Which is more important - SAT or SAT Subject Tests?

Test Preparation
1

Start out with establishing that I’m an idiot

I took the old SAT, and was unsatisfied with my score. But now I’ll have to take the New SAT. I haven’t taken any Subject tests yet. Should I cut my costs on retaking the SAT and take the subject tests (i’ll need the next few dates to do 2-3) and just never take the SAT again, or ignore the subject tests and take the new SAT?

2

For the majority of colleges that do not even consider subject tests to determine admisison, the SAT (or ACT) is most important and subject tests mean nothing.

For the 18 colleges that require two subject tests if you submit SAT, both are important but SAT probably more so. However, for 11 of those, you can submit ACT in lieu of both SAT and subject tests. Nevertheless for the other 7 and, for those 11 if you submit SAT and not ACT, you will be rejected if you fail to submit subject tests because your file will be deemed incomplete.

There are about another 35 to 40 colleges that recommend but do not require subject tests, or neither require nor recommend them but will consider them if submitted. For those in the “consider” group, the SAT is most important and the subject tests are secondary and may help if good but are not really necessary. For those that recommend them, the SAT is most important and you can get by without subject tersts but those will also have importance if submitted and scores are good and possibly could make the differenc in being admitted. In other words, for many of those, you really should take the subject tests, including because majority who apply probably will.

Also, unless you are applying to Georgetown, you need only two subject tests. Georgetown strongly recommending three.

3

SAT Reasoning is the more important test.

4

The SAT Reasoning Test is about 3-4x more important than the SAT Subject Tests in most situations I can think of

5

You can do up to three subject tests on one date. I wouldn’t do retakes close together. You’re not going to see much score improvement that way. If you’re not satisfied with your scores, spend time studying and take the test(s) again in 3 months.