<p>Most very selective (academically) universities require two SAT Subject Tests (or ACT with Writing). Indeed, NYU, a very selective university, has required that for students in the other schools within NYU and has only recommended it for Tisch, in the past. Tisch cares about admitted students being very good students. Academic admission is 50% of the admissions decision. Strong academics can indicate strong work ethic as well. Taking two SAT Subject Tests is not that big of a deal. They are one hour long each and are basically achievement tests. A student should take some practice tests and can pick which two subjects they excel at. My daughters took these. My D who goes to Tisch took them in tenth grade in fact. </p>
<p>I believe that Tisch will not have a shortage of applicants due to this requirement. They attract a certain type of applicant and it is not as if they would care that some applicants don’t wish to do this. I have a D who applied to regular selective colleges (not for MT) and all her schools required the SAT Subject Tests with the SAT (or ACT with Writing). This is typical of a selective university with a certain academic standard of admission. Getting into NYU/Tisch is not ONLY about artistic talent. You have to have both artistic talent and academic talent. That is what Tisch values and so it may not fit all who are interested in theater or MT. And that’s OK. I know some academically talented theater students who feel that some stand alone conservatories, while great, do not fit what they are looking for either.</p>