Why Are Subject Tests So Unpopular?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>My guidance counselor mentioned to me that my girlfriend and I have been the only students to ever take any SAT Subject Test since she's been working at our school. I couldn't believe it because there are schools that actually require them. I told my other friend, and she was just like, "Those tests aren't really advertised. People don't know to take them." I just wish more people at my school knew about them. It's an easy way to show off specific areas you excel in.</p>

<p>So I just wanted to get you guys' opinions. Do you think the SAT subject tests are not advertised enough? Or is it just an "underachieving" mindset at my school? How about kids at your school?</p>

2

<p>I’ve never heard of someone not taking subject tests…</p>

3

<p>They’re more standardized tests to have to take, and if you’re not genuinely interested in getting into a top college (or even mid-range), there’s not really a point in taking them. Not every college requires them, and if you aren’t applying to one that does, really what’s the point?</p>

4

<p>The only people who I know what have taken them, myself included, are those who are looking to apply to more selective colleges and universities. Most students at my school want to go to one of our state schools, state flagships, or a local private school, and since those schools don’t require SAT IIs most people don’t take them. In fact, because most people don’t take them, most people don’t even know what they are. But, I mean if your desired school doesn’t really consider them there’s not much point in taking those tests.</p>

5

<p>Because only like top 25 schools ask for them, and most only recommend them.</p>

6

<p>I only first heard about them from this website. I told my friend I was taking them and she was like “***, why are you taking those?”</p>

7

<p>Some schools that require them allow for one to take the ACT in place of the sat and sub tests. </p>

<p>Other schools (H, Pton, Dartmouth, Williams) don’t allow this.</p>

8

<p>Most students only apply to local publics and privates that don’t require the subject tests. Only a handful of students at my school take them each year, and generally are the “good” students applying to more selective privates.</p>

9

<p>Because they cost money people don’t want to pay and most colleges don’t require them anyway.
It can also be hard to find a testing center for the more obscure subjects.</p>

<p>I’m taking three because I’m fairly good at tests and I thought it would be a good way to help my application because it’s lacking in other areas.</p>

10

<p>Mostly the “good students” apply to SAT Subject tests every year like myself. Most of the people at my school apply to the local schools such as the HBCU’s and other schools that I am avoiding by not applying.</p>