SAT Chem Subject Score

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
12:41 here. The other three were Math II, Physics, and Biology. It took two tries to get the 800 in Physics.

Practice tests make all the difference on the SAT IIs. Also, take the tests ASAP after completing the courses so that the content is still fresh. If you want to raise the odds of doing well even higher, find a test prep service that has people who are very familiar with the individual tests and has a bank of LOTs of practice tests. Alternatively, find out about the pros and cons of the test prep books that are out there -- college confidential has detailed threads and advice on this, including which guides have the best practice tests, which are best for conveying the substantive knowledge on the test, etc. And finally, increase the odds of doing well by having your student prepare for and take the SAT IIs one at a time, rather than doing multiple subjects in each sitting.

Thanks for the great info. Looks like the SAT IIs follow the same advice to get to Carnegie Hall....practice, practice, practice.

That's a myth re Carnegie Hall. It's a facility that's available for rent. Pay the fee and your school group can perform there.

Sigh, you don't understand the history behind that expression, obviously. You sound a bit obtuse.

Nah, just tired of hearing parents brag about their kids' music groups playing Carnegie Hall. I get the joke, but the PP seems to have treated the punchline as a truism.

You obviously have no clue how much practice and preparation goes into what those kids do. You don't like hearing parents brag about the hard work their kids put in? Then may I suggest you take your tone deaf self elsewhere. There are those who do appreciate the hard work musicians put into their art. And so do the colleges that accept them.

[Anonymous]

I'm the PP you quoted and it's precisely because I appreciate the hard work that musicians put in that I'm pointing out that "playing Carnegie Hall" as part of a school group often signifies affluence rather than virtuosity or commitment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm the PP you quoted and it's precisely because I appreciate the hard work that musicians put in that I'm pointing out that "playing Carnegie Hall" as part of a school group often signifies affluence rather than virtuosity or commitment.

Hogwash. I was at the Kennedy Center last night where the best of the best (15-20 year olds) playes last night. I know three of the kids who played, two are middle class and obe who would have never afforded the program that the NSO handpicks. To get there, they practiced and practiced.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm the PP you quoted and it's precisely because I appreciate the hard work that musicians put in that I'm pointing out that "playing Carnegie Hall" as part of a school group often signifies affluence rather than virtuosity or commitment.

Hogwash. I was at the Kennedy Center last night where the best of the best (15-20 year olds) playes last night. I know three of the kids who played, two are middle class and obe who would have never afforded the program that the NSO handpicks. To get there, they practiced and practiced.

I agree. Many kids take part in hall rentals to play ranging from a community church to Strathmore. Not sure why the other PP thinks playing on a prestigious stage is a sign of affluence rather than a showcase for talent.

[Anonymous]

I was referring specifically to Carnegie Hall (which is not at the Kennedy Center) and said "often" signifies affluence -- not inevitably. Renting a hall isn't damning -- groups need performance spaces. But it's not as if a school group's presence at Carnegie Hall represents an endorsement of its excellence -- it means they paid the rent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was referring specifically to Carnegie Hall (which is not at the Kennedy Center) and said "often" signifies affluence -- not inevitably. Renting a hall isn't damning -- groups need performance spaces. But it's not as if a school group's presence at Carnegie Hall represents an endorsement of its excellence -- it means they paid the rent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was referring specifically to Carnegie Hall (which is not at the Kennedy Center) and said "often" signifies affluence -- not inevitably. Renting a hall isn't damning -- groups need performance spaces. But it's not as if a school group's presence at Carnegie Hall represents an endorsement of its excellence -- it means they paid the rent.

You protest too much about something that has not only nothing to do with you but the performers could care less (musicians or other artists) what you think. The audiences who want to be there are there.

[Anonymous]

Nah, I made an offhand factual comment and one or two of you went ballistic (touched a nerve?) and I reiterated/clarified my point.

[Anonymous]

Nah, I made an offhand factual comment and one or two of you went ballistic (touched a nerve?) and I reiterated/clarified my point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
12:41 here. The other three were Math II, Physics, and Biology. It took two tries to get the 800 in Physics.

Practice tests make all the difference on the SAT IIs. Also, take the tests ASAP after completing the courses so that the content is still fresh. If you want to raise the odds of doing well even higher, find a test prep service that has people who are very familiar with the individual tests and has a bank of LOTs of practice tests. Alternatively, find out about the pros and cons of the test prep books that are out there -- college confidential has detailed threads and advice on this, including which guides have the best practice tests, which are best for conveying the substantive knowledge on the test, etc. And finally, increase the odds of doing well by having your student prepare for and take the SAT IIs one at a time, rather than doing multiple subjects in each sitting.

Thanks for the great info. Looks like the SAT IIs follow the same advice to get to Carnegie Hall....practice, practice, practice.

That's a myth re Carnegie Hall. It's a facility that's available for rent. Pay the fee and your school group can perform there.

So let's try to get this straight...DC took 3 SAT II Subject Matter test plus two attempts at the Physics exam so that makes 5 SAT II Subject Matter tests plus the regular SAT (god only knows how many times this parent had the DC take that one) and let's not forget the ACT as well so as to be "competitive". Total at least the possibility of a half dozen standardized tests. Can't wait to hear this DC's regular class schedule...oh, let's guess.....5 AP courses no wait, that's not competitive enough...you need at least 6. PLEASE12:41, next year come back and let us know if DC got into Harvard (or wherever you think DC will apply as per your instructions). Good luck!

22:41 again. Just saw this snarky comment from 10:28. DC took three b/c that was required for some engineering programs DC was interested in, including at least one school that required either Chem or Physics. Hence the taking of the fourth subject after the less than ideal score on the third, the Chem. test. DC took the SAT once and did not take the ACT. DC chose one of the big threes in part because there is such an arms race in the area publics over AP courses but not in the private schools. AP escalation tends to exhaust the kids and most teachers don't like the curricular straightjacket they impose either. In the big threes and other private schools there is more flexibility and kids don't take tons of APs, just very good and challenging courses that are not called APs. Hey 10:28, how stupid do you feel?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
12:41 here. The other three were Math II, Physics, and Biology. It took two tries to get the 800 in Physics.

Practice tests make all the difference on the SAT IIs. Also, take the tests ASAP after completing the courses so that the content is still fresh. If you want to raise the odds of doing well even higher, find a test prep service that has people who are very familiar with the individual tests and has a bank of LOTs of practice tests. Alternatively, find out about the pros and cons of the test prep books that are out there -- college confidential has detailed threads and advice on this, including which guides have the best practice tests, which are best for conveying the substantive knowledge on the test, etc. And finally, increase the odds of doing well by having your student prepare for and take the SAT IIs one at a time, rather than doing multiple subjects in each sitting.

Thanks for the great info. Looks like the SAT IIs follow the same advice to get to Carnegie Hall....practice, practice, practice.

That's a myth re Carnegie Hall. It's a facility that's available for rent. Pay the fee and your school group can perform there.

So let's try to get this straight...DC took 3 SAT II Subject Matter test plus two attempts at the Physics exam so that makes 5 SAT II Subject Matter tests plus the regular SAT (god only knows how many times this parent had the DC take that one) and let's not forget the ACT as well so as to be "competitive". Total at least the possibility of a half dozen standardized tests. Can't wait to hear this DC's regular class schedule...oh, let's guess.....5 AP courses no wait, that's not competitive enough...you need at least 6. PLEASE12:41, next year come back and let us know if DC got into Harvard (or wherever you think DC will apply as per your instructions). Good luck!

22:41 again. Just saw this snarky comment from 10:28. DC took three b/c that was required for some engineering programs DC was interested in, including at least one school that required either Chem or Physics. Hence the taking of the fourth subject after the less than ideal score on the third, the Chem. test. DC took the SAT once and did not take the ACT. DC chose one of the big threes in part because there is such an arms race in the area publics over AP courses but not in the private schools. AP escalation tends to exhaust the kids and most teachers don't like the curricular straightjacket they impose either. In the big threes and other private schools there is more flexibility and kids don't take tons of APs, just very good and challenging courses that are not called APs. Hey 10:28, how stupid do you feel?

No 10.28 here, but PP why not post the name of the school that "requires" those SAT subject tests? Very few colleges require any today, Georgetown comes to mind as one that wants 3. Some make wan Chme of Physics but a read of that post suggests that the point was being made about a parent driving a studne tto take some many tests. Not sure that's a stupid though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
12:41 here. The other three were Math II, Physics, and Biology. It took two tries to get the 800 in Physics.

Practice tests make all the difference on the SAT IIs. Also, take the tests ASAP after completing the courses so that the content is still fresh. If you want to raise the odds of doing well even higher, find a test prep service that has people who are very familiar with the individual tests and has a bank of LOTs of practice tests. Alternatively, find out about the pros and cons of the test prep books that are out there -- college confidential has detailed threads and advice on this, including which guides have the best practice tests, which are best for conveying the substantive knowledge on the test, etc. And finally, increase the odds of doing well by having your student prepare for and take the SAT IIs one at a time, rather than doing multiple subjects in each sitting.

Thanks for the great info. Looks like the SAT IIs follow the same advice to get to Carnegie Hall....practice, practice, practice.

That's a myth re Carnegie Hall. It's a facility that's available for rent. Pay the fee and your school group can perform there.

So let's try to get this straight...DC took 3 SAT II Subject Matter test plus two attempts at the Physics exam so that makes 5 SAT II Subject Matter tests plus the regular SAT (god only knows how many times this parent had the DC take that one) and let's not forget the ACT as well so as to be "competitive". Total at least the possibility of a half dozen standardized tests. Can't wait to hear this DC's regular class schedule...oh, let's guess.....5 AP courses no wait, that's not competitive enough...you need at least 6. PLEASE12:41, next year come back and let us know if DC got into Harvard (or wherever you think DC will apply as per your instructions). Good luck!

22:41 again. Just saw this snarky comment from 10:28. DC took three b/c that was required for some engineering programs DC was interested in, including at least one school that required either Chem or Physics. Hence the taking of the fourth subject after the less than ideal score on the third, the Chem. test. DC took the SAT once and did not take the ACT. DC chose one of the big threes in part because there is such an arms race in the area publics over AP courses but not in the private schools. AP escalation tends to exhaust the kids and most teachers don't like the curricular straightjacket they impose either. In the big threes and other private schools there is more flexibility and kids don't take tons of APs, just very good and challenging courses that are not called APs. Hey 10:28, how stupid do you feel?

No 10.28 here, but PP why not post the name of the school that "requires" those SAT subject tests? Very few colleges require any today, Georgetown comes to mind as one that wants 3. Some make wan Chme of Physics but a read of that post suggests that the point was being made about a parent driving a studne tto take some many tests. Not sure that's a stupid though.

Not the PP, but off the top of my head Yale, Princeton, Harvard, Stanford require SAT subject matter tests, altho that may change Aug. lst when the new applications are posted. Subject matter tests are recommended for the area in which you are applying, so if applying for B.S.E. at Princeton, you subject math I or II and chemistry, etc. If you are applying for humanities then English, etc. Some submit more than two subject matter tests. Georgetown, too, if you are correct requires three. So, yes, we are doing as a PPP said and taking SAT, ACT, AP tests and subject matter tests. Personally I think the whole system is broken, but I'm not in charge. And watch - now online courses with your dream university - done while a junior or senior - is taking hold - so you can prove that you can do MIT college work before you even apply. I'm not making that up. That's the newest addition to the college application madness.

[Anonymous]

22:41 again. Several engineering programs require the SAT II in Math and either Chem or Physics as well. That's why DC took Physics and retook it to get the higher score, after not doing as well on the Chem test (and not wanting to retake it). DC took Bio after freshman year because that was recommended by teacher at the school, and did so with an eye toward taking what we thought was the first of two SAT IIs DC would need. But then the engineering programs DC started to look at didn't allow Bio as one of the tests.

PP, this latest trend of taking online classes is so crazy. Seems like this has been creeping up with the way high school students do summer school programs at colleges they want to attend, but the idea of doing an actual online class along with all the high school courses -- wow, that is nuts. But again, as with the arms race in APs in the public schools, students feel like they have to keep up with their peers because colleges will ask, is the student taking the most demanding course offered at the school? Now I guess they will also ask, and what about outside the school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
22:41 again. Several engineering programs require the SAT II in Math and either Chem or Physics as well. That's why DC took Physics and retook it to get the higher score, after not doing as well on the Chem test (and not wanting to retake it). DC took Bio after freshman year because that was recommended by teacher at the school, and did so with an eye toward taking what we thought was the first of two SAT IIs DC would need. But then the engineering programs DC started to look at didn't allow Bio as one of the tests.

PP, this latest trend of taking online classes is so crazy. Seems like this has been creeping up with the way high school students do summer school programs at colleges they want to attend, but the idea of doing an actual online class along with all the high school courses -- wow, that is nuts. But again, as with the arms race in APs in the public schools, students feel like they have to keep up with their peers because colleges will ask, is the student taking the most demanding course offered at the school? Now I guess they will also ask, and what about outside the school?

DC attends a well known private school in D.C. that does not offer a lot if AP courses. However, there are many rigorous standard classes that prepare adequately to sit for AP exams. When DC graduates, it will be with four AP classes and two honors classes. Because of the reputation of the rigorous curriculum and the school's reputation, DC will not be at a disadvantage. The school sent several students to Yale this year, and nobody took 10 AP classes because that number doesn't exist.

Now if DC bombs on the SAT or ACT, that's a different story. However, I don't think that's going to happen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
22:41 again. Several engineering programs require the SAT II in Math and either Chem or Physics as well. That's why DC took Physics and retook it to get the higher score, after not doing as well on the Chem test (and not wanting to retake it). DC took Bio after freshman year because that was recommended by teacher at the school, and did so with an eye toward taking what we thought was the first of two SAT IIs DC would need. But then the engineering programs DC started to look at didn't allow Bio as one of the tests.

PP, this latest trend of taking online classes is so crazy. Seems like this has been creeping up with the way high school students do summer school programs at colleges they want to attend, but the idea of doing an actual online class along with all the high school courses -- wow, that is nuts. But again, as with the arms race in APs in the public schools, students feel like they have to keep up with their peers because colleges will ask, is the student taking the most demanding course offered at the school? Now I guess they will also ask, and what about outside the school?

DC attends a well known private school in D.C. that does not offer a lot if AP courses. However, there are many rigorous standard classes that prepare adequately to sit for AP exams. When DC graduates, it will be with four AP classes and two honors classes. Because of the reputation of the rigorous curriculum and the school's reputation, DC will not be at a disadvantage. The school sent several students to Yale this year, and nobody took 10 AP classes because that number doesn't exist.

Now if DC bombs on the SAT or ACT, that's a different story. However, I don't think that's going to happen.

If P is so confident that DC won't be at a disadvantage please post here next year advising what school(s) DC was accepted and will attend. 10 to 1 says DC WILL be disadvantaged. Regardless of what well known school DC is a graduate of unless the courses taken are of heavy rigor.