@CodyChesnutt I applied to Williams this year and come from a middle class background. My family is very comfortable but we’re not in a financial position to pay for things like college guidance and SAT prep.
I didn’t know about subject tests until fairly late in the game (mid junior year). I didn’t feel adequately prepared from any classes in school to do well on the subject tests. I decided that literature and math I would probably be the best for me to take. I tried to do some preparation in the summer but there were very few free or low cost resources available. However, I did purchase a Barron’s book for each subject. Throughout the summer, I was simultaneously trying to prepare for the ACT so I neglected the subject tests. Nonetheless, I signed up for the December tests thinking that I’d have time to prepare. Ultimately, senior year hit me over the head and I barely prepared at all. I decided to only send my ACT to colleges. Thus, when I was finalizing my college list throughout the fall, I eliminated several schools because of their subject test requirements.
I think that the problems the subject tests posed for me were: 1. I didn’t hear about them until mid junior year 2. I didn’t have anyone coaching me or telling how to go about studying. Of course, it may be partially my fault for not starting to prepare immediately in my junior year.
I ended up doing fairly well on the subject tests although I almost decided to skip it because of lack of preparation.
I hope my whole saga didn’t bore you; I just wanted to share some obstacles that the subject tests pose the those of us that don’t come from wealthy, college prep backgrounds.