Is it possible to get a good score on the SAT subject test without taking the AP class? I am applying to some BS/MD programs that require a math and science SAT. I am also applying to competitive colleges that require 2 SATs if you don’t submit your ACT score (which I am not taking), Rice University for example. Taking a science SAT subject test is critical in my situation, however I didn’t have enough room in my schedule to take any APs in science. Should I take either Biology or Chemistry? If I should take biology, should I take E or M? I took Pre-AP bio my freshmen year and pre- ap chem my sophomore year. I am going to be a senior next year. Also, should prep books be enough to study or should I use other resources?
Absolutely. DS only took SAT subject tests in non AP classes since he had AP scores for those. They are not intended to test at the higher level.
At my sons’ school, the Honors Biology class was so thorough that it prepared them well for the SAT Biology M. They both got in the upper 700s. However, the Honors Chemistry class did not provide enough preparation. Lots of studying with a prep book for the material not covered in class was necessary just to do somewhat well. So I think it varies depending on how thorough your teachers were. Your best bet would be to ask around at your school to find out how other kids did who didn’t take AP. You can also get an idea from doing the practice tests which ones to take.
It all comes down to whether or not you’re willing to put in the study time. I took SAT Chem and Math II, so I won’t be much help with the Bio, but I’d recommend math II along with whichever of the two you felt most comfortable with in school. You can try going through a few of the free practice problems on the college board site to see which you remember more of. I would recommend using the Barrons book for both of the exams, as they tend to over-prepare you with difficult questions, but don’t make you learn a bunch of unnecessary information. Based on my tests, I’m expecting a 690-720, but based on the reviews it might actually be closer to a 750+. The best thing I can recommend is to go through the book chapter by chapter, making sure you do all the reviews at the end of each . If you miss a question, don’t just continue on if you think you know it- rework the problem. Just studying from the Barrons book should help quite a bit, but if you’re really stumped on a topic talking to someone who’s already taken the class and knows the material well can be invaluable.
@CacaoNut13 How’d you do?
@Fluteplayer17 Yea, I took chemistry last year without even honors or AP Chem (just a regular class) and only studied for like a month or two. I ended up getting a 670. I took bio this june after a regular bio class (no ap or honors) and ya, I don’t know what I’ll get.
@YoohooAddict I’ve always been kind of weak in chemistry, but I got a 750 chem and 800 math.