<p>I have to make up my mind, and soon. I'm taking the SAT subject tests in October, and I cannot decide whether to take the SAT Biology or Chemistry, or both.</p>
<p>What I've taken:
Japanese, US History, Math Level II.</p>
<p>Reason I want to take these tests:
I have taken no science SATs, and I want to go into a science field, so I have to. (Or it's highly recommended that I do anyway.)</p>
<p>My academic background with the two courses:</p>
<p>Biology:
I took regular biology in 10th grade, and I am a rising senior. Two-year gap here. However, I'm taking the AP Biology course my senior year, and have to do summer assignments, which will definitely help me in the studying process. Also note that I attempted to take the SAT Bio in January of this year, only to have an ear-diagram screw me over, forcing me to cancel my would-be-600-at-best score.</p>
<p>Chemistry:
I took AP Chemistry this past school year. I got a 3 on the exam, and a B for the course. I hate chemistry, and I suck at it, but I probably have a fresher memory of the material than I do for biology.</p>
<p>Very difficult situation here. Any advice would be appreciated.</p>
<p>The SAT-II's really mirror the AP tests, so you might be better taking the Chem. But, if you didn't do so hot in AP Chem, you might do better with the Bio, provided you do an EXTENSIVE review with a prep book. Could you wait for January to take it? It seems like you would need it for your college apps before then. </p>
<p>I'd take a practice exam of both, and compare your scores. Bio-E might be easier for you than Bio-M.</p>
<p>I'm retaking the SAT Reasoning Test in November, so October and December are really my only choices. I really want to get it over with, so I'd rather take it in October... but December is an option, since I will probably apply to all school regular decision.</p>
<p>I'm leaning toward bio right now, because (thanks to my chem teacher) I'd rather wait until introductory chemistry courses in college before I see chemistry again - there's no way I'm using the 3 as an opt-out of intro chem.</p>
<p>But I have another question:
If I get a good score on the SAT Bio in October, would colleges be like, "hmm, this kid has a solid understanding of bio and yet he hasn't even taken a month of his AP bio class. Could he be taking it as an easy A? I mean, he's already taken regular bio."</p>
<p>I seriously doubt that colleges would penalize you for doing well on the test. If anything, they would probably think, "hmm, this kid made a good score on his bio subject test and is taking an optional second course in it. He must be interested in that subject."</p>