My daughter got in EA with two subject tests…but they let the third slide if you are EA. And hers were really high…790 and 780. But she was prepared to take English Lit in January if she was deferred and likely would have gotten in the 600’s. I honestly don’t think that would have been the reason in the end that she didn’t get in if she had been deferred.
I wonder why Georgetown still has the third test, honestly. I respect the fact that they are keeping it in some ways because they are not caving in and making it easier to apply like some schools are just to boost their numbers (like Chicago and U Penn this year got a lot more flexible…makes me think it’s just to pull up their stats, honestly, but what do I know). But having a third test to take is really stressful, especially when you are trying to get Georgetown impressive scores. I feel like the rest of the application should be enough. My daughter also officially had her AP scores sent because they were strong, so it’s possible that they saw those scores as a demonstration of subject matter expertise. I feel like they should give you the option…or say, if you don’t have 3 subject tests, send us your AP scores. As I said before, I think a lot of kids take that third test JUST for Georgetown and I don’t think that’s really productive. You guys work so hard and having yet another test to take is just too much. Just my opinion.
But to Georgetown’s credit…they aren’t just trying to boost apps so their acceptance rate is lower. I respect that.
@sonia1216 3 SAT IIs are expected if there is not an extenuating circumstance (like finances). However, I have heard of people getting in with less than 3.
@collegemomjam I actually think it is great that Georgetown not only has its own application but also requires 3 Subject Tests. Good for them. The kids that apply there really want to go there.
Even though the Subject Tests are particularly onerous for overseas kids (there is very little overlap with the British Curricullum compared to AP exams) my kids were able to fit them in relatively easily and got them out of the way fairly early in the process while still getting scores similar to your daughter. Also, the good thing about taking Subject Tests is that the Literature test really requires no extra studying if you have done well on the SAT EBRW exam. Just think of where GU’s acceptance rates would be if they did not require Subject Tests (or allowed the ACT instead, (as some schools do but which makes no sense whatsoever)) and were on the Common App!
Not if the rest of your application is strong. I just think the general consensus is it’s best to have the third test for RD. I think having at least two is probably OK, Did you tell them why you didn’t send the third?
I guess I didn’t really read georgetown’s SAT II score policy closely. Ugh… I didn’t know that I had to tell Georgetown why I didn’t send the third one…
@londondad I agree, and if you know ahead of time that Georgetown is a top choice you can plan accordingly. And yes, they would definitely have single digit acceptance rates if they had easier application standards.
My daughter actually did have a third test she took last year, but cancelled it because she counted how many she thought she might have gotten wrong and assumed she wouldn’t get over a 750, so she killed it. She OVER thought the process (all with Georgetown in mind!)…when it was time for EA and she only had the two to submit, we were worried that it would hurt her (even though they said it was OK for EA…we assumed most applicants had the three so she would be at a disadvantage). We regretted her not keeping it and thought even if it was a low 700 or high 600 it might have been better to have it so that she had a third test. Turns out she got in anyway EA so it was OK and then was sick anyway the day she was supposed to take her Eng Lit in January, so it all worked out.
I just feel like the subject tests are more hoops to jump through. These kids that are trying to get in to schools like Georgetown are already spread so thin. I worry we ask too much of them, but I agree with all of the points you made.
But where did they say that ea students only needed two and rd needed 3? I dont remember seeing any of these rules anywhere. I totally would have applied ea then collegemomjam u r freaking me out
I just called the admission officer and she said that 3 is not required for RD. So dont freak out. she said that you only provide explanation if you had submitted none. she said many RD applicants submit less than 3 subject scores and said i dont have to worry:)
@sonia1216 and @parisgeller I think there is a good life lesson to learn here. In the future, if someone tells you that something is “strongly recommended” that generally means that you should comply unless there is a strong reason not to or you have extenuating circumstances. Given that you can take up to 3 Subject Tests in one sitting, it is hard to argue for a good reason not to have done it (other than financial hardship) if you want to attend a top school.
@parisgeller They never said that ea applicants only needed two and rd needed three (I applied ea). They just said that they would be more understanding of ea applicants who only had time to take two before the Nov. 1 deadline.
But yeah, three subject tests were strongly recommended for both.
Georgetown is my first choice and the wait is making me anxious! I was deferred EA and with the massive increase in applicants, its not looking good. I only had one subject test though, and now I have three, although they are all not great. I also sent the extra rec letter. Trying to do everything I can to get in!
Decisions should come out in about two weeks, so good luck to everyone!
now im freaking out even more