Which subject tests should I take for applying to selective universities for a STEM major and even having a shot? As of now, I’m a sophomore, and I’ve already taken physics, chem, precalculus (and everything below it + probability and statistics), earth science, environmental science, biomedical science, and biology, though I was wondering if any tests in particular would raise my desirability as a potential student. Also, I’ll be doing a dual-enrollment program for the next two years with a local community college, so I’ll be able to take classes like calculus 1 & 2, astrophysics, advanced physics, advanced chemistry, and so on for both college and high school credit, so should I take them this year during the fall (junior year), or next year (senior year)?
Check the web sites of the colleges of interest.
Engineering-focused schools and engineering divisions which want subject tests often want math (level 2 preferred) and a science (sometimes specifying physics or chemistry). But some schools may want subject tests in a wider range of subjects (e.g. one in math or science and one in a humanities subject).
SAT subject tests are designed to cover high school level material. For example, math level 1 covers math through algebra 2 and geometry, while math level 2 covers math through precalculus and trigonometry. So you can take them any time after completing the associated high school course.
Math 2 is a no brainer, and non-engineering Ivies like to see a strength in a lit/hume discipline. (Eng Lit, APUSH, Euro).
Go spend some time on the MIT admissions pages- they will cheer you up. You are obviously well ahead academically, and your DE classes will do fine for showing that - you don’t need to take loads of subject tests. It’s not an arms race. Take Math 2 and one from B/C/P and be done with it (unless you want to apply to Georgetown- they want 3 subject tests).
Instead, put your energy into doing something that is genuinely interesting to you- that engages and challenges you.
To get you started:
https://mitadmissions.org/blogs/entry/there_is_no_formula/
https://mitadmissions.org/blogs/entry/applying_sideways/
(ps, although this blog post is old, the core piece- apply sideways- is still front and center on the Admissions pages)
Non-engineering Ivies don’t care what Subject Tests you take unless they specifically state otherwise.
What about the number of subject tests? Is there a preference?
Two subject tests, unless you are applying to Georgetown that wants to see three.