When schools say "SAT II's Recommended" does it hurt you if you didn't take them?

Applying to College
1

<p>Im applying to Bucknell and Lafayette and both apps say SAT IIs are recommended but not required...i reaaaaaallly DO NOT want to take sat IIs but is it going to harm my chances of getting into these schools?</p>

<p>Also, I sent out my Penn State Upark app tonight and my transcript and sat scores are already on their way...does anyone know how long it usually takes to hear back decisions from PSU or similar schools?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>My kids opted not to take the SAT II's and therefore, are opting out of colleges which require them. It hasn't hurt their chances at all at schools, including Lafayette. In fact, Lafayette said "oh, we just use them for placement." </p>

<p>Penn State's initial acceptances will be available Nov.1. Folks who have not already applied will hear in 2-3 months, maybe a little longer if there are the predicted huge numbers applying. If you intend to do SHC, apply immediately.</p>

3

<p>thanks a lot, i'm also avoiding applying to schools thate require SAT IIs</p>

4

<p>What is your reasoning for this decision, Alli? For my sons, they just didn't want to spend any more money for testing. They figured: here are my SATs, here's my GPA, here are my 46 college credits (All A's, thank you), here are my EC's. If a college can't figure out how well they might do in college Intro to Poli Sci, they are not interested in that college.</p>

5

<p>i'm just tired of standardized test taking (i took the SAT I 3 times) and i feel like they are a waste of more of my time, money, and effort</p>

6

<p>every school we have visited or spoke with who have SAT II's recommended, not required have stated that the tests, if taken, cannot hurt you, but can only help you ......</p>

7

<p>yeah.
it wont hurt.</p>

8

<p>Yeah, I plan on applying to CMU and Cornell. I have taken a math subject test which they require, but I have not taken a science test which they only recommend. I have called the offices of admission and they said that I would be fine if I did not take the tests; they would consider my application equally. If im OK for CMU and Cornell, you are definitely fine for Bucknell and Lafayette.</p>

9

<p>My rule of thumb: </p>

<p>When a college "recommends" you do something for admissions, Do It. (Unless you don't care that much about attending there - in which case, why bother applying?)</p>