<p>Hi, I'm a high school senior with hopes of attending Yale (or a few other schools of similar caliber). I know that Yale doesn't officially require SAT subject tests, but I've wondering just how important they are. I like to think my stats, writing skills, etc. make me a pretty solid applicant, but nothing exceptional (at least by Yale standards). That said, will my current lack of SAT IIs make or break my application? I've been holding off on them mainly because I detest standardized testing in general, but I realize that my stubbornness might not be wise. Can anyone offer help? Am I seriously hurting myself by refusing to take them?</p>
<p>Clueless, you are living up to your name! </p>
<p>If you do not take the ACT, Yale OFFICIALLY requires 2 SAT Subject tests in addition to the SAT. See: <a href=“http://admissions.yale.edu/standardized-testing[/url]”>Standardized Testing Requirements & Policies | Yale College Undergraduate Admissions;
<p>Yale evaluates each applicant as an individual. Standardized test scores are just one of the many elements that Yale considers when reviewing applications.</p>
<p>You must submit scores from either: The SAT and any two SAT Subject Tests - or - The ACT Plus Writing Test.</p>
<p>Sorry, I didn’t make it clear, but I did take the ACT with writing. Therefore, I do not NEED to take SAT IIs</p>
<p>What is your ACT composite score?</p>
<ol>
<li>I would normally not worry about taking SAT IIs, but my science subscore was a 34 (the lowest of any section). Unfortunately, I’m basically building my whole application around my love for science, and so I’m a bit worried that the score might seem incongruous. If I took SAT II(s), they would be in the sciences, to showcase my strength there.</li>
</ol>
<p>You have a 35 – in terms of testing, you are done! Congratulations, your score puts you in the top 99-100 percent of all test takers, and you are at the high end of Yale’s accepted student’s scores.</p>
<p>That said, testing is only one small portion of the application process. As you already have a “qualifying score” your acceptance will now hinge on other more subjective factors, specifically your teacher recommendations, guidance counselor’s SSR and your essays. As the only portion you have absolute control over are the essays, I would recommend spending the time writing, re-writing and editing your essays rather than taking another test. Best of luck to you!</p>
<p>Alright, thanks. That is certainly reassuring. I may not know who you are, but you’ve just given me grounds to rationalize my way out of taking another standardized test, so you’re alright in my book.</p>
<p>Don’t take my word for it, listen to Jeffrey Brenzel, Dean of Yale Admissions, on the College Board website: <a href=“https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-started/video-transcription/whats-the-most-important-part-of-the-application[/url]”>https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-started/video-transcription/whats-the-most-important-part-of-the-application</a></p>