they are only required for bme programs -- i am thinking about taking them for some scholarhips (dunno why, mstp should cover things, but just in case) like the nsf, howard hughes etc... i took a practice test cold and its not bad at all if standardized tests are your bag - after the mcat it should be a piece of cake (well maybe not). the subject tests can be trickier if you want to take them - but i dunno why one would. whatever you do, don't take them and not do well, that can only hurt. didn't none take them?