The Examination Requirement

1. Is it valid to submit an SAT II score in a language that is a bilingual student's native language, or could doing so work against the student, and be seen as not challenging enough?

2. If an applicant takes SAT Subject Tests in French and Spanish, or World History and U.S. History, will she satisfy the requirement that the tests be in two different subjects?
3. Is the SAT Subject Test: Math Level 2 a requirement for freshman admission, or can an applicant take any two Subject Tests?
4. Do scores from the two SAT Subject Tests have to be from the same sitting?
5. Does UC average the SAT Reasoning Test scores if an applicant has taken the test more than three times?
6. Is it necessary for a student who wants to major in biology or chemistry to take the SAT Subject Test: Math Level 2?
7. Is a student who takes the ACT required to take the writing section?

Is it valid to submit an SAT II score in a language that is a bilingual student's native language, or could doing so work against the student?

A student would not be penalized for taking an SAT Subject Test in his or her native language.

 

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If an applicant takes SAT Subject Tests in French and Spanish, or World History and U.S. History, will she satisfy the requirement that the tests be in two different subjects?

Applicants are required to take two SAT Subject Tests in two different areas: English (literature only), history and social studies, mathematics (Level 2 only), science and language other than English.

French and Spanish are from the same area, so taking both of these tests would not fulfill the examination requirement. Nor would World History and U.S. History meet the requirement.

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Is the SAT Subject Test: Math Level 2 a requirement for freshman admission, or can an applicant take any two Subject Tests?

Applicants are not required to take the Math Level 2 exam. They must take two SAT Subject Tests in two different areas chosen from the following: English (literature only), history and social studies, mathematics (Level 2 only), science and language other than English.

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Do scores from the two SAT Subject Tests have to be from the same sitting?

No. SAT Subject Test scores may be from different sittings.

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Does UC average the SAT Reasoning Test scores if an applicant has taken the test more than three times?

For students who take the SAT Reasoning Test, the University uses the highest combined score in critical reading, math and writing from a single sitting.

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Is it necessary for a student who wants to major in biology or chemistry to take the SAT Subject Test: Math Level 2?

The test is not required, but it is strongly recommended. Applicants to the following UC campus schools, colleges or majors are strongly encouraged to take the SAT Subject Test: Math Level 2 and an SAT Subject Test in a science (Biology E/M, Chemistry or Physics) that is closely related to the applicant’s intended major:

Berkeley | Colleges of Chemistry and Engineering

Irvine | Applicants to the Henry Samueli School of Engineering are strongly encouraged to take the SAT Subject Test: Math Level 2 as one of the two required SAT Subject Tests.Los Angeles | Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science

Riverside | Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering

San Diego | Jacobs School of Engineering; also recommended for students considering a major in the biological or physical sciences

Santa Barbara | Engineering and Computer Science majors

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Is a student who takes the ACT required to take the writing section?

Yes. Students who take the ACT must take the Writing Test to meet UC's Examination Requirement. The ACT organization calls the writing section "optional"; students who apply to schools that don't require it don't have to take it.

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