<p>So “strongly recommended” can mean a bunch of things. Would sending only 1 subject test significantly hurt me? I know the most competitive applicants will have 2, but if I only do send 1, could I still likely be accepted EA (assuming the rest of my stats are competitive)?</p>
<p>Remember that a large percentage of early action applicants are deferred for an admissions decision in the spring. I’d schedule the subject tests so you can have 2 good scores in before UVa’s regular decision test score cutoff date, if you don’t have both done before the EA date. You may want to take 3 tests, to increase the odds of getting 2 good scores.</p>
<p>Yes, some people get accepted with 1 or no subject tests. We have no way of knowing what other factors their application package included so we can’t judge. There’s no way we can tell you that one subject test is fine, or that two perfect scores would really make a difference for you. We don’t have your entire application package, nor are we readers for UVa who have expertise in this. </p>
<p>What I can say is IMO EA has a slight statistical bump in admissions because these are your stronger candidates. Their testing is complete Jr year, grades are solid (they aren’t looking for a first sem bump), their essays are written and polished early. There is no aspect of their application that could show them to be a stronger candidate if they waited for RD. I am not a proponent of applying ED with a application that is less then your best possible submission, assuming a deferral, planning on sending higher grades/test scores/etc, to be evaluated during RD. It is my opinion if there is any part of your application that would present you as a stronger candidate by waiting until RD that is the better plan. With EA you do risk a denial. Also, I simply feel I’d rather my application be read fresh with all information presenting myself as the strongest possible candidate, as opposed to a deferral who now has additional scores. </p>
<p>Your application may be over the top, crazy good and an additional subject test isn’t necessary. We don’t know that, and with holistic admissions you probably don’t either. I’d take the test and apply RD. Just my two cents.</p>
<p>In any case, I’d recommend applying early to a couple safety schools where you can get an early admissions decision. That makes life much less stressful during your senior year - particularly if you have to wait until late March for a decision from UVa and other very competitive schools. </p>
<p>A number of public and private colleges have rolling admissions - they usually provide an acceptance within a month after receiving a complete application. </p>
<p>My son had an acceptance from an in-state flagship in Sept. - it was a place where he could have been happy if he did not get into more competitive schools or if other choices proved to be too expensive.</p>
<p>So thing is I am taking subject tests in October and will still be able to have them in on time. I already have a 750 on Math I; however, I am concerned (and pretty sure) that I will not score well on any of them… like not even 650+. So with this in mind, I think I’d rather omit a subject test rather than send a weak one; therefor, I’m wondering if this is the best strategy. Thanks!</p>
<p>My son sent in 3 subject tests…they were ok but nowhere near what’s considered good by CC standards. He sent them in anyways since they were strongly recommended. He was accepted! UVA truly looks at everythig…not just numbers on SAT tests. I am by no means an expert, but my advice as a mom (as I’ve taught my children) is that if something comes strongly recommended, what you do with that recommendation shows a lot about you as a person. My feeling from this process is my son’s lower subject scores didn’t hurt him…but they didn’t help him either. He got in through the whole application, not just one thing. I do think his application would have been less “complete” without them. Again…just my 2cents for what its worth…</p>
<p>@ljrfrm thank you for the insight. not sure if it makes a difference, but just out of curiosity, are you/your son in state?</p>
<p>Yes, we’re in-state. Good luck to you!!</p>
<p>So I’d like to begin with that I completely agree with blueiguana, but I’m going to tell you my story anyway so you might feel a little better about the process. I think the key to your question is really what many deans at UVA reiterate: “Subject tests can only help you, not hurt you.”
I am about to be a first year in the engineering school at UVA. Last year when I was in your shoes, I was not satisfied with my subject test scores, and I debated for weeks whether or not I would send them with my application. Trust me when I say, I know how you feel. In the end, I did not send my test scores because I did not feel they would add to my application. However, I feel like you have to take a very honest look at yourself and decide what parts of your application really “sell” you, so to speak.
I applied early action because I didn’t think anything in the coming months would increase my chances of admittance by the time the regular decision pool was being looked at. I am in-state, was at the top of my very large high school class, took ten AP classes, had pretty good SAT and ACT scores, had interesting and well-written essays that had a focus, was a two-sport varsity athlete, played an instrument (and had accolades), had a job, and committed myself to a few other important extracurriculars.
I think you should definitely consider what school at UVA you are applying to in whether or not you send your scores. Also, really think about whether anything you do in the first semester this year will positively impact your chances of getting into UVA. All in all, I don’t think subject tests are as important as people make them out to be. It can be hard watching the acceptance posts that have 800 after 800 for subject scores. Be confident and at peace with what you choose to do, but do not fret too much (easier said than done, I know)! You will love whatever school you attend next year!:)</p>