<p>The AP subject tests were never designed to be used for admissions. They were designed to give exceptional high school students a chance to take college-level classes and get credit if they performed well. That’s why the gradations are so large and they’re only done on a 5-point scale. Within all of the students who received a 4, there may be a lot of variation. That’s not necessarily the case within a single score on an SAT II Subject Test.</p>
<p>californiaaa – DS took the Math 2 subject test right after Precalc and got a 670. He took it again after studying with a book, but mostly taking practice tests and learning how to do the problems he did wrong and got a 760. One of the areas he had never seen (and he remembers what he has seen REALLY well, though not always exactly how to do it) was Probability (which is not the same as statistics). He thinks the first time he missed 3-4 problems on this, and once he learned it, they were all really easy. And by the way, I checked with his AP Stats teacher, and they pretty much don’t do probabilities at all during the year).</p>
<p>I don’t think you get credit for SAT subject tests?</p>
<p>Also just making sure, did you actually mean AP? The usual discussion is ACT vs SAT, where ACT is usually seen to test your reasoning and SAT memorization / actual skills in science vs just interpreting given information.</p>
<p>Universities look at several criteria, gpa and rigor of curriculum are typically two of the major considerations. Taking AP courses (assuming they are your schools most rigorous courses) and doing well in those courses is a plus on your application. The results of the AP tests are normally not considered in admissions to my knowledge. Doing well on AP tests will help you credit wise in many Universities. As for SAT subject tests, they are expected for those schools that require them, considered by other schools that don’t, and won’ be looked at by other schools.</p>
<p>Honestly, I think that both matter and both should be taken for a better chance at the top schools in the nation</p>
<p>I would take both if I had the chance to, and it varies from school to school. But generally from what I’ve heard SAT Subject Tests are the ones usually used for college admission, while AP scores are used for college credit, although they may be able to factor into college admissions, depending on the school.</p>
<p>A college admissions officer once told me that you only want to include something or do it if it makes you look good or if its necessary. If both tests are not necessary for colleges, only do the one that will make her look good. She doesn’t need to waste energy preparing for a subject test if she can invest the energy in something else that would help her excel more. For example, writing an optional essay for a college that will sound fake or not be written well won’t help you.</p>
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<p>And you don’t’ think an 800 and a 5 will not “look good”???</p>
<p>^^I think the purpose of the two tests are different. As far as I know, though this may be changing, AP test results are not considered in admissions. Any AP tests taken senior year will not give the results until long after college decisions are made. Taking AP courses will be considered as well as the grades received in those courses. For some schools the SAT subject tests are mandatory, for others they are considered, for still others they don’t consider them. As far as admission goes having 5s will not not make you look good, taking the AP course and getting an A (or it’s top grade equivalent) will make you look good. Scoring an 800 on an SAT subject test will not make you look good to a school that doesn’t consider such tests.</p>
<p>While there can be an argument made for both depending on the school, the general rule is for highly selective colleges and “IVY” the SAT subject test will carry more weight for admission</p>
<p>The AP will determine if the accepted student may skip an introductory level course when selecting their courses in freshman year based on that score.</p>
<p>SAT subject test will carry more weight for highly selective schools for admission</p>
<p>AP tests will be used to determine if a student may skip an introductory level course when selecting their courses for freshman year</p>
<p>Which test FOR ADMISSIONS PURPOSES? Hands down, the SAT Subject tests. </p>
<p>I asked the Harvard Admissions Officer if Student needed to take the SAT Subject Tests if Student has the corresponding AP. His response what that they have statistical data they use in the admissions process that includes SAT Subject tests. They do not have enough data to use AP’s.</p>
<p>Thus, FOR ADMISSION PURPOSES, the SAT Subject tests are the ones you need to take.</p>
<p>Having said that, Admissions also evaluates the rigor of the student’s schedule. Having AP Classes is taking into account. This is NOT the same as taking the AP Test.</p>
<p>So, take the SAT Subject Tests, and take the AP Classes. Take the AP Test if you want to.</p>
<p>BTW: My kids ended up with 6-8 AP tests each by the time they graduated. AP Calc was the universal winner. The rest helped a little, but no where near being worth a full semester of college credit. They went to small LAC, Big State school, and Ivy League schools. At best, they gave the kids more flexibility in what courses they could take, but did not materially reduce the number of classes they had to take.</p>
<p>I believe AP classes help your transcript and vigor of curriculum; AP test scores give you some credits in college; SAT II is required for some colleges’ admission or may help your chance a little.</p>
<p>You’re comparing two completely different things here. While schools love to see students taking AP test and is often one of the biggest factors of admission (strength of schedule), that’s not to say the AP tests are like the SATs. Many schools require two SAT subject tests. I don’t know of a school that requires AP classes. SAT subject tests show your knowledge in a specific field, while an AP test is like an exit exam for a college class.</p>
<p>SAT subject tests for sure. They barely look at APs</p>
<p>you should take both, and aim at you best</p>
<p>How about IB vs. AP?</p>
<p>A dilemma I’m facing is whether or not to take the subject test for ap world history. I took the exam last year and received a 5.
I’m deciding between world history or french subject test. I am a native speaker for French so it may seem insignificant if I get an 800 on it.
Any opinions?</p>
<p>Can you take both?</p>
<p>Maybe but I’m already taking math 2 and chemistry so the third is between world history and french.</p>