Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All I can tell you is that Princeton and Yale both told us they WANT to see four subject matter tests in english, history, math and chemistry, so that's what we're doing. And SAT well over 2250 and ACT of 34 or higher. You can fight semantics all you want but when you are a white male competing for the 3% of seat left over after the legacies, athletes, URMs and perfect score students get their seats you do whatever they suggest.

How did they tell you? During info session? This is news to me.

I was at the Coast to Coast information session on 6/4 in Bethesda. The Princeton representative said that as of two weeks ago (from the info date), Princeton would no longer require subject tests (optional). I don't think she was unsure of her facts.

The PP can take as many subject tests as they want but it doesn't change the fact that Princeton has stated no required subject tests on their website and in front of 300 people in the ballroom at the Bethesda Hyatt. But I do understand why the PP thinks it's necessary to take four tests for as much admission ammunition possible.

The above information about 4 subject matter tests is flat out wrong. It is not necessary (nor are they saying it) to take 4 tests. This is nothing more than DCMUM snarl by someone trying to out pace other applicants. Sure you can take 7 tests if you want to impress the admissions folks. But no way is it required.

I don't think you understand how competitive it is to get into these schools. Kids are applying from around the world with perfect SAT scores, SAT AP scores and 800 in subject matter tests. Princeton can make three perfects pools of candidates for it's incoming class (in other words, three classes). It has to hunt and peck somehow through the 30K applications. Where do you think they start? With the testing. Only after the GPA and testing checks does anyone even open the file to read the essay. YOu really don't think they read all the applicants' essays do you?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think Princeton would be in a world of hurt if they tell applicants subject tests are optional and it then came out that applicants who took subject tests and received certain scores were disproportionately admitted.

Well the student I know who was admitted to Princeton had a 2375 SAT, and submitted three subject matter tests: 800, 800 and a 710. And also many AP scores.

You can't score 2375. Either 2370 or 2380. Sorry.

I'm not the parent but I remember the score as being nearly perfect 2400. And the subject matter scores are correct.

I just checked with the mother, it was a 2380 and the subject matter scores are correct. Wow.

Anonymous wrote:So how does one void out a subject matter score that is blah - like a 630?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think Princeton would be in a world of hurt if they tell applicants subject tests are optional and it then came out that applicants who took subject tests and received certain scores were disproportionately admitted.

Well the student I know who was admitted to Princeton had a 2375 SAT, and submitted three subject matter tests: 800, 800 and a 710. And also many AP scores.

You can't score 2375. Either 2370 or 2380. Sorry.

I'm not the parent but I remember the score as being nearly perfect 2400. And the subject matter scores are correct.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think Princeton would be in a world of hurt if they tell applicants subject tests are optional and it then came out that applicants who took subject tests and received certain scores were disproportionately admitted.

Well the student I know who was admitted to Princeton had a 2375 SAT, and submitted three subject matter tests: 800, 800 and a 710. And also many AP scores.

You can't score 2375. Either 2370 or 2380. Sorry.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:
12:41 here. The other three were Math II, Physics, and Biology. It took two tries to get the 800 in Physics.

Practice tests make all the difference on the SAT IIs. Also, take the tests ASAP after completing the courses so that the content is still fresh. If you want to raise the odds of doing well even higher, find a test prep service that has people who are very familiar with the individual tests and has a bank of LOTs of practice tests. Alternatively, find out about the pros and cons of the test prep books that are out there -- college confidential has detailed threads and advice on this, including which guides have the best practice tests, which are best for conveying the substantive knowledge on the test, etc. And finally, increase the odds of doing well by having your student prepare for and take the SAT IIs one at a time, rather than doing multiple subjects in each sitting.

Thanks for the great info. Looks like the SAT IIs follow the same advice to get to Carnegie Hall....practice, practice, practice.

That's a myth re Carnegie Hall. It's a facility that's available for rent. Pay the fee and your school group can perform there.

Sigh, you don't understand the history behind that expression, obviously. You sound a bit obtuse.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think Princeton would be in a world of hurt if they tell applicants subject tests are optional and it then came out that applicants who took subject tests and received certain scores were disproportionately admitted.

Well the student I know who was admitted to Princeton had a 2375 SAT, and submitted three subject matter tests: 800, 800 and a 710. And also many AP scores.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
12:41 here. The other three were Math II, Physics, and Biology. It took two tries to get the 800 in Physics.

Practice tests make all the difference on the SAT IIs. Also, take the tests ASAP after completing the courses so that the content is still fresh. If you want to raise the odds of doing well even higher, find a test prep service that has people who are very familiar with the individual tests and has a bank of LOTs of practice tests. Alternatively, find out about the pros and cons of the test prep books that are out there -- college confidential has detailed threads and advice on this, including which guides have the best practice tests, which are best for conveying the substantive knowledge on the test, etc. And finally, increase the odds of doing well by having your student prepare for and take the SAT IIs one at a time, rather than doing multiple subjects in each sitting.

Thanks for the great info. Looks like the SAT IIs follow the same advice to get to Carnegie Hall....practice, practice, practice.

That's a myth re Carnegie Hall. It's a facility that's available for rent. Pay the fee and your school group can perform there.

So let's try to get this straight...DC took 3 SAT II Subject Matter test plus two attempts at the Physics exam so that makes 5 SAT II Subject Matter tests plus the regular SAT (god only knows how many times this parent had the DC take that one) and let's not forget the ACT as well so as to be "competitive". Total at least the possibility of a half dozen standardized tests. Can't wait to hear this DC's regular class schedule...oh, let's guess.....5 AP courses no wait, that's not competitive enough...you need at least 6. PLEASE12:41, next year come back and let us know if DC got into Harvard (or wherever you think DC will apply as per your instructions). Good luck!

Anonymous wrote:NP here that won't wade into the fight over the number of tests that DC is taking (which does seem excessive). Without a solid hook which may be there as OP didn't state; given that these schools have now made it clear that the Subject Matter tests are not even required anymore (e.g., Harvard) it won't hurt the applicant to take them but it certainly isn't going to make the difference. The posters on this thread need to read "Where You Go Is Not What You'll Be" by frank Bruni a fascinating read. While at it, take a read of "Excellent Sheep" another great read.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
12:41 here. The other three were Math II, Physics, and Biology. It took two tries to get the 800 in Physics.

Practice tests make all the difference on the SAT IIs. Also, take the tests ASAP after completing the courses so that the content is still fresh. If you want to raise the odds of doing well even higher, find a test prep service that has people who are very familiar with the individual tests and has a bank of LOTs of practice tests. Alternatively, find out about the pros and cons of the test prep books that are out there -- college confidential has detailed threads and advice on this, including which guides have the best practice tests, which are best for conveying the substantive knowledge on the test, etc. And finally, increase the odds of doing well by having your student prepare for and take the SAT IIs one at a time, rather than doing multiple subjects in each sitting.

Thanks for the great info. Looks like the SAT IIs follow the same advice to get to Carnegie Hall....practice, practice, practice.

That's a myth re Carnegie Hall. It's a facility that's available for rent. Pay the fee and your school group can perform there.

So let's try to get this straight...DC took 3 SAT II Subject Matter test plus two attempts at the Physics exam so that makes 5 SAT II Subject Matter tests plus the regular SAT (god only knows how many times this parent had the DC take that one) and let's not forget the ACT as well so as to be "competitive". Total at least the possibility of a half dozen standardized tests. Can't wait to hear this DC's regular class schedule...oh, let's guess.....5 AP courses no wait, that's not competitive enough...you need at least 6. PLEASE12:41, next year come back and let us know if DC got into Harvard (or wherever you think DC will apply as per your instructions). Good luck!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
12:41 here. The other three were Math II, Physics, and Biology. It took two tries to get the 800 in Physics.

Practice tests make all the difference on the SAT IIs. Also, take the tests ASAP after completing the courses so that the content is still fresh. If you want to raise the odds of doing well even higher, find a test prep service that has people who are very familiar with the individual tests and has a bank of LOTs of practice tests. Alternatively, find out about the pros and cons of the test prep books that are out there -- college confidential has detailed threads and advice on this, including which guides have the best practice tests, which are best for conveying the substantive knowledge on the test, etc. And finally, increase the odds of doing well by having your student prepare for and take the SAT IIs one at a time, rather than doing multiple subjects in each sitting.

Thanks for the great info. Looks like the SAT IIs follow the same advice to get to Carnegie Hall....practice, practice, practice.

That's a myth re Carnegie Hall. It's a facility that's available for rent. Pay the fee and your school group can perform there.