SAT Subject Tests – Are They Needed for University of California Admissions?
Caroline Rubio, a counselor at Dublin High School, has received many questions about SAT Subject Tests with respect to University of California admissions. To help seniors prepare for the college admissions process, Ms. Rubio provided the following information.
Students must register for SAT Subject Tests by October 4th, which is the day after Dublin High School’s College Application Workshop for seniors and parents. For schools and/or programs that require SAT Subject Tests, signing up early is recommended to secure a seat at a convenient location. All information provided below is subject to change – please refer to the websites for the colleges you are applying to for the latest information.
SAT Subject Test policy for applicants for University of California admissions, Fall 2013:
A few UC campuses recommend that you take certain SAT Subject Tests. Recommendations differ for specific colleges or schools, and majors. Even if subject tests are not recommended, they do add merit to a student’s application.
Below is a breakdown per campus. Note that these are recommendations, not mandates. Students will not be penalized for failing to take the SAT Subject Tests.
UC – Berkeley
- College of Chemistry and College of Engineering: Along with looking for evidence of high academic performance in math and science, the presence of SAT Subject Tests, particularly in a science and Math Level 2 is considered a plus.
- SAT Subject Tests are not recommended in any area.
- SAT Subject Test scores serve as a value-added component in the application evaluation.
- Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science: Math Level 2 and science are recommended and considered as value-added achievements during the application evaluation.
- SAT Subject Tests are not recommended in any area.
- College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences and Bourns College of Engineering: Math Level 2 and Chemistry or Physics are strongly recommended.
- Jacobs School of Engineering and Division of Biological Sciences: SAT Subject Tests in Math Level 2 and science are recommended and considered as value-added achievements during the application evaluation.
- College of Engineering: Math Level 2
- College of Creative Studies:
- Literature for literature majors
- Math Level 2 for math majors
- Math Level 2 and Physics for physics majors
- Biology for biology majors
- Chemistry for biochemistry and chemistry majors
- Math Level 2 for computer science majors
- College of Letters and Science: Although they won’t be required, test scores will be considered as value-added achievements during the application evaluation.
- SAT Subject Tests are not recommended in any area.
For colleges or universities other than the University of California: check the college or university website for each school you plan to apply to for SAT Subject Test requirements.
Related articles:
- The College Admissions Process: Counselor Caroline Rubio on Getting the Right “Fit”
- Life at UC Berkeley – from Dublin Gaels to Cal Bears
- Life at UC San Diego – From Dublin High AP to Nanoengineering
- Life as a UCLA Bruin: Deanna Hong on Combining Art, Athletics and Academics
- Life at UC Davis: From The Hills of Dublin to the Flats of Davis
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OneDublin.org 
I’d love to know whether or not it is worth declaring your child independent so that they qualify for student loans. And what the wait period is.