Any point in taking SAT Subject Tests at the end of senior year?

[Anonymous]

DD will take AP tests in May. Last year (jr year), she took the SAT Subject Tests about the same time. She did well on everything, and I assume all of this contributed to her getting in to a good college. Is there any point for her to take the Subject Tests in May (end of senior year) along with the AP tests? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

No, I don't see why she would. Won't help her with college admission by then.

[Anonymous]

No, schools generally have an option for either using an SAT2 for course placement or offer their own placement test, so don't waste money/time taking SAT2s senior year, only possible use would be course placement, and there are always other mechanisms for that, (and AP scores in same course trump the SAT2 anyway)

[Anonymous]

Only if she thinks she will want to transfer and needs better SAT2 scores. Otherwise what's the point?

[Anonymous]

no

[Anonymous]

At some colleges, you can use them for placement and/or credit that can lead to advanced standing, i.e. graduating earlier. Once you know where your DC is going to school, look up their policy regarding SAT STs.

[Anonymous]

Are SAT2 subject tests no longer a useful credential in admissions? Our HS has IB, not AP. Would the SAT2 be useful entrance credential in say, chemistry, if a student isn't planning to do HL chem? Not interested in placing out of college work, more in documenting achievement.

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

@ 1441 - SAT II are useful in two ways - course placement in college (in some cases) and many top tier schools require SAT ii scores even if your DC takes ACT with writing. The problem with OP's case is end of senior year is too late for college app purpose.

[Anonymous]

If money, prep and time is not an issue - this can at the very least help in a transfer if you need it. (Also, helps in combating senioritis in some small way)

If my kid was game, I would let him take it because I am a big believer (and I know I am a minority) in thinking that any extra education, preparation or credentials will prove to be useful in some way or the other in the future.

Let your child decide.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are SAT2 subject tests no longer a useful credential in admissions? Our HS has IB, not AP. Would the SAT2 be useful entrance credential in say, chemistry, if a student isn't planning to do HL chem? Not interested in placing out of college work, more in documenting achievement.

Thanks.

OP, many kids use it (AP, IB, SAT2) as a signaling device to the admission committee to show what they are capable of and for documenting achievement. My kid is IB too, and most kids in her class start doubling up with APs and SAT2s with the IB exam. Some start doing it from the 9th grade itself (since IB is only taken in 11th and 12th grade).

As other pps have mentioned - helpful in top tier schools, in getting into coveted courses, merit scholarships etc. If these can be taken by the end of Junior year (end of 11th grade), it is more helpful because this is what the admissions committee will see.

[Anonymous]

Look at the colleges policies before taking these. None of the colleges to which Dd applied required these. She wasn't targeting Ivy school so not sure about that. Also really only saw this requirement for technical/ math/ engineering majors. She didn't take any.

[Anonymous]

While they can help with placement in college, I've never heard of a case where AP scores didn't do the same thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:While they can help with placement in college, I've never heard of a case where AP scores didn't do the same thing.

True but you need to take AP courses (or self-study) to take AP exams while SAT IIs can be taken without taking AP courses.