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SAT Subject Tests in 2022. As if standardized SAT isn’t enough, there are even more tests that you can take. Do you have to take them and why?
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Mythbusting SAT Subject Tests

As if general standardized testing isn’t enough, there are even more tests that you can (and depending on the situation maybe should) take.  These tests are known as the SAT Subject Tests. There are many myths out there about the Subject Tests, a few which are true, and many that are false.  Let’s take some time to talk about these myths and straighten out the rumors about SAT Subject Tests.

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Myth #1: You have to take them.

Myth #1
ou have to take them.

You absolutely do NOT have to take the SAT Subject Test(s) unless you plan on applying to selective schools. In fact, Harvard only recommends two tests: “While we recommend that you submit two SAT Subject Tests, you may apply without them if the cost of the tests represents a financial hardship or if you prefer to have your application considered without them.” Georgetown, on the other hand, strongly recommends three. Neither of these strongly competitive colleges states that these tests are required on their websites, and these are two very selective schools.

Myth #2You have to take at least 2.

Myth #2
You have to take at least 2.

Since you don’t even have to take the Subject Tests, you definitely don’t have to take at least 2. Other than taking Subject Tests because they are recommended, you would really only consider it if you need an additional data point(s).  For example, let’s say you are considering majoring in Chemistry and you took AP Chemistry. In your first semester, you got a B, but in the second semester, you got an A. You might want to consider taking the chemistry subject test so that if you score well, that data point backs up the A.  If you don’t score well, then no worries, you don’t have to submit your scores.

Myth #3Taking it is better than not taking it.

Myth #3
Taking it is better than not taking it.

As mentioned in the above paragraph, the Subject Test can be used as an additional data point, so if you score well, it can only help you.  Conversely, if you score poorly and send the scores, it does not help your admission. A good score really depends on what test you are taking, and you’re intended major.  Typically, a “good” reportable score, is at minimum a 700 as this is certainly considered a competitive score in The Bay area.

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Julian Hoffman

Special Programs Manager

Q:How many total years of experience do you have in your current role, including but not limited to ReadyEdgeGo?

A: 5

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A: Hearing each student's unique stories, guiding them in discovering their passions, and helping find their voice!

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A: I am a figure skater, world traveler, dessert aficionado, and devotee of the Pioneer Woman, the Barefoot Contessa, and Maneet Chauhan!

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Essay Editor

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A: I have five years' experience in coaching student writing, but this is my first year with ReadyEdgeGo.

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A: I love helping students find depth and meaning in their own stories—but I also just love it when they make me laugh!

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: In theory, I enjoy painting and writing poetry, but these days I actually spend most of my free time socializing or watching movies with my husband.

Q: What is your one piece of advice for high schoolers?

A: Don't just focus on achieving top grades and credentials because they look good on applications, or your education will be meaningless. The numbers and awards have their place, but stay connected to your sense of curiosity, discovery, excitement, and wonder so that the content you're learning is constantly transforming you—it's something you care about, something you remember after the final exam. Work on the aspects of yourself no one can measure, like integrity, wisdom, kindness, and compassion, so that you're not only developing your academic and career potential but also investing in the type of adult you're going to be, the person you'll have to live with after you clock out every day for the rest of your life.

Doing the hard inner work of building your character and learning deeply instead of just earning grades will set you up for a satisfying, well-rounded life. Strange as it sounds, it will also put you ahead in your academic and career goals, because colleges and hiring managers aren't looking for an empty set of data on a spreadsheet; they want a fully fleshed-out person marked by passion, creativity, and a story no one else has lived.

So go on studying hard for tests, but also spend some time asking yourself what matters in life and who your role models are. Read up on topics that amaze you, and build something incredible just for fun. Cultivate that spark of joy you feel when you're immersed in a subject that fascinates you. If you can hit that balancing act of doing your homework and meeting deadlines but also investing in the kind of person you want to be, then trust that all the rest will follow: schools will recognize you as a dynamic, all-star person, and you will also build a life of happiness, close relationships, and peace.

Bernie Nguyen

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A: 5 years high school mentoring experience. I was heavily involved in it all throughout college and after graduating.

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A: I love hearing about their passions and what they genuinely love to do. It also makes me extremely happy to.

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A: I recently picked up the electric guitar! I also have multiple aquariums, and founded a company that built body armor.

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A: Don't go down a path just because you think that's "what you're supposed to do." Life is more diverse and unexpected than any of us could ever know.

Joanna Yang Yowler

Senior Essay Editor & Program Specialist

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A: 15

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A: I love hearing students' stories and seeing their faces light up when they talk about their passions and dreams.

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A: Cook, write, draw, save Azeroth .

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A: Pursue dreams that matter to you and don't be afraid of forging your own path to where you want to go.

Graham Traylor

Senior Applications Advisor

Q:How many total years of experience do you have in your current role, including but not limited to ReadyEdgeGo?

A: 7 years

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A: One of my favorite experiences working with students is opening student's eyes to possibilities they didn't know would be an option for them.

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A: In my free time I like to stay active playing sports / running, but most of the time I am hanging out with my wife and daughter (usually with college sports on in the background).

Q: What is your one piece of advice for high schoolers?

A: It's possible there could be several colleges that are a good fit for you. Don't lock in on just one preferred option, and work toward finding places you can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

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Tylar Pendgraft

Director of Programs

Q: How many total years of experience do you have in your current role, including but not limited to ReadyEdgeGo?

A: 12

Q: What about working with students do you most enjoy?

A: I love how open students are to learning and trying new things. As mentors, we get to see so much growth simply because our students are so open to new experiences and are looking forward to applying their learning and other skills.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: In my free time I like to read and write. I also spend a lot of time just watching--my dogs, birds, trees. I also enjoy baking and cooking (even though I'm terrible at baking).

Q: What is your one piece of advice for high schoolers?

A: It's never too early or late to start practicing self-care. Build moments of joy and celebration into your week. Give yourself a treat for working hard. It's important to have things to look forward to. If you can get into the habit now, you'll have a much more balanced college experience.

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Anika Sharma

Essay Editor

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A: 2

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A: As a major advisor for students interested in the humanities, I’ve found it immensely rewarding to offer an outlet for students to explore ideas that they often don’t get to delve into at school. Watching a student light up when they realize that there is in fact a community around their specific interests is easily the best part of the job.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: In my free time, I love to be outdoors - I've been hiking around the Bay Area and recently started biking again. I also volunteer at community gardens and trail restoration projects in San Francisco. When I'm not outside, you can find me reading visionary fiction, practicing yoga and qigong, or cooking.

Q: What is your one piece of advice for high schoolers?

A: My advice for high school students is to focus on the present! Use this time to learn more about yourself and the world around you. Solid values and a sense of self will allow you to make challenging decisions for the future and create the life you want.

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Tushar Singla

Chief Technology Officer

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A: 4

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A: Watching them accomplish great things.

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A: Watch Formula 1, play ice hockey, and watch TV.

Q: What is your one piece of advice for high schoolers?

A: Spend time exploring different things -- you have a long time to become an expert.

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Dan Zhou

Chief Executive Officer

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A: 16

Q: What about working with students do you most enjoy?

A: Inspiring a student towards self discovery, and wanting to learn about everything there is in the world. Reaching this moment can take time, but it's what makes it worth it every time.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: Outdoors hiking, photography, gardening, and reading.

Q: What is your one piece of advice for high schoolers?

A: Do the thing that moves you, or be moved by forces not your own. The choice is yours.

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