I’m half Chinese, taking the Chinese SAT II tomorrow, not expecting to do well. I have been debating whether or not to take Math II, I’m also not particularly strong at math (struggle a lot to get A’s and some B’s). Are taking/studying for SAT II tests worth it if I’m not strong in the subject? I’m interested in intl relations, is taking World History a good idea (plus a 5 on the AP exam)? How about Sat II in US history (I got a 5 on the AP as well)? What about the English SAT II?
Generally discouraged in the options for SAT II exams, do they add to my application at all if I scored high on the AP?
What schools are you applying to? Schools that “recommend” them generally mean that you need a good reason not to. Like very low income or from a part of the world wherevit is a significant hardship to get to a testing center.
– Are you a native speaker of Chinese? If so no admissions officer will be impressed by even a top score on the Chinese SAT II.
– Do colleges you want to apply to require/recommend SATII? If so, then you should take them unless they are unaffordable or not offered within a reasonable distance of where you live.
–None of us should choose which SAT II would be best for you to take. Consider what subjects you can prepare for and do well in. Also look to see if there are any specific requirements for colleges/programs you plan to apply to.
In our household the rule is “don’t take 'em unless you need to”. Several selective schools request subject tests, and several more don’t mention them on the admissions website but will consider them if submitted according to their CDS. For the latter, I’d only submit if it added to the application. The majority of schools don’t mention or use subject tests at all so the tests can be easily avoided depending on where you are applying. Don’t take any test just for the sake of taking it or because you have some notion that it is somehow “expected” of you.
High AP scores are great but most of the subject tests (at least the ones my kids have taken) test different aspects of the subject. Example: USH tests your knowledge, while APUSH your ability to analyze critically (that’s probably an oversimplication but consistent with what my history-oriented kids tell me).
A history score in World or US can definitely enhance an application if your goal is IR. Math is also a great one but if Math 2 seems hard to rock, take Math 1 instead. But First and Most Important of All: if you believe that your scores won’t really be all that good, don’t invest the time and effort in those tests. Focus on your AP, submit those scores, and target schools that don’t use the subject tests.