SAT 2's: Make or Break?

Applying to College
1

Overall my application is pretty strong. I have straight A’s including 6 honor and 9 AP classes, and I’ve passed all my exams with all 4’s and 5’s. I have a 32 on the ACT, I am president of the band, played varsity water polo, tennis, and lacrosse, and have received academic and community/character awards. I don’t say this to brag but I want to explain my situation. The one glaring weakness in my app is my SAT 2 scores. I have mid 600’s which is by no means great. Some of the more selective schools I’m planning on applying to require them or “recommend” them which basically means they require them. Is it better to send those subpar scores and hope the rest of my app is sufficient, or just not send them altogether? And how significant are they really?

I guess what I’m asking is “can weak SAT 2 scores break an otherwise overall solid application?”

2

Generally, SAT 2 scores are worth less than 5 percent of your app, so it won’t be the defining factor. Considering your high AP scores, it may be worth trying a subject test or two again in the fall. I would just send them everywhere they’re required honestly, and unless it’s a super high level school where they’re “recommended” I wouldn’t bother unless you retake and improve.