. Anything over 700+ is good and there is no reason to retake the Math II. I think retaking Math II will have a more negative impact than submitting what you have. For the UC’s, they are not required so your scores will only help not hurt your chances. Not sure about the common app. If the SAT subject tests are required, you would have to send to each school that needs them.

If the UC’s state they accept the December tests, then you should not be concerned. I see no reason to take the SAT 2 Biology M unless any of the common app schools require 3 tests.

@Gumbymom I just thought it necessary to retake math 2 since its at the 60-something percentile, and same for chem. However, I did earn 5s on both the Calculus AP exams and a 4 on Chemistry and Biology. Do you think my app would benefit greatly from a good Bio M score, considering I am applying for biology/chemistry-related majors?

If you have already signed up for the subject tests, it cannot hurt to take the Bio M exam. You are a competitive applicant and one test score will not make or break your overall application. I would think that National Merit would be far more impressive than a high Sat 2 Subject test.

@Gumbymom I have not signed up yet actually, so I’m still in a dilemma. Thank you for the help!

I called Princeton a few weeks ago and she said anything over 700 was good. I would focus on National Merit in November.

@MomofThree95 That’s great to know, thanks for the info!!