Retake SAT or take subject tests

Test Preparation
1

Wow I’ve been posting a lot on this Forum!

Anyways, I have decided to retake the SAT (as one can see from my last couple posts), because I really think I can do better. However some of the schools I’m interested in recommend, but don’t require SAT subject tests. I know I should have taken them or at least considered them earlier because now I am low on time. However, as embarrassing as this is to admit, my GC did not tell me about them until late May! And frankly,I didn’t even know what they were!

I really want to retake the SAT, (Oct) but if I devote my time to improving that score (in hopes of being more competitive for merit aid), then I will have little to no time for studying for subject tests. I may be able to take one, but certainly not two. And if I cannot study, I don’t think I’ll take them, because I don’t want to do anything half way.

Anyways, do you think that is really going to hurt in admissions, even though it’s just recommended?

So I guess it would end up being:
Strong SAT (2000+) and no subject tests
OR
Weaker SAT (1990 with lower math score) and two probably average to good subject tests.

2

The difference between 1990 and 2010 on the SAT is negligible. If, however, you think you can score 2100, then I’d definitely retake it.

I think that as the school/program you’re applying to become more competitive, the importance of subject tests increases.

3

Yes a 2100 is what I’m going for! I just hope if I don’t have enough time to take both subject tests, that it won’t hurt me. I’m interested in Lafayette, which is pretty competitive so maybe I better try to take both…I really don’t know.