Subject Tests?
New UC Requirements Class of 2012
No more subject tests? It sounds too good to be true. Well unfortunately it is – for many of you subject tests will still be in your future. The UC’s have just released information on new testing requirements. Unfortunately they are not decisive or unanimous in their directions. Some campuses as well as some majors will still be recommending them. After reviewing the new guidelines and attending conferences this fall on the new policy, we have put together a set of guidelines to try and clarify and simplify. First, we are going to post the official statement from www.universityofcalifornia.edu followed by our guidelines.
Take the ACT With Writing or the SAT Reasoning Test by December of your senior year. Unlike our current requirement, you won’t have to take SAT Subject Tests for fall 2012 admission.
However – and this is an important however – we encourage you to submit scores if you want to:
-demonstrate your mastery of a particular subject
-apply for a competitive major and your preferred campus recommends certain Subject Tests
-use Subject Tests to satisfy the “a-g” requirements listed above
While SAT Subject Tests will not be required for fall 2012 admission or beyond, some campuses recommend that students vying for slots in competitive majors take the tests to demonstrate subject proficiency.
CCPrep’s Guidelines
1. All engineering and science majors should take Math II and a Science Subject Test.
2. We advise AP/IB students who are doing well in their course to take the corresponding Subject Test.
3. Non AP/IB students and students not excelling in their AP/IB coursework should be decided on a case by case basis.
4. Student’s applying to competitive colleges not in the UC or CSU system should still seriously consider taking Subject Tests as many private and some out of state public colleges still require them.
Please be aware, the colleges are still in the process of updating their policies regarding Subject Tests. We will continue to monitor the situation and advise you accordingly.
