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SAT subject tests are NOT truly optional for middle/upper middle class applicants at elite colleges!
Penn95
2283 replies79 threads Senior Member
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.
172 replies 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.
Replies to: SAT subject tests are NOT truly optional for middle/upper middle class applicants at elite colleges!
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.
• 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.
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/