<p>My biggest concern is not having any SAT subject tests. How will this affect my acceptance at ivys and other top universities?? but i have a solid ACT score (34 with writing) and a 3.96 GPA with EC's, strong leadership, and community service.
Thanks =)</p>
<p>Why not take them?</p>
<p>Yes, you still have plenty of time to take them!</p>
<p>And it will certainly affect your application!!!!!</p>
<p>You have October, November( for most EA/ED schools) and December and even January for some schools. </p>
<p>I have heard that for Stanford SCEA, it might be okay to leave out Sat II's but if you don't send them in for other EA/ED apps and RD, your application will be considered incomplete at many schools! ( And thus, you'll be rejected before they even look at your application!)</p>
<p>Take them!</p>
<p>what about colleges which only recommend SAT II's and also for some its okay to substitute ACT in place of both SAT I and SAT II...would that be a wise decision? to use my ACT scores?? btw i think Yale allows you to do that.</p>
<p>Well, it won't get you into Harvard--they require three--and I believe most (if not all) colleges at Cornell require 2. I think you can replace SAT IIs with the ACT at Yale, though...correct me if I'm wrong.</p>
<p>Edit: Semi cross-posted with happy23</p>
<p>It's kind of how colleges reccomend that you take 4 years of math but at most schools, you don't have to. But in reality, ivies and top colleges kind of require that you take four years( and a rigorous courseload) unless you are super amazing or have a hook. </p>
<p>I mean, there are so many kids with amazing gpa's, test scores AND they take their SAT II's. You may want to opt out of them to make yourself look better but ultimately, it's going to be a major red flag. Yes, there are ways to edge out of it, as you've written, and you can certainly do it, but it will be detrimental to your application. An ACT score doesn't replace the insight colleges would get if you provided them both an ACT score and your Spanish SAT II or Physics or Latin or Lit or Bio, etc.etc. More and more colleges are looking at SAT II's as a fairer assesment of academic merit( as opposed to the SAT/ACT- which, although remain arguably one of the most important parts of the application, is often seen as someting wealthier kids have an advantage at with prep classes, tutoring,etc.) The SAT II's are really content based so a better, in some people's eyes, reflection of your academic skills.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that many many students who apply to the ivies and top colleges have perfect or nearly perfect gpas, great tests scores, really strong EC's and community service, great teacher recs, and wonderful essays. You leaving out your SAT II's will be a mark against you unless you have something super amazing up your sleeve( and most people don't.)</p>
<p>When colleges recommend something it means you should do it. They may make exception for some students but you can't always count on it. Same with college essays. If it states optional, do it, otherwise, you will be in reject pile. I rather they state that they use the term optional, it's kind of deceiving. Read Harry Bauld's essay book, it states in there.</p>
<p>Substituting ACT for SAT I and SAT II at schools that allow it is just fine. It should also be sufficient for schools that "recommend" SAT IIs. However, if a school requires SAT IIs and will not accept the ACT instead, then not having the SAT IIs means that your application is not complete and will not be considered.</p>
<p>How many SAT IIs should you take - if you take one, will that be okay at most schools?</p>
<p>NOOO! Two are needed. Period. Otherwise your shot for admission is like zero, because at prestigious universities, two are required.</p>
<p>my friend was in the same position as you, with a 34 ACT and much lower SATs/SAT IIs. There are actually a lot of schools that accept just the ACT (penn, yale, northwestern are the ones I can think of right now) You just have to look carefully at the requirements for the individual universities.</p>
<p>Go here for a list of colleges that require, recommend or consider SAT IIs:
Compass:</a> Admissions Requirements</p>
<p>In the required column, you will see an * next to the number required for some of those that usually require SAT IIs. The * means the college takes the ACT in lieu of both the SAT and SAT IIs. Thus you can apply to Yale, Penn or Brown with only the ACT. However, the rest of the ivies require IIs even if you submit ACT. If you do not submit all tests required, the college will deem your application incomplete and it will not be considered.</p>
<p>The only top schools(in the top 10-15) you could legitimately get into without taking the SAT II's is Stanford, maybe Northwestern, and WashU, and even then not taking the SAT II's would be a weak point in your application</p>
<p>however with a 34 and a 3.96 im sure you could get in almost anywhere</p>
<p>I'd rather take 2, or even 3 easy SAT II's that I can choose rather than the ACTs which is another whole test.</p>
<p>
[quote]
The only top schools(in the top 10-15) you could legitimately get into without taking the SAT II's is Stanford
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Check Yale's latest policy on its website.</p>
<p>cornell CALS recommends two, but doesn't require them any.</p>
<p>Penn, Yale, Brown, Northwestern, Tufts and I'm sure others will take the ACT in lieu os the SAT and 2 SAT subject tests. Many other schools however, require two or even three whether or not you took the ACT.</p>
<p>Michigan? TEN CHARS</p>
<p>^ What the heck?</p>