<p>On a lot of college application requirements, I see that SAT IIs are optional, but I don't see that many colleges that require them. </p>
<p>Are these subject tests really that important? Isn't the SAT I or ACT test enough?
If I submit my scores to a college, which stated that SAT IIs were optional, would it increase my chances of getting in? </p>
<p>I don't really understand the purpose of subject tests the AP test are (I think) a bit more thorough in evaluating one's understanding of the area.</p>
<p>For the really selective schools, SAT IIs are not actually optional despite what the colleges might say. If you don’t have subject tests, you probably don’t have a huge chance of getting in unless you have some hook or something. Also, AP exams areen’t necessarily a good evaluation of someone’s understanding of an area b/c for some exams, you only need like 68% to receive a 5. SAT IIs have a wider range of scores so they are probably a more accurate representation.</p>
<p>You don’t have to take all of them; the wiser thing to do might be to take 2-3 subject tests in areas that you didn’t take the AP exam for. That way, colleges have some idea about your ability in that area ( grades often don’t say that much b/c of grade inflation).</p>
<p>In some ways, yes. It would show that you are fairly capable in the area since you can get a high SAT II score, but it would also show that you are kind of lazy and careless (b/c of the bad grade). That is, unless your school has major grade deflation.</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure SAT scores are less important than your grades/GPA. </p>
<p>AP scores are not necessarily insignificant, they do give you a boost in your chances of admission. Even if it is a little boost, every little bit helps. </p>
<p>You should only take 2-3 you know you can do well on, which may be ones you have taken AP classes/tests on. Most top schools require SAT IIs, but if the schools you are looking into only recommend them, they can probably still strengthen your application quite a bit. T</p>
<p>Good SAT II scores can only help your app. Take your strongest subjects–the object is to present the best possible scores. It doesn’t matter if you “repeat” a subject on which you’ve already AP-tested. Taking a subject to make up for a bad grade isn’t wise unless you can nail the material this time.</p>
<p>AP test scores are self-reported during the admission process and generally not formally considered for admission. On holistic evaluation (everything past grades/other test scores), strong AP test scores go in the + column, low AP test scores go in the - column. Once admitted, official AP scores may be used for credit/advanced placement per the school’s published guidelines (a minimum of a 3 will be required, often 4, sometimes 5).</p>
<p>TXArtemis has got it right. Colleges realize that GPA represents the efforts of 4 years, while the SAT takes place in 4 hours. As important as SAT scores are, they cannot fully make up for a low GPA/rank. SAT II’s are used to verify whether the student’s grades in the particular subject are accurate or not. For example if the student has an A+ in AP Biology but she scores a 600 on the SAT II, they’ll know that something is off.</p>
<p>runi27 is right. I got an A in APUSH, but only a 690. That A shows only effort in class, not really my knowledge in history. But grades are greater OVERALL. SAT II makes only part of your app.</p>
<p>SAT II’s are a requirement if you plan on applying to ivy leagues schools and such. Where exactly are you thinking of applying? I’d recommend that you take the SAT II’s to highlight a subject that you really excel in- ie biology, math, or literature. And AP tests are important, they can be used in place of placement exams at universities and so you can get out of taking intro classes- ie if you make a 5 on the AP macroeconomics exams, you might not have to take intro to macroeconomics, you’d qualify for the intermediate level course, instead.</p>
<p>Also, an SAT score won’t replace a bad score in a class. Your high school transcript (your grades) is still the single most important thing in the admissions process. Also, SAT scores are graded on a bell curve; meaning that the score that you get is based on how well everybody else in the country did on that test date. That’s why a lot of college counselors recommend that juniors take their sats in the spring because seniors (who one would assume are more competitive and likely to do better on the sats than younger students) take theirs in the fall, and curb the bell curve so that it makes it harder to get a perfect score.</p>
<p>999999, what bell curve? The scores in each section are simply number correct minus number incorrect (actually a fraction of the incorrect number) except on the essay which is subjective.</p>
<p>Counselors reccommend Jrs taking the SATs in the spring so students have the benefit of what is learned in the greater part of the year. Seniors take them in the fall to get in one last shot before applying to college.</p>
<p>The scale of most important is not so starte forward.</p>
<p>Evrything varies. For most colleges:</p>
<p>1) Transcript
-Grades
-rigor of curriculum (Honors, AP-AP counts alot. The courses, not as much the exams alone)
-rank
-Junior year counts most. Freshman counts least. They want to see an uphill curve; so a 3.2,3.5,3.7,3.8, is actually usually considered better than a 4.0,3.7,3.4,3.3 even though accumulatively, the latter is a better gpa.
2) SAT
-the SAT 1 (very important. second to the throne. without SAT ppl could be getting 4.0 w/ massive grade inflation. There was once someone who had 4.0 yes didn’t break a 1600/2400 on SAT. And that’s what the SAT shows.
-percentile
-CR and M weighted much greater than W for most colleges.
-SAT subejct tests. Boost the app alot and are convienent(b/c AP tests look alot better w/ the AP course. SAT Subject tests, u dont need the course for). MAny tough colleges require, but most recommend. A couple of solid scores could go a,long way
3) ‘Sprinkels and hooks’</p>
<p>-Extra Curriculars (count alot in better schools)
-letters of recommendations
-of course, the application essay
-other liberal stuff, like minority etc.</p>
<p>@ Lakemom: You’re definitely correct, and yes counselors do recommend the advice you stated to their students; however, if you read this link I’m sure it will be able to communicate what I was trying to say much more efficiently and in a less confusing way.</p>