<p>So I've been looking around the forum and I see a lot of people taking the same subject tests (Math II, Physics, etc.) So my question is, do colleges prefer if you take a less frequently taken test or does it not really matter?</p>
<p>I think because the majority of people go into the sciences you see Math and Physics popping up. Most engineering degrees require you to take the MathII or MathI and one additional science SATII (most of the time not including bio). Some colleges just say take two SATII’s, but MathII and MathI seem to be the most common among all colleges.</p>
<p>Colleges like to see tests that confirm the rigor of HS courses AND, when possible, a general breadth of achievement in areas important to preparation for college level classes. So if possible, take subject tests in math, english, history and a science.</p>
<p>So I should be taking four tests?</p>
<p>If you 1] think you can do well on them and
2] if you have taken corresponding AP classes. For example, if you take APUSH, then take the US History subject test, AP English Lit, then take the English Language subject test, AP Physics, then the Physics test, and an AP language class will prepare you for the NON LISTENING Language subject tests. etc…</p>
<p>Oh, thanks!
That brings up another question too: My school doesn’t offer AP World History. Should I take the subject test with self-studying, or just take it without a supplementary subject test book?</p>
<p>What ever you do, study before you take any subject test, especially oif you are not taking a class in the subject. Using a test prep book can only help you do better on the test. Is world history the only history test you want to take? There are also the European History and US History tests.</p>
<p>no euro subject test</p>
<p>Princeton requires of engineering applicants either the chemistry or the physics subject test plus either the math 1 or the math 2 subject test. I believe engineering applicants to most of the selective colleges will need to provide the same.</p>
<p>menloparkmom, I plan on taking the USH test, but we have APUSH at our school so I think I’m covered on that.
Also, from the way it sounds, I guess I better get books for every subject test I’m going to take.
Victor9, I’m interested in something like astrophysics or something like biochem, biotech, or some other medicine thing. Do colleges require certain subject tests for majors like those?</p>
<p>Although I’m not Victor9 you’re definitely looking at at least MathII + a science for those majors. But again it mostly depends on the colleges you want to apply though.</p>
<p>If you are interested in the sciences than it would be a good idea to take math II and the physics subject tests IF you have taken a calculus and the AP Physics class.</p>
<p>^ No calculus on the Math II.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that aside from the languages, there are only eight subject tests: Literature, U.S. History, World History, Math 1, Math 2, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. IMO, for the majors you are considering, math 2 plus chemistry or physics will suffice.</p>
<p>^ If he is trying to get into a very selective college, then taking subject tests in areas outside of his intended major[and doing well in them] will demonstrate a depth as well as breadth of academic strength, something that many top colleges do look for. Taking only math and science tests is not as impressive to adcoms, especially with so many other students taking subject tests in a broad range of areas. Colleges also know that many students change their minds about their majors once they are in college, especially when faced with the reality of how hard some majors can be.</p>
<p>I only plan on taking AP Physics senior year. Should I just self-study for that test then?</p>
<p>are you taking any AP science classes now? if so, then take the corresponding SAT science test[s] for those classes only this year, unless you already know a great deal in a particular area of science [ like Physics] and know that you can “Ace” the test. If you haven’t taken a Physics yet class yet , then I don’t recommend trying to take the subject test. Your grades in the classes you have taken and are taking are FAR more important to colleges than subject tests scores, so don’t get distracted and lose sight of where and how you should be spending your time.</p>
<p>haha your grades in class weigh more than subject test scores? haha</p>
<p>I’m not taking any AP science classes right now, as I’m a sophomore and our school pretty much requires that we take chem honors this year. But I’m pretty good at physics (I self study a little astrophysics outside).</p>
<p>if you are only a sophomore then relax, and when you take an AP class that has a corresponding subject test, then take the subject test in may or june, after taking the AP test, and while the material is still fresh in your mind.</p>