@lkg4answers - I was referring to biology majors in UCSB’s College of Creative Studies - http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/requirements/examination-requirement/SAT-subject-tests/. My children applied (and were accepted to) many of the UCs. They all chose to take subject tests for their STEM majors, whether or not it was recommended, just to give the admissions people extra info when processing their applications. They each took two of the tests - math and a science. As the UC states on their website, “Remember, these are recommendations, not mandates. You will not be penalized for failing to take the SAT Subject Tests. On the other hand, submission of these test scores (just like submission of AP and/or IB scores) may add positively to the review of your application.” It worked for my kids and their friends when applying to the more competitive UC schools.