SAT Subject Tests?

[Anonymous]

SAT subject tests did not exist when I was in high school, so I need the FAQ. Who takes them? Do all colleges require them, or give preference to applicants who have taken them? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I am in my 50s and I took them in high school. So they aren't new.

They are required by a relatively small group of selective schools. Usually 2 are required. 1-2 schools (Georgetown) require 3.

[Anonymous]

My DD took them in math and chem. Great scores. Ended up at a school that didn't use them for admission but did use them to place her in honor courses. If your child will score high on these tests then take them.

[Anonymous]

DD will have to take three subject tests for his first choice school.

[Anonymous]

They were called Achievement Tests back when we were kids -- administered by the College Board and using the familiar 800 point scale, but not yet marketed as part of the SAT brand.

[Anonymous]

Sign up ASAP for the June test if DC Plans to take a subject she will just have completed (e.g. US History, Chem).

[Anonymous]

It's all such a racket. Thanks, higher ed, for imposing yet MORE testing on students.

Here's a question. The "elite" colleges expect you to take AP classes, which have their own tests. If my kid takes AP biology and AP physics, why should she also take SATII in these subjects? If she aces the AP Spanish test, why does she needs to take the SAT subject test in Spanish? IF she takes APUSH, why also SATII in US history? If she takes AP World History and AP Literature, why should she also have to take (and pay for) SATII?

If colleges think SATIIs are better assessments of aptitude, why don't they come out and say that? Because that wouldn't play well with the College Board?

This whole enterprise stinks to high heaven.

[Anonymous]

I took them, since all the California schools required them for admission. You had to take writing (since the regular sat didn't have a writing portion yet), and then you could choose any 2 you thought you'd be most su cessful with. If you wanted to do math/science/engineering, you had to do the higher level math one too.

[Anonymous]

AP tests allowed my daughter to get credit for Calc 1 Calc 2,
Chemistry, Mech and EM Physics. While the SAT scores gave her 5 credits of English so no requirement to fill there. SAT II let her into Honors Math as a freshman. After her first year she is a Junior.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, everyone! I had no idea they existed back in the day, but grateful I managed to go to college anyhow. We'll go plan out which ones to take, aiming for 2-3. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, everyone! I had no idea they existed back in the day, but grateful I managed to go to college anyhow. We'll go plan out which ones to take, aiming for 2-3. Thank you!

They were one called Achievement Tests.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:AP tests allowed my daughter to get credit for Calc 1 Calc 2,
Chemistry, Mech and EM Physics. While the SAT scores gave her 5 credits of English so no requirement to fill there. SAT II let her into Honors Math as a freshman. After her first year she is a Junior.

Mine has junior status now too - credit for 9 AP classes. It has allowed him to skip intro classes and start in upper level classes. But he's not planning to graduate early so no savinngs there. SAT2s didn't help with placement or credit. That varies by school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, everyone! I had no idea they existed back in the day, but grateful I managed to go to college anyhow. We'll go plan out which ones to take, aiming for 2-3. Thank you!

OP - look at the admission requirements for the schools your DC is interested in. Schools have different requirements for SAT IIs. If it says "not required but recommended" that means your DC should take them (e.g., Hopkins).

[Anonymous]

AP tests are different from subject tests. For the OP, some schools require subject testts so you have to look at the schools your child is interested in. A state flagship rarely requires subject tests.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:AP tests are different from subject tests. For the OP, some schools require subject testts so you have to look at the schools your child is interested in. A state flagship rarely requires subject tests.

Except UVA, which requires 2.