Profiles of Local Schools: SAT Subject Tests

We asked schools if they require SAT Subject Tests; and if they don’t require those tests, if they use the scores in any capacity—either in the admissions process or in the placement process.

Towson University: Towson does not take into consideration the SAT Subject Tests at all.
Johns Hopkins university: SAT Subject Tests are not required. The JHU Admissions Office recommends, however, that students take up to three SAT II Subject Tests of their choosing, but it doesn’t recommend which tests to take. (If you’re considering an Engineering major, JHU does require the Math Level 2 Subject Test and one science Subject Test.) The admissions rep also stressed that any “recommendation” given by Admissions should be interpreted as a “strong recommendation.” In other words, a JHU applicant should submit SAT Subject Test scores, and doing so will make a difference in the strength of an application. This recommendation applies to both students who submit SAT I scores and those who submit ACT scores.

George Washington University: SAT Subject Tests are not required for general admissions, but are required for some special programs. (For the University Honors Program, GW requires each applicant to submit two SAT Subject Test scores in subjects of the applicant’s choice; for the six-year B.A./J.D. Accelerated Program, GW requires each applicant to submit two SAT Subject Test scores in the subjects of the applicant’s choice; for the seven-year B.A./M.D. Accelerated Program, GW requires each applicant to submit two SAT Subject Test scores—one in math, and one in science.) It is worth noting that although these scores are not required for general admissions, SAT II Subject Test scores will be considered if submitted and can positively affect an applicant’s chances.

University of Maryland: SAT Subject Tests aren’t used in any way at UMD—not in admissions, and not in placement.

Georgetown University: Georgetown requires all students to submit scores from three SAT Subject Tests of their choice.

University of Virginia: UVA “strongly urges” students to submit scores from two SAT Subject Tests.

College of William & Mary: William & Mary doesn’t require students to submit SAT Subject Test scores. The school will consider the scores, however, if you do choose to send them, but the scores won’t be a primary factor in the decision-making process. (Home-schooled students are “strongly encouraged” to submit at least two SAT Subject Test scores in core subjects.)
Virginia Polytechnic Institute: Tech only asks for SAT Subject Test scores from students who attend non-accredited schools and from home-schooled students whose programs aren’t accredited. These students should take one Subject Test in math and a second of their choosing.

James Madison University: JMU doesn’t use SAT Subject Tests in the admissions process at all. The tests can be used in the placement process, however; if you plan on studying a language, JMU recommends that you submit scores from the Subject Test in that particular language.

George Mason University: Mason does not require Subject Tests for admissions, but several of these tests can translate into college credit (specifically in language classes).

The bottom line: Although plenty of good schools aren’t interested in SAT Subject Tests, the most competitive schools are. If a school says submitting Subject Test scores is “optional,” submit them! If a school says submitting the scores is “recommended,” submit them! The great thing about Subject Tests is that most schools don’t care which Subject Tests you take. If you love your history or language class, if you have strengths in subjects other than Reading, Math, and English—and you likely do—use those strengths to get where you want to go. Talk to us if you want support studying for the Subject Tests.