APs and SAT IIs, redundant?
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Anonymous
Colleges don't require AP tests but if they are a school that will give AP credit it's worth taking the AP tests. You submit the scores after you are admitted/enrolled. If you know your DC is going to a school that won't take AP credits (most Ivies), and the high school doesn't require them for the AP class (ours doesn't), then its questionable whether there is any value in taking the tests. Of course that only applies to senior AP tests since you can't be sure where your DC is going before that. Otherwise you do not officially submit AP scores to the colleges as part of the application process unless you choose to self report on the common app, which my DC did. |
Anonymous
From UVa admissions website: What standardized tests do I have to take? If you are applying for admission as a first-year student, we require that you take the SAT I or the ACT. We also strongly recommend that you take two SAT II Subject Tests of your choice. We strongly prefer that you complete all your testing by December of your senior year; but we will accept scores from January for the SAT II tests. |
Anonymous
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Useful link: 2013-2014 SCHOOL YEAR:
SCHOOLS THAT REQUIRE, RECOMMEND OR UTILIZE SAT SUBJECT TESTS IN ADMISSION OR FOR PLACEMENT/CREDIT http://www.rtsd.org/Page/1574 |
Anonymous
Very informative list. I was surprised Yale would take the ACT in lieu of the SAT and subject tests though they can use subject tests for placement if needed. |
Anonymous
| I used to think that the reason many schools allowed you to skip subject tests if you took the ACT was b/c the ACT actually tested a bit more subject matter knowledge rather than only supposedly ability. I am told that isn't quite accurate, but the feel of the tests differ. In any event, Yale also encourages applicants to self-report their AP test results on the common application. I hear that the SAT IIs are actually harder for most kids than the AP tests, and since they are multiple choice it easier for colleges to compare fine distinctions between students. |
Anonymous
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Since this can't be said too many times.
STOP THE MADNESS. |
Anonymous
Thanks for the link, PP! Very useful. To clarify something said above. It's true that you don't need AP tests to apply. The usual purpose is to use APs after you've enrolled to get college credit or skip intro courses. However, it's become standard for kids applying to the very top schools to send in their scores of 5s along with the application. This supposedly signals to the Admissions people that your A grades in AP Chem/AP Bio/AP World History weren't flukes of easy grading, but instead they represent real achievement as measured on a national test. Some of the most selective universities do require SAT IIs with the application, and the result is that kids applying to these top schools do send in both the SAT II and AP scores. I know plenty of kids, including DC, who did this. To the poster who said "stop the insanity," I hear you. For now, though, if you really want a highly selective university, you need to do both. Not doing both hurts your chances. |
Anonymous
| My Dd is a senior and has been through the gauntlet of testing to get through high school and into college. I hate college board.. This is all a huge racket and those tests are totally unnecessary IMHO unless you are trying to get into a very specialized program. I like how more and more colleges are not requiring SATs if GPA is at a certain level |