So I am currently doing the IB Diploma with Math HL and Physics HL and I am working towards applying for a CS major at a US College. My Counsellors said because I’m doing Math Hl and Physics HL I don’t need to take the Physics and Math II SAT Subject tests because those two IB Courses are an even better indicator of performance and they honestly make the 1 hour SAT Tests a bit redundant, right? Most colleges recommend the SAT Subject tests, but don’t require them… and since I’m doing IB Diploma Math HL and Physics HL I DON’T need to take two SAT Subject Tests for applying to US College? (FYI: I’m applying to the best US Colleges)
Yes.
They’re wrong about what colleges want. And if these are paid college counselors, they are doing you a disservice while taking your parents’ hard-earned money.
Actually, most colleges don’t recommend them at all, although many top ranked colleges do. Now you can interpret what “recommended” really means (and it’s been discussed ad nauseum here). But bottom line, the college wants what it wants. If they will accept X in lieu of Y, they will say so. If they don’t say so, then they don’t accept substitutions. But as a general rule, IB coursework is evaluated as part of the schedule rigor/GPA/rank bucket, and Subject Tests are part of the standardized testing bucket, and there is rarely, if ever, overlap between the two.
Those courses are not a substitute for subject tests. If you are applying to schools that require or recommend subject tests, you should take them.
Your counselor is right in a sense…that the IB would be a better indicator.
HOWEVER, colleges have their own rules and it is easier for them to compare apples to apples and compare SAT 2 scores. Only certain colleges ask for SAT 2 scores…and if they say “recommend”, they really mean “We want you to take this, unless something like the ability to take the test because of location or financial reasons prevents you”
If you plan to apply to competitive colleges that require/recommend SATII tests then you should take them.
Yes, they want the subject tests. And no, you won’t have the HL results in time to use them on your app (unless you take a gap year.)
@gardenstategal predicted IB scores are a thing… but seeing that everyone is saying the same thing I dont think predicted or actual IB scores are a substitute for SAT subject Tests
For international universities, true. For most US colleges, they are not considered.