SAT subject tests are NOT truly optional for middle/upper middle class applicants at elite colleges!

Penn95 · October 2017

I just wanted to post this because I have seen quite a few profiles of kids from upper middle class backgrounds, with top grades and scores applying to the ivies and other elites without having taken the subject tests because they think they are optional.

The subject tests are not really optional for such kids. The tests are truly optional only for kids from low income, very underprivileged backgrounds.

If you come from a middle class or above background and want to have a decent chance at these types of schools, please do not neglect to take subject tests.

Momtogirls · October 2017

I agree completely. According to what has been said at our (high income/high performing) school, sat 2 is required. They name it recommended as to not deter lower income/performing high schools students who may have not been told the sat2 is a 'thing'.

intparent · October 2017

That is what we tell students who ask out here.

Sybylla · October 2017

It isn't just a necessity to take them, though, you have to do well. Kids I know who do SAT2s and have less than mediocre scores don't really get the message that this is not better than none at all. It is more like a sign to take note of.

Penn95 · October 2017

@Sybylla absolutely, this is definitely true. But it is especially frustrating to see kids with great SAT scores and strong profiles who could probably have scored very well on the subject tests, mess up their chances because they didn't get the memo.

ProfessorMom1 · October 2017

It might be helpful to students if we qualify what "elite" means. Are we talking, for example, top 25 of USWR rankings for both universities and liberal arts colleges? Top 10? Top 50? Where does one draw the line? For someone with limited (but available, if necessary) funds applying to schools in that 25-50 rank bracket, can they safely skip the subject tests?

abdcf · October 2017

I'm applying to Northwestern ED from an upper-middle class background. I took two subject tests but didn't really study for them and am not submitting them. While NU says two subject tests are recommended, I spoke to an admissions officer at an NU summer program I went to and he said subject tests are only meant to make up for a bad grade or something, and that applicants who do not submit them are NOT at a disadvantage.

abdcf · October 2017

^ Would like some opinions regarding my above post. Anyone else have any specific knowledge about NU or talked to an admissions officer from there like I did?

PetraMC · October 2017

Yes, this is what our college counselor said last year to the whole class. "It's not optional for YOU."

skieurope · October 2017

I've posted the following numerous times on this site, but it bears repeating:

While Subject Tests are "recommended," my belief is the reason many schools have switched to "recommended" is that some applicants from a lower socioeconomic status (SES) can't afford more tests and/or the applicants attend a HS where no students apply to colleges where Subject Tests are requested, and therefore, may not have received the best advice from a GC.

If that does not apply to you, I am of the opinion that colleges at the top tier who request Subject Tests are expecting them from all other applicants. Although everyone will have a story about someone who was admitted without Subject Tests, my view in these cases is that there was probably more to the story (e.g. seriously hooked or lower SES).

Along the same lines, I am a believer in sending either zero or two (or more than 2 depending), Submitting one, in my mind, looks as though the applicant is trying to hide a score since nobody (OK maybe a very small percentage) takes just one Subject Test.

Gatormama · October 2017

Please tell me this is not the case at other than elite colleges? I don't think I can handle more test-taking in this household. Kid is aiming for general publics/LACs, def. not top-tier.

skieurope · October 2017

Please tell me this is not the case at other than elite colleges? I don't think I can handle more test-taking in this household. Kid is aiming for general publics/LACs, def. not top-tier.

Very very few colleges recommend/require Subject Tests, and those that do state so on the websites. Generally, Subject Tests fall into 4 categories in the admissions process.
• Required
• Recommended
• Considered
• None of the above.

Required is self-explanatory. Recommended is what is discussed on this thread. Considered is truly optional - if the scores are great, it can help and certainly won't hurt.

Almost all publics (except as examples top UC's and UGA don't consider them and do not want them). Many LAC's (but not all) will consider them. If your kid's list does not have schools that require/request, then don't worry about it.

Not that even for colleges that do not require/recommend Subject Tests, there are some uses. As an example, if the colleges has a foreign language requirement for graduation, a high enough score on the Subject Test may exempt them from the requirement. Of course, that colleges generally also have free placement test which accomplish the same thing.

TooOld4School · October 2017

@Gatormama Just look at the CDS for admission criteria. The vast majority of state schools/LACs do not use subject tests. The only reason for subject tests are additional data points for adcoms at elite colleges, or evidence of subject mastery at some foreign schools.

Gatormama · October 2017

Phew. Thanks.

ucbalumnus · October 2017

skieurope wrote:

Almost all publics (except as examples top UC's and UGA don't consider them and do not want them).

Some UCs recommend SAT subject tests for certain majors or divisions (mainly engineering or science) but not others: http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/requirements/examination-requirement/SAT-subject-tests/

klbmom18 · October 2017

I don’t agree. Many colleges have now stated on their websites that these tests will no longer even be considered. Read the website and verify with the admin office for every school. Dont pay college board any more than you have to.

Lindagaf · October 2017

OP, your post is what I tell many of my students. In the area where I live, many students are aiming high. Another thing to consider: if all the competition submits them, and you don't, you have just weakened your app. Again, this refers to schools as detailed by @skieurope .

gardenstategal · October 2017

While you may not need them for admissions, FL subject tests are used by some schools for language placement. This can be a worthwhile one to take, even at the end of senior year, particularly if your college has an FL requirement. Worth doing the research to see if it could help you in your college.

stressedgirl21 · October 2017

I have a question- is this also the case for students from public high schools that aren't very wealthy or good or competitive? If necessary I know that my family could afford to pay another 50 dollars for a test, but I didn't even know these existed until I saw them listed on the sign up for test registration, and I didn't know what they were for. Nobody in my school takes these- I mean literally nobody. We just assume they're for rich smart kids applying to Princeton, and our guidance counselors never mentioned them to us. Also a whole lot of kids in my school get fee waivers (though I don't) for the SAT and they probably wouldn't get them for the SAT subject tests so maybe that's why they don't tell us about them.

hebegebe · October 2017

Excellent PSA, @Penn95.

Lindagaf · October 2017

@stressedgirl21 read skieurope's posts on this thread. Schedule a meeting with your counselor and discuss which subject tests you might do well in. If you are aiming high and and are not hooked, you should consider taking two subject tests, especially if you are not taking any AP clases or tests.

SAT subject tests are NOT truly optional for middle/upper middle class applicants at elite colleges!

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