BRITTANY MASCHAL CONSULTING

Updated SAT Subject Test Policies

By Brittany MaschalMar 14, 2017

From Compass, updated SAT Subject test (SAT II) requirements and recommendations for the Class of 2018. Not many changes here, but worth reviewing now as it is time to sign up for May and June exams, and think ahead as you create your testing plan. Thanks, Compass!

College	Summary	Subject Test Policy
California Institute of Technology	Required	Caltech requires the SAT or ACT with Writing AND the following Subject Tests: Math Level 2, and one SAT Subject Test in Biology (Ecological), Biology (Molecular), Chemistry, or Physics.
Carnegie Mellon University	Required	Carnegie Mellon requires the SAT or ACT with Writing AND 2 SAT Subject Tests (for most applicants). Subject requirements vary by program, but include Math (Level 1 or Level 2). College of Fine Arts programs, with the exception of Architecture, do not require Subject Tests.
Cornell University	Required	Cornell requires the SAT or ACT. Some Cornell colleges require 2 Subject Test(s).
Harvard University	Required	Harvard requires the SAT or ACT with Writing. Two SAT Subject Tests are “normally” required. “While we normally require two SAT Subject Tests, you may apply without them if the cost of taking the tests represents a financial hardship or if you prefer to have your application considered without them…If your first language is not English, a Subject Test in your first language may be less helpful.”
Harvey Mudd College	Required	Harvey Mudd requires the SAT or ACT AND 2 SAT Subject Tests (Math Level 2 and one other).
King’s College of London	Required	King’s College requires U.S. applicants to submit scores from 3 SAT Subject Tests or 3 AP exams.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Required	MIT requires the SAT or ACT AND one SAT Subject Test in math and one in science. “We do not have a preference as to which science you take or which level math you take.”
McGill University	Required (or ACT)	McGill requires the SAT and 2 SAT Subject Tests OR ACT. Subject recommendations vary by department.
Rice University	Required (or ACT)	Rice requires the SAT and 2 SAT Subject Tests OR ACT with Writing. It is recommended that Subject Tests be taken in subjects related to proposed area of study.
Tufts University	Required (or ACT)	Tufts requires the SAT and 2 SAT Subject Tests OR ACT. Engineering applicants submitting Subject Tests are advised to take math and either physics or chemistry. Students considering a major in mathematics or the sciences are advised to take math and a science test.
University of Toronto	Required	Toronto requires the SAT with Essay or ACT with Writing from U.S. applicants. Most programs also require U.S. students to submit Subject Test, AP, or IB scores in specific areas.
Webb Institute	Required	Webb requires the SAT or ACT with Writing AND SAT Subject Tests in Math (Level 1 or Level 2) and either Chemistry or Physics.
Wellesley College	Required (or ACT)	Wellesley requires the SAT and 2 SAT Subject Tests OR ACT with Writing. At least one quantitative Subject Test strongly recommended to students pursuing math or sciences.
Brown University	Recommended	Brown requires the SAT with writing or the ACT with writing. They recommend, but do not require, the submission of two SAT Subject Tests of the student’s choice.
Carleton College	Recommended	Carleton requires the SAT or ACT with Writing and recommends SAT Subject Tests, because the scores “usually enhance a candidate’s credentials.”
Dartmouth College	Recommended	Dartmouth requires the SAT with Essay or ACT with Writing and recommends 2 SAT Subject Tests.
Davidson College	Recommended	Davidson requires the SAT or ACT. Two Subject Tests (Math and one other) are recommended for students submitting SAT scores.
Duke University	Recommended Strongly (or ACT)	Duke requires the SAT with Essay or ACT with Writing and recommends 2 SAT Subject Tests if applicants submit SAT. Subject Tests are considered if applicants submit ACT. “Applicants to the Pratt School of Engineering who take the SAT must take one SAT Subject Test in Mathematics (level 1 or level 2).”
Emory University	Recommended	Emory requires the SAT with Essay or ACT with Writing. “[SAT Subject Tests] are encouraged, but not required. Students are encouraged to submit SAT subject exam scores for academic areas of strength and/or interest.”
Georgetown University	Recommended Strongly	Georgetown requires the SAT or ACT and does not consider the essay from either test. Georgetown strongly recommends 3 Subject Tests. Applicants are required to submit all College Board and ACT scores.
Lafayette College	Recommended	Lafayette requires the SAT or ACT and recommends applicants submit SAT Subject Tests.
Northwestern University	Recommended	Northwestern requires the SAT or ACT. Northwestern recommends applicants take 2 SAT Subject Tests. The Honors Program in Medical Education (HPME) and the Integrated Science Program (ISP) require specific Subject Tests.
Pratt Institute	Recommended	Pratt requires the SAT or ACT. Subject Tests will be considered if submitted. Bachelor of Architecture applicants are encouraged to take Math Level 1 or Level 2.
Princeton University	Recommended	Princeton requires the SAT with Essay or ACT with Writing. Princeton recommends that applicants submit 2 Subject Tests. Engineering candidates are advised to take a math Subject Test and either chemistry or physics.
Stanford University	Recommended	Stanford requires the SAT with Essay or ACT with Writing. ALL test scores from ALL dates must be submitted for the SAT and ACT. “SAT Subject Tests are recommended but not required. Applicants who do not take SAT Subject Tests will not be at a disadvantage. Because SAT Subject Tests are optional, applicants may use Score Choice to selectively send their SAT Subject Test scores.”
University of California, Berkeley	Recommended	UC Berkeley requires the SAT with Essay or ACT with Writing and considers Subject Tests if submitted. College of Chemistry and College of Engineering recommend Math Level 2 and a science related to the applicant’s intended major.
University of California, Irvine	Recommended	UC Irvine requires the SAT with Essay or ACT with Writing and considers Subject Tests if submitted. School of Engineering, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Physical Sciences, and Program in Public Health all have specific Subject Test recommendations.
University of California, Los Angeles	Recommended	UCLA requires the SAT with Essay or ACT with Writing and considers Subject Tests if submitted. School of Engineering and Applied Sciences recommends Math Level 2 and a science test related to the applicant’s intended major.
University of California, Riverside	Recommended	UC Riverside requires the SAT with Essay or ACT with Writing and considers Subject Tests if submitted. College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences and College of Engineering recommend Math Level 2 and either Chemistry or Physics.
University of California, San Diego	Recommended	UC San Diego requires the SAT with Essay or ACT with Writing and considers Subject Tests if submitted. Biological or physical science applicants and applicants to the School of Engineering should take Math Level 2 and a science Subject Test related to the applicant’s intended major.
University of California, Santa Barbara	Recommended	UC Santa Barbara requires the SAT with Essay or ACT with Writing and considers Subject Tests if submitted. Math Level 2 is recommended for College of Engineering applicants and College of Creative Studies applicants in math, physics, or computer science. In addition, physics, biology, chemistry, and biochemistry majors are encouraged to take the appropriate science Subject Test.
University of Delaware	Recommended	Delaware requires the SAT or ACT and recommends (STRONGLY, for the Honors Program) that applicants take SAT Subject Tests.
University of Georgia	Recommended	Georgia requires the SAT or ACT and recommends that applicants submit SAT Subject Test scores.
University of Pennsylvania	Recommended	Penn requires the SAT or ACT. Any 2 Subject Tests are recommended for arts, humanities, and social sciences applicants. STEM applicants are strongly encouraged to take Math Level 2 and a science Subject Test (Physics recommended for engineering applicants). Math Level 2 is recommended for business applicants. Nursing applicants are encouraged to submit a science Subject Test (preferably, Chemistry).
Yale University	Recommended	Yale requires the SAT with Essay or ACT with Writing and recommends that applicants take SAT Subject Tests.
Amherst College	Considered	Amherst requires the SAT or ACT and considers Subject Tests if submitted. Optional essays are recommended.
Babson College	Considered	Babson requires the SAT or ACT with Writing. Babson considers SAT Subject Tests if submitted.
Barnard College	Considered	Barnard requires the SAT or ACT and considers Subject Tests if submitted. (This is a new policy for the class of 2017).
Bates College	Considered	Bates is test optional. Subject Tests are considered if submitted.
Boston College	Considered	Boston College requires the SAT or ACT. SAT Subject Tests may “highlight a talent in a specific area.”
Boston University	Considered	Boston University requires the SAT or ACT with Writing. Accelerated medical and dental programs require Subject Tests in Chemistry and Math 2. A Subject Test in a foreign language is also recommended for these programs.
Bowdoin College	Considered	Bowdoin is test optional. SAT, ACT, and SAT Subject Tests will be considered if submitted.
Bucknell University	Considered	Bucknell requires the SAT or ACT. SAT Subject Tests will be considered as “supplemental information.”
Case Western Reserve University	Considered	Case Western requires the SAT or ACT and considers optional essays and Subject Tests if submitted.
Claremont McKenna	Considered	Claremont requires the SAT or ACT with Writing and considers Subject Tests if submitted.
College of William & Mary	Considered	William & Mary requires the SAT or ACT. Subject Tests are optional.
Columbia University	Considered	Columbia requires the SAT or ACT and considers Subject Tests if submitted. (This is a new policy for the class of 2017).
Connecticut College	Considered	Connecticut College is test optional. Students may choose to submit the SAT Reasoning Test, 2 Subject Tests, or the ACT if they wish. “If you submit multiple SAT Subject Tests, we will consider your two highest scores from two different tests.”
The Cooper Union	Considered	Cooper Union requires the SAT or ACT with Writing. School of Engineering requires SAT Subject tests in Math and either Physics or Chemistry.
Franklin Olin College of Engineering	Considered	Olin requires the SAT with Essay or ACT with Writing and considers Subject Tests if submitted.
George Washington University	Considered	George Washington is test optional. SAT or ACT scores and two SAT Subject Tests are required in science and mathematics for the Seven Year BA/MD program.
Ithaca College	Considered	Ithaca is test optional. Students may submit SAT, ACT, or SAT Subject Tests as “supplemental information.”
Johns Hopkins University	Considered	Johns Hopkins requires the SAT or ACT. Students may submit Subject Tests as a “way to demonstrate an academic strength . . . Engineering applicants are encouraged to submit Math Level 2 and one science.”
Kenyon College	Considered	Kenyon requires the SAT or ACT. SAT Subject Tests and SAT or ACT essays will be considered as additional information.
Macalester College	Considered	Macalester requires the SAT or ACT and will consider SAT Subject Tests if submitted.
Oberlin College	Considered	Oberlin requires the SAT or ACT. SAT Subject Tests will be considered if submitted.
Occidental College	Considered	Occidental requires the SAT or ACT. The optional essays are recommended. SAT Subject Tests will be considered if submitted.
Pomona College	Considered	Pomona requires the SAT or ACT. The optional essays are recommended. SAT Subject Tests are considered as part of a complete testing profile.
Reed College	Considered	Reed requires the SAT with Essay or ACT with Writing. SAT Subject Tests will be considered if submitted.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute	Considered	RPI requires the SAT (Essay optional) or ACT with Writing. Applicants to the accelerated program must take the ACT with Writing or the SAT with Essay and 2 SAT Subject Tests (1 math and 1 science).
Scripps College	Considered	Scripps requires the SAT or ACT. SAT Subject Tests will be considered if submitted.
Smith College	Considered	Smith is test optional. SAT, ACT, and SAT Subject Tests will be considered if submitted.
Stevens Institute of Technology	Considered	Stevens requires the SAT or ACT. Subject Tests in Math (Level 1 or 2) and either Chemistry or Biology are required for the Accelerated Medical Program.
Swarthmore College	Considered	Swarthmore requires the SAT or ACT. The optional essays will not be considered. Subject Tests scores will be considered if submitted. Prospective engineers are encouraged to take Math Level 2.
Union College	Considered	Union is test optional except for the Law and Public Policy Program and the Leadership in Medicine Program. The 6-year law program requires the SAT or ACT. The 8-year medical program requires either the ACT with Writing or the SAT and 2 Subject Tests.
University of California, Davis	Considered	UC Davis requires the SAT with Essay or ACT with Writing. SAT Subject Tests are considered if submitted.
University of California, Merced	Considered	UC Merced requires the SAT with Essay or ACT with Writing. SAT Subject Tests are considered if submitted.
University of California, Santa Cruz	Considered	UC Santa Cruz requires the SAT with Essay or ACT with Writing. SAT Subject Tests are considered if submitted.
University of Chicago	Considered	University of Chicago requires the SAT or ACT and will consider SAT Subject Tests if submitted. “If you have done exceptionally well on a particular subject test and would like to show us, feel free to send us that score.”
University of Miami	Considered	Miami requires the SAT or ACT. Optional essays are required but used for placement only. Honors Program in Medicine and Honors Program in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology require minimum scores of 600 on a math Subject Test and on a science Subject Test.
University of Michigan	Considered	Michigan requires the SAT with Essay or ACT with Writing and will consider SAT Subject Tests “only in light of how they might benefit your review.”
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill	Considered	UNC-Chapel Hill requires the SAT or ACT. “You may submit supplemental scores from AP, IB, or SAT Subject tests if you think they are a good reflection of your mastery of the material.”
University of Notre Dame	Considered	Notre Dame requires the SAT or ACT. “SAT Subject Tests, AP, and IB tests are only used in the application process if scores enhance an application.”
University of Southern California	Considered	USC requires the SAT or ACT and considers SAT Subject Tests “optional.”
University of Virginia	Considered	Virginia requires the SAT or ACT and will consider SAT Subject Tests if submitted.
Vanderbilt University	Considered	Vanderbilt requires the SAT or ACT and will consider Subject Tests if submitted. School of Engineering applicants choosing to submit scores should strongly consider taking either Math Level 1 or Level 2.
Vassar College	Considered	Vassar requires SAT or ACT. For the class of 2017 and beyond, Vassar no longer requires SAT Subject Tests but will consider them if submitted.
Wake Forest University	Considered	Wake Forest is test optional. SAT, ACT, and SAT Subject Tests will be considered if submitted.
Washington University in St. Louis	Considered	Washington University in St. Louis requires the SAT or ACT and will only “consider [SAT Subject Tests] if they strengthen your application.”
Wesleyan University	Considered	Wesleyan is test optional. SAT, ACT, and SAT Subject Tests will be considered if submitted. All entering first-year students must submit ACT or SAT and two SAT Subject Test scores after the conclusion of the admission process for academic counseling and placement.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute	Considered	WPI is test optional. SAT, ACT, and SAT Subject Tests will be considered if submitted.
Colby College	Alternative	Colby’s testing requirements are satisfied with 1 of the following options: (1) SAT (2) ACT (3) Three Subject Tests.
Colorado College	Alternative	Colorado College’s requirements are satisfied with 1 of the following options: (1) SAT (2) ACT (3) Three exams of the student’s choice, including one verbal/writing and one quantitative, selected from the lists provided by Colorado College’s website.
Hamilton College	Alternative	Hamilton’s testing requirements are satisfied with 1 of the following options: (1) SAT (Essay optional) (2) ACT (Writing optional) (3) Quantitative, verbal, and writing tests from among SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests, and APs.
Middlebury College	Alternative	Middlebury’s testing requirements are satisfied with 1 of the following options: (1) SAT (2) ACT (3) Three Subject Tests.
New York University	Alternative	NYU’s testing requirements are satisfied by fulfilling one of the following: (A) SAT (B) ACT with Writing (C) 3 Subject Tests (D) 3 AP exams (E) The International Baccalaureate Diploma (F) 3 IB higher-level exams (if a student is not an IB Diploma candidate). Students who choose to submit three SAT Subject Test, AP, or IB scores must submit one in literature or the humanities, one in math or science, and one of the student’s choice. Some programs have additional requirements.
University of Rochester	Alternative	Rochester’s testing requirements are satisfied with 1 of the following options: (1) SAT (2) ACT (3) 2 or more results from SAT Subject Tests, AP exams, or IB exams.

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Class of 2021 Regular Decision Notification Dates

By Brittany MaschalMar 10, 2017

My favorite site for college admissions-related data, College Kickstart, has compiled a list of upcoming regular decision deadlines for the Class of 2021. Schools often post results in advance of their “official” notification dates, so they’ve compiled the most recently updated dates for you, along with the notification dates from last year. Bookmark this page, as they will post updates often.

Stay in the know! Subscribe for college admissions news, tips, and advice.

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What’s Worse Than Waiting to Hear From Colleges?

By Brittany MaschalMar 08, 2017

….getting asked about it!

Later this month and throughout April, colleges and universities will notify students about their regular decision applications. Students will either be admitted, denied, or placed on the dreaded waitlist (although we have helped quite a few student get off the WL and into their dream school, ask us how!). Needless to say, it is a stressful time for all seniors who did not commit to a school after the release of early round results.

As we approach decision dates, consider giving this post (with video) from the Wall Street Journal a read!

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University of California Seeks Cap on Out-of-State Students

By Brittany MaschalMar 07, 2017

From Inside Higher Ed: The University of California System on Monday announced a proposal to limit undergraduate enrollment from out of state, systemwide, to 20 percent, The Los Angeles Times reported. The proposal would allow the three campuses already over 20 percent—Berkeley, Los Angeles, and San Diego—to keep their out-of-state levels. The remaining campuses would be allowed to grow to 20 percent but not exceed it, but only if the proposed systemwide cap is not hit. The university system has significantly increased out-of-state enrollment in the last decade, to 16.5 percent across the system, citing state appropriations cuts that have increased the need for other sources of revenue, such as the higher tuition rates paid by non-Californians.

The Times reported that faculty leaders oppose the university plan and fear that such limits could result in the system losing both top students and revenue that it needs.

The UC Board of Regents will take up the proposal next week.

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My Weekly Reads: Top 5

By Brittany MaschalMar 03, 2017

Awkward teens (and 20- and 30-somethings) rejoice. Study finds that it might take 63 years, but you will, eventually, shed all traces of your awkward middle-school self. (Fast Company)

Adderall usage by individuals without attention deficit is out of control. Fast Company reminds us we have the power to control our brains, sans meds. (Fast Company)

Diverse Hollywood, in NYC? Steiner Studio lot at the Brooklyn Navy Yard is surprisingly under the radar. It costs a third of most other film schools—$18,400 a year—and part of its mission is to admit women and minorities whose stories aren’t usually told. (New York Times)

And the award for the most unsatisfying industry to work in post-college goes to anything in finance (kind of). Meanwhile, in self-reported data from more than 13,000 recently graduated college students, such industries as technology, biotechnology, consulting, and arts, media, and entertainment top a list of “job satisfaction” ratings. Consulting -> we agree! (Poets & Quants)

Depression strikes today’s teen girls especially hard, and I see this firsthand in my work with high school students as they prepare and apply to college. Brains constantly “on-tech,” and in particular social media, may not be helping, but talking about it and identifying symptoms of depression early on can help teens get back on the right track. (NPR)

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These Business Schools Produce the Most Billion-Dollar Startup Founders

By Brittany MaschalMar 02, 2017

When it comes to making what Sage refers to as “unicorns,” one business school is making everyone else look bad. As a recent Fortune article reports:

Founders of the meal delivery service Blue Apron, health insurance startup Oscar, and content delivery network CloudFlare all pursued business degrees at Harvard Business School. Altogether, 23 HBS grads have founded a private company valued at $1 billion or more, according to research by Sage.

With 19 unicorn founders, the Stanford Graduate School of Business comes in second, followed by Wharton, with nine.

It’s important to note, however, that for undergrads, Harvard and Stanford swap places: Stanford’s undergraduate program has produced 51 founders of billion-dollar startups, followed by Harvard with 37.

Below are the top business schools, ranked by how many of their students and alumni went on to found billion-dollar companies.

Harvard Business School: 23
Stanford Graduate School of Business: 19
University of Pennsylvania, Wharton: 9
INSEAD: 5
WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management: 5
University of Southern California: Marshall: 4
University of California at Berkeley: Haas: 3
Columbia Business School: 3
HEC Paris: 3
Indian Institute of Management: Calcutta: 3
UCLA Anderson School of Management: 2
Brigham Young University: Marriott: 2
George Washington University: 2
London Business School: 2
Northwestern University: Kellogg: 2
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, College of Business: 2

Note: Founders are classified based on their highest level of education. (For instance, if they received a Master’s degree at Harvard University and a PhD at Stanford Business School, they would be placed in the latter category.) The list also includes founders who didn’t graduate. For more information, see a breakdown of the research here.

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MOOCs for Potential Business Majors

By Brittany MaschalMar 01, 2017

As I have said before, MOOCs are a no-brainer for high school students who want to explore their academics interests and possible college majors. And for those of you who have not started exploring your interests outside of school, you should; it is not terribly time-consuming, especially with online options you can access 24/7, and colleges look favorably upon applicants who explore outside of school. These are also applicable to pre-MBA applicants!

The four below are from Coursera, and are available now for sign-up:

Creativity, Innovation, and Change, The Pennsylvania State University

Inspiring Leadership through Emotional Intelligence, Case Western Reserve University

Creating a Startup from an Idea, Israel Institute of Technology

Successful Negotiation: Essential Strategies and Skills, University of Michigan

Newsbe different, bschool, Case Western, college admissions, college application, Coursera, high school, Israel Institute of Technology, MBA, MOOC, MOOCs, Penn State, pre-MBA, summer enrichment, University of Michigan

International SAT Date Changes

By Brittany MaschalFeb 24, 2017

The SAT is offered internationally several times a year. Unfortunately, the following changes to the international testing schedule were recently announced:

In June 2017, only the SAT Subject Tests will be administered internationally. The SAT will not be administered in June.
In the 2017–18 and 2018–19 school years, the SAT will be available internationally in October, December, March, and May. SAT Subject Tests will be available in October, November, December, May, and June.
Country-specific scheduling changes will be announced in spring 2017.

Learn more about international test dates and registration here.

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This Dope Dissertation Just Made My Day

By Brittany MaschalFeb 23, 2017

Winner of the most creative dissertation format goes to A.D. Carson.

On Friday, a Clemson University doctoral student, A.D. Carson, will defend his Ph.D. dissertation in the rhetorics, communication and information design program — and many are already enjoying his work. His dissertation is a 34-song rap album, “Owning My Masters: The Rhetorics of Rhymes and Revolutions,” which many on YouTube and other social media sites are praising. You can listen to the dissertation here.

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MOOCs for Potential Psychology Majors

By Brittany MaschalFeb 21, 2017

MOOCs are a no-brainer for high school students who want to explore their academics interests and possible college majors. And for those of you who have not started exploring your interests outside of school, you should; it is not terribly time-consuming, I promise 🙂

The two below are via edX and both available to audit, for free. I’ll be checking out the first one myself since I am all about leading a happy and meaningful life.

The Science of Happiness

The first MOOC to teach positive psychology. Learn science-based principles and practices for a happy, meaningful life.

AP® Psychology – Course 5: Health and Behavior

Learn about the relationship between stress and physical and mental health and the treatment of abnormal behavior, including psychological disorders.

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