[Updated October 2015 to reflect changes relevant to the 2016 admission cycle, most notably that Penn, Pomona, Princeton, and Yale no longer require Subject Tests.]
Trending Flexible
Each year, the requirements and recommendations around SAT Subject Tests (SAT II’s for the many still using the old College Board name) grow more diverse. [See Adam Ingersoll’s post on Subject Test ins-and-outs to get a full perspective on Subject Test decision-making.] Colleges may find Subject Tests helpful, but they are not always in agreement about how the exams are helpful. The general trend is toward more flexible requirements, and no school has recently tightened requirements. Still, the most competitive colleges in the country tend to be found on this list and skew toward the “required” end of the spectrum.
Safer, Saner, and Sooner
Many colleges, in the words of Carleton College, feel that SAT Subject Tests “usually enhance a candidate’s credentials.” It’s the “usually” part that can make parents and students queasy. At Compass, we spend a lot of time discussing such fears. Practice tests are easy to take, score, and analyze – Compass offers free Subject Test exams almost every weekend of the year. Proctored practice tests are a safer, saner, and sooner alternative to waiting for an exam date to roll around and taking Subject Tests cold.
Colleges Using SAT Subject Tests in the 2015-2016 Admission Process
The table below can be sorted alphabetically or by policy. Keep in mind that a one-word category cannot encompass all situation, which is why the detail is provided. For example, some schools consider Subject Tests for most students but require them for specialized programs. You will find the college name linked to that school’s standardized testing policy.
Required
Colleges listed as “Required” have Subject Test policies that require at least a large portion of students to submit scores. In most cases, this means 2 Subject Tests in different subjects. Almost half of the colleges in this group actually allow for the ACT (usually, with Writing) to substitute for both the SAT and SAT Subject Tests. We have left these colleges labeled Required, since SAT submitters will need to take Subject Tests. A checkmark is included to indicate these ACT-friendly policies. An applicant should always ask whether an ACT or the SAT Combo Pack better reflects his or her capabilities (and should keep the qualifications of other applicants firmly in mind.). Needless to say, an applicant should be making these decisions with input from parents, counselors, and test experts.
Recommended
Colleges listed as Recommended range from those schools who find it useful for students to submit SAT Subject Test scores to those who fall just short of Required (Stanford and Yale come to mind).
Considered
Colleges listed as Considered are those who view Subject Tests as optional “supplemental information.” We only list colleges that specifically mention Subject Tests (or SAT II’s as many admission sites still refer to them).
Alternative
Colleges listed as Alternative are the small but growing number of schools that allow an applicant to submit Subject Test scores in lieu of SAT and ACT scores.
Homeschooled and International Students
Homeschooled students and international applicants should not depend upon this list. The requirements for both groups can be considerably more rigorous. Colleges prefer more data points to better understand these applicants’ academic strengths. Homeschoolers should spend the extra time searching out the testing policies of every college to which they might apply.
College
Summary
Subject Test Policy
Amherst College
Required
(or ACT)
Amherst requires the SAT and 2 SAT Subject Tests OR ACT (Writing recommended).
Barnard College
Required
(or ACT)
Barnard requires the SAT and 2 SAT Subject Tests OR ACT with Writing.
Brown University
Required
(or ACT)
Brown requires the SAT and 2 SAT Subject Tests OR ACT with Writing. Liberal Medical Education Applicants should submit at least 1 science Subject Test.
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.
Columbia University
Required
(or ACT)
Columbia requires the SAT and 2 SAT Subject Tests OR ACT with Writing. Students who choose to take the ACT may submit Subject Test scores for consideration. Students may take any 2 Subject Tests for Columbia College. For Columbia Engineering, students must take a) either Math Level 1 or Math Level 2 and b) one of the following: Biology, Physics or Chemistry.
Cornell University
Required
Cornell requires the SAT or ACT (with Writing for Class of 2016). Some Cornell colleges require 1 or 2 Subject Test(s).
Dartmouth College
Required
Dartmouth requires the SAT or ACT with Writing AND 2 SAT Subject Tests.
Duke University
Required
(or ACT)
Duke requires the SAT and 2 SAT Subject Tests (foreign language recommended) OR ACT with Writing.
Georgetown University
Required
Georgetown requires the SAT or ACT and does not consider the essay from either test. Georgetown expects to receive 3 Subject Tests except in “extenuating circumstances.” Applicants are required to submit all College Board and ACT scores.
Harvard College
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 with Writing AND 2 SAT Subject Tests (Math Level 2 and one other).
Haverford College
Required
(or ACT)
Haverford requires the SAT and 2 Subject Tests OR
ACT with Writing.
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 with Writing AND one SAT Subject Tests 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 with Writing. 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 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.
Vassar College
Required
(or ACT)
Vassar requires the SAT and 2 SAT Subject Tests OR ACT with Writing.
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.
Williams College
Required
Williams requires the SAT or ACT with Writing AND 2 SAT Subject Tests.
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."
Davidson College
Recommended
Davidson requires the SAT or ACT (Writing recommended). Two Subject Tests (Math and one other) are recommended for students submitting SATs.
Emory University
Recommended
Emory requires the SAT 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.”
Lafayette College
Recommended
Lafayette requires the SAT or ACT with Writing. and recommends applicants submit SAT Subject Tests.
Northwestern University
Recommended
Northwestern requires the SAT or ACT with Writing. 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 with Writing, and recommends (STRONGLY, for the Honors Program) that applicants take SAT Subject Tests.
University of Georgia
Recommended
Georgia requires the SAT or ACT with Writing and recommends that applicants submit SAT Subject Test scores.
University of Pennsylvania
Recommended
Penn requires the SAT or ACT with Writing. 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).
University of Southern California
Recommended
USC requires the SAT or ACT with Writing. Subject Tests are "suggested."
University of Virginiav
Recommended
Virginia requires the SAT or ACT with Writing and strongly recommends applicants submit SAT Subject Test scores. For students intending to study the sciences, one of the Math Subject Tests is recommended.
Washington and Lee University
Recommended
Washington and Lee requires the SAT or ACT with Writing. Submission of 2 SAT Subject Tests in different subjects is strongly recommended. "[Subject Tests] can provide our admission committee with useful information as we seek to distinguish between the many highly qualified applicants."
Yale University
Recommended
Yale requires the SAT OR ACT with Writing and recommends that applicants take SAT Subject Tests.
Babson College
Considered
Babson requires the SAT or ACT with Writing. Babson considers SAT Subject Tests if submitted.
Bates College
Considered
Bates is test optional. Subject Tests are considered if submitted.
Boston College
Considered
Boston College requires the SAT or ACT (with Writing for Class of 2016). 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 with Writing and considers Subject Tests if submitted.
Claremont McKenna
Considered
Claremont requires the SAT or ACT with Writing and considers Subject Tests if submitted.
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."
College of William and Mary
Considered
William & Mary requires the SAT or ACT. Subject Tests are optional.
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 or ACT with Writing and considers Subject Tests if submitted.
George Washington University
Considered
George Washington requires the SAT or ACT with Writing. 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 SAT Subject Tests if submitted.
Mills College
Considered
Mills requires the SAT or ACT. "A student's overall record may be enhanced by the presentation of SAT Subject Tests. "
Oberlin College
Considered
Oberlin requires the SAT or ACT with Writing. SAT Subject Tests will be considered if submitted.
Occidental College
Considered
Occidental requires the SAT or ACT with Writing. SAT Subject Tests will be considered if submitted.
Pomona College
Considered
Pomona requires the SAT or ACT (Writing recommended). SAT Subject Tests are considered as part of a complete testing profile.
Reed College
Considered
Reed requires the SAT or ACT. SAT Subject Tests will be considered if submitted.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Considered
RPI requires the SAT or ACT with Writing. Applicants to the accelerated program must take the ACT with Writing or the SAT and 2 SAT Subject Tests (1 math and 1 science).
Scripps College
Considered
Scripps requires the SAT or ACT with Writing. 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 with Writing. 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 essay will not be considered. Subject Tests scores will be considered if submitted. Prospective engineers are encourage to take Math Level 2.
Union College
Considered
Union is test optional except for Law and Public Policy and Leadership in Medicine programs. 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 or ACT. SAT Subject Tests are considered if submitted.
University of California, Merced
Considered
UC Merced requires the SAT or ACT. SAT Subject Tests are considered if submitted.
University of California, Santa Cruz
Considered
UC Santa Cruz requires the SAT or ACT. 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. 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 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 with Writing. "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."
Vanderbilt University
Considered
Vanderbilt requires the SAT or ACT with Writing 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.
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.
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 (2) ACT (Writing optional) (3) Quantitative, verbal, and writing tests from among SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests, and APs.
Trinity College (CT)
Alternative
Trinity's testing requirements are satisfied with 1 of the following options: (1) SAT (2) ACT (Writing recommended) (3) 2 SAT Subject Tests. SAT Subject Tests are also considered when submitted with the SAT or ACT.
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.