So I’m a high school student in the british curriculum taking A-Levels interested in engineering (but I may change my interest). I’m considering applying to Harvard and so should I take Physics and Maths SATs because I’m considering engineering or could I choose any subject SATs based upon my interests and performance.
Also, just a quick question does my application go to Harvard College or does it go specifically to Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
First off, Harvard no longer requires SAT Subject Tests: https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/application-process/sat-subject-tests
That said, if you choose to take SAT Subject Tests, Admissions doesn’t care what areas you take them in, as they are just looking for your top scores. So, performance is key. You should take whatever tests you think you can get close to 800 in.
Secondly, all applicants apply to Harvard College as Liberal Arts majors and pick a concentration during their sophomore year. As such, Admissions doesn’t recruit by an applicant’s “intended major,” but only asks the question to gauge an applicant’s interest.
Thanks for clearing that up, is this system followed in most US schools? i.e NYU, University of Michigan, UCLA, Stanford.
Each school has their own requirements. Some schools don’t require SAT Subject Test scores, others do. Some schools, like UPenn or Cornell, student’s must apply to a specific college or school within the university. Other schools, such as Harvard, Yale and Princeton students just apply to the college and choose a major after they’ve been admitted. You have to check each individual school’s admissions website for institutional requirements.
If you decide to take SAT subject tests, are strong in math, and are considering engineering, you should take Math2. You can take up to three subject tests per sitting (and schools that require subject tests typically want at least two).
I generally agree with @gibby, but with a few caveats:
If you are interested in engineering and have experience that backs that up, and focus your application on wanting to be an engineer, it will look a bit odd if you don’t take one of the math SATs.
If you apply to MIT, you definitely need to take a math and a science.
(BTW, in America we call it “math” not “maths.” That’s weird, right? Because it is short for “mathematics,” so why do we leave the “s” off? I don’t know, but we do!)
Also, I would probably avoid physics at all costs, unless you really have a broad knowledge. It is notoriously difficult to do well on that test if you’re just a good physics student. Why? Because most HS students take mechanics in AP physics, and the physics SAT covers a huge range of topics.