Just how important are SAT subject tests to Yale (compared to A levels)?

babbsies · 10-02-2012, 07:45 AM

These are my SAT II scores: USH-750 Math I-740 Lit-660

The literature score obviously looks pretty bad. I'm planning to retake it but 1. I'm quite sure the score won't end up much different the second time and 2. lack of score choice means that the 660 will still appear on my application when I send it to Yale.

It's claimed that subject tests aren't as important as your high school transcript; but I take the British A level, meaning that it's not a curriculum Yale might be as familiar with (unfortunate, since I've got pretty good AS grades). Do you reckon admissions officers might therefore rely on my SAT subject results more in order to decide how well I do academically? And how much of a detriment might my lit score be to my entire application?

gibby · 10-02-2012, 08:36 AM

Frequently Asked Questions - International Applicants for Freshman Admission | Yale College Admissions

QUESTION: Are admissions officers familiar with the educational system in my country?

ANSWER: Yes. Our international team of officers is familiar with educational systems and credentials around the world. If you like, you are welcome to send additional information about the particularities of your country’s educational system.

QUESTION: Do I need to take any standardized tests?

ANSWER: Students who have completed A-level programs may use their results as a substitute for the SAT Subject Tests on a one-for-one basis, provided that the official test results arrive at Yale no later than February 2011. Eligible students must still take either the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT Plus Writing. You cannot use predicted A-level results as substitutions for the SAT Subject Tests.

vicariousparent · 10-10-2012, 05:28 AM

Yale will have absolutely no trouble evaluating your A level scores.

VelvetVeins · 10-10-2012, 06:33 AM

There's nothing you can do to change that 660, so don't worry too much about it since your other subject test scores are decent. Yale will definitely look at your AS grades, but I highly doubt your A level results will come out before Yale makes an admissions decision.

jrd3542 · 10-14-2012, 08:13 PM

yes i have a similar isue

jrd3542 · 10-14-2012, 08:14 PM

i am a bit confused as what to do

jrd3542 · 10-14-2012, 08:16 PM

what do you think will happen

DesertDune · 10-28-2012, 08:13 AM

Your A-Level predicts will factor into the holistic application. SAT Subject tests ARE considered pretty strongly as far as I know, but they're not the ultimate deal makers/breakers.

IllegallyAwesome · 01-01-2013, 03:45 PM

The application has a place for A and O-level courses alongside AP and IB courses; they definitely act as a benefit to your application.