Subject Tests Yes/No

hopefullivy · 08-07-2011, 03:14 PM

I was planning on not taking any subject tests...I got a 33 on my ACT plus writing on the June test and most schools do not require them.

However, I was looking over application information for Stanford and Harvard, and both "strongly suggest" taking two. Are subject tests really THAT important?

If I do decide to take them, which ones are easiest or "look" the best? How much should I study and how should I prepare?

IsaacM · 08-07-2011, 03:22 PM

yes take them. Harvard requires them I think (im applying soon so I hope I think correctly haha) either way I wouldn't be caught dead applying without them. Definitely take a math one (most schools don't care if you take math 1 or 2 unless specific program requires level 2)....if you are going into humanities, take a language or history or if you are going into science take whatever one you are best in. If all else fails take a math, sci and humanities. seriously though, you should take them to look as competitive as possible. Everyone who applies to harvard and standford etc have great scores and grades.

tennisMenace · 08-07-2011, 03:30 PM

If you do take a Math Subject Test, it is absolutely necessary that you take Math II for schools like Stanford and Harvard, in fact, Math II is a must for most higher end schools (such as the top 3 UC's).

burgerking316 · 08-07-2011, 09:18 PM

Some schools require them even if you take the ACT (I'm pretty sure Princeton does this). Ideally, you should take Math 2, a science, and a humanities (you are allowed to take up to three tests in one sitting). If you only want to take 2, I would suggest Math 2 and something that relates to what you want to study. You might want to consider taking a Subject Test for an AP exam you have taken. Barron's is great for Math 2. I didn't start studying until about 2 weeks before my Subject Tests, but I was also in the middle of AP studying which helped for my Physics and U.S. History Subject Tests. If you decide to take them, you should start studying now because you are going to want at least a 750 on each test you take.

blackandyellow · 08-07-2011, 11:01 PM

Strongly suggest? That means you have to. HYPS don't mess around.

drusba · 08-07-2011, 11:36 PM

Not sure of source of your information. Harvard does not "strongly suggest" subject tests. It absolutely "requires" two regardless of whether you submit SAT or ACT. If you do not submit them, you will be rejected.

Stanford does not require subject tests. It strongly recommends two in addition to the SAT or ACT. If you submit a math it recommends a math 2.

Suggestions above that you really need math 2, a science and a humanities are an overstatement. UCs and Caltech do not accept math 1. Caltech requires math 2 but the UCs only recommend subject tests and math 2 is recommended only for applying for science and engineering by some of the UCs. A couple other colleges require math 2 and a science for engineering. Otherwise Math 1 is just fine for the rest that require subject tests, including for engineering, but generally you do not even need a math absent applying for engineering, just any two subject tets. Georgetown and Johns Hopkins recommend three but no others do.

burgerking316 · 08-08-2011, 12:12 AM

I'd say that the math 2/science/humanities idea is not an overstatement because OP is considering top schools. While taking the recommended/required 2 subject tests is good, taking 3 will improve your application, especially if the tests show that you are well-rounded with 3 tests in different major areas. There are students applying to these schools with 4+ Subject Tests, so taking 3 will help a bit. The more a student can put on his/her application, the better admissions officers can decide whether the student should attend their college. Also, OP has taken Advanced Precalculus, so the Math 2 test shouldn't be a big problem.

SheepGetKilled · 08-08-2011, 11:28 AM

I already got an 800 on Math II, Physics, and Chemistry.

Should I take Latin and maybe Literature/USH too? I would probably get 750~ Latin, 700~ Lit, 770~ USH.

GreyWolf · 08-08-2011, 07:15 PM

@SheepGetKilled No. You are at a point where a few more tests won't really help. Plus, not getting an 800 could even make things worse for you...

AKGIRL2012 · 10-22-2011, 11:37 AM

SAT Subject Test Literature is
750 ok or should I retake?

itsme123 · 10-22-2011, 11:46 AM

750 is never a retake for any subject.

GreyWolf · 10-22-2011, 03:30 PM

^Especially Literature.