The EDUFAX Educational FAQ

Question #17:

I am an international student hoping to apply to the top schools (like Duke University & Stanford University, to mention two). Is it to my advantage to take the SAT II, even though some of the schools do not require this test?

Answer #17:

If you are a good standardized test-taker, then your application will only be strengthened by competitive scores on the SAT II. It will also show subject and language mastery, which can be a convincing point to admission officials. By the way, be careful where you get your information. Duke University requires three SAT II tests, including one in Writing. It is customary to take one in Math and a third in the subject of your choice. Stanford University 'strongly recommends' that you take SAT II subject tests. This means that if your application is up against that of a student who took the recommendation seriously, Stanford might consider the other student a more serious applicant. You should write directly to each school you are considering and ask specifically what they require of international applicants. You can find links to the Internet home pages and the e-mail addresses of these and many other schools on the EDUFAX Resources page. EDUFAX provides services for the International Applicant.

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