<p>S1 is a sophomore and taking chemistry. Counselors haven't said word one about SAT IIs, but from lurking on here for months, I see that's an option. He doesn't know for sure what he wants to study (although definitely something in the sciences) or where he wants to go, so I'm not even sure he needs to take SAT IIs, but is the prevailing wisdom that he take these subject tests this spring at the end of the semester while it's fresh, just to hedge his bets? Does he wait until he takes AP chemistry? Are these scores automatically sent to colleges, like SAT scores? And, is it assumed that completing the course with a good grade is enough to do well on the test?</p>
<p>Have your son ask his teacher and his GC specifically. My d took honors bio, and was advised strongly not to take the bio SAT II, because the bio curriculum at her HS didn't track the SAT II. Then, also as a sophomore, she took chemistry and based on the teacher and GC advice, did take the Chem SAT II. (Disclaimer: she's not a science kid, so she didn't do as well as her science-oriented classmates, but they did pretty well.) Whether completing the course is enough to do well on the test depends on the course's curriculum.</p>
<p>If he's taking AP chem as a junior, then yes, he can wait. But AP chem as a senior is obviously too late.</p>
<p>SAT II scores are sent to colleges you designate. If he takes the test, you might want to wait until other testing is complete since all the scores previously taken will also be sent on the same score report. (Yes, they're sent the same way as SAT I, but they're not "automatically" sent.)</p>
<p>If you're taking AP Chem, wait. Science is one of my stronger classes (I took it as a Soph.) and I probably wouldn't have broken 650 after my honors class, just because I hadn't seen that much material. After taking AP Chem, I'd experienced a lot more, and I ended up with a 790. The questions that will probably get you if you take it at the end of your honors year are the ones that ask what color is this chemical or stuff like that ... because you probably haven't encountered that many chemicals with only 1 period a day of chem. Chedva is right on how they send them, and they all send, so if you get a 800 on one and a 500 on another, they're both sent. By the way, take the SATII in May or w.e date is before June. I took mine in June and hadn't done any Chem for like 2 weeks because we took a big break after the AP test. Just do it around the time of the AP test and you'll get a great score, you can combine your studying, and the stress will be over with.</p>