<p>Hey guys, i have another question. Actually, this is more directed to texas137, because she seems to have this certain "point-value" system I find interesting, but I'd like it if anyone would put input into this too!</p>
<p>Is there a point of taking BOTH the AP World History and SATII World History tests, and BOTH the AP Biology and SATII Biology tests? I am not taking any outside classes of any sort yet, I hope so in the future, but i dont know how much of a possibility this will be. So, I decided to take as many standardized tests out there so admissions officers can compare me with regular-schooled kids. But then, considering the recent financial situation we've been thrown in, I don't know if it is worth it to take two different tests of the same subject.</p>
<p>It would depend on the colleges you're hoping to apply to.</p>
<p>Some of the colleges on my daughter's list don't require, or want, SAT-II Subject Tests, but do want AP Exams. And some require SAT-II Subject Tests from either all students <em>or</em> just from homeschoolers and won't allow AP Exams to substitute for them.</p>
<p>As far as which ones, I wouldn't take AP and SAT-II Tests in the same subjects. I would mix them around. I believe the most popular SAT-II Subject Tests required for homeschoolers are in Math and Foreign Language (for placement purposes). You could then use AP Exams for the others (history, science, etc.)</p>
<p>The two test results are not really intended to be substitutes for each other. The SAT II tests are needed for perhap 60-80 elite colleges in the country (some colleges like USC don't require these tests normally, but do want to see them from home-schoolers, though). The SAT II results are used to help establsih that you have an excellent grasp of high-school material: i.e., that you are a sharp enough student and have studied the appropriate level and diversity of subjects to be considered for admission, just like a public school student.</p>
<p>The AP tests, even in the same subjects, are designed to allow you to assert that you have taken these subjects at a "college level" and excelled at them (assuming you receive a 4 or a 5 on the tests). This is a nationally-normed tool for establishing your advanced standing in these subjects.</p>
<p>Some schools will not consider APs or SAT IIs in their decisions, relying instead primarily on SAT I, grades, and other materials. Other schools demand the scores, or "suggest" the scores for home-schoolers. Where do you plan to apply?</p>
<p>For reference, my S has taken six SAT II tests and twelve AP tests, but we were not constrained by the costs of the tests, and he is good at taking them, so we thought he should take maximum advantage of his talent. This is not the plan most home-scholers should follow, it's just what we did.</p>
<p>I also have a question similar to the one posted by Lily415. I am enrolled to take two dual credit courses at my CC, mainly so that I can show that I have done outside work, I can have teacher recs not done by my family, I can get the challenging experience, etc...
I am under the impression that in order to get into a good college (by good, I mean top in the nation, not necessarily Ivy league, like Emory, Carnegie Mellon, Rice, etc.). that I have to have some 4 or 5's on the AP exams at the end of my junior year. The dual credit is not enough, is it? So far, the only one I have been preparing for is the Ap Biology exam.
Is it a good idea to take an AP exam in a subject that I wont major in, or that wont be closely knitted with my major.
Lastly, I grew up speaking both english and spanish with my family,so could I take the Spanish Language AP exam? would it be a good idea?</p>
<p>So it depends on the university huh? Makes sense, I guess I'll start contacting them! </p>
<p>I am really, really, reallyreallyreally shooting for Wharton at UPenn. I had originally planned to take 7 SATII's and 15-16 AP's. </p>
<p>The SATII's are fine for me because they are alot cheaper, and all the SAT testing centers offer them. The problem is, I was told wrong information, and now I am relying on international schools near where I live on the AP exams. If they decide not to give the exam out, then whoops! Poor me can't take them! (can you tell I am a bit strung out now? haha) So, the six I have been studying for all year will only come out as three AP Exam scores, because they canceled three on me. (and I'm afraid that this is going to happen next year too).</p>
<p>My situation is alot different from other homeschoolers-i teach myself-and i have no access to local CC's or a whole bunch of places to take tests. I appreciate the help you guys gave me, clarifying the SATII's and AP's. </p>
<p>Anohter question-do any of you know some online courses/tests that are accreddited and relatively cheap? Something I can use to guage myself amongst other students for admission's officers? I know admissions use the SAT mostly, but homeschoolers should try to show what they really learned, right?</p>
<p>Agh! I'm sorry my posts are jumping around topic to topic---I'm a bit...weird....right now. :) Thanks again.</p>
<p>If you have internet access to take online courses, consider taking an online distance course from the harvard extension program. It is college credit, scholarships are offered for those in financial need and you do it online on your own time. It might really work out for you -- and they have many interesting courses.</p>