<p>Hi! So I'm a rising senior, planning on applying to colleges as an engineering major (thinking electrical right now). I'm planning on applying to some top tier schools that require 2 subject tests. I know for engineering the Math 2 SAT II test and a science SAT II test are highly recommended, basically expected, but I have some issues.</p>
<p>At my HS, I'm on track for the IB diploma. I finished Math SL this year, so I'm confident I'm prepared for the Math 2 test, but my problem comes with the science. I took Biology HL junior year but I have only finished one of two years of study that will conclude with my senior year, so I don't feel comfortable taking the Biology SAT II. I'm taking Physics SL in senior year, but have little prior knowledge in the area so I definitely don't want to take the Physics SAT II. I took Chemistry SL in junior year but chemistry is definitely not my strong suit and I'm afraid of what a Chemistry SAT II score would look like for me. </p>
<p>I don't know what to do about this science SAT II because I know I will be at a disadvantage if I don't report a science score as an engineering applicant, but I don't feel I could put up a good score in any of the three sciences right now. I was thinking about taking the French and Literature subject tests as well if that makes a difference. </p>
<p>Should I go for a science or just stick with Math II and Lit/French? </p>
<p>I was actually looking at a college website that I had planned on applying Early Action to website, and found that I had to take subject tests for it. I literally just went online and found the recommended Math II and Chemistry books and signed up for the June 7th SAT on June 1 and just read through those and took a practice test when I was finished. I felt that the books that they recommended really helped me out. I feel confident that I did at least better than a 750.</p>
<p>Make a spreadsheet of the schools you want to apply to and determine which schools need which subject tests. If you want to apply to one that needs a physical science SAT II, then you’d better take Chemistry. It’s your only option. Basically, if you don’t meet the testing requirements for having a complete application, then you shouldn’t apply. </p>
<p>There are plenty of great schools that don’t require subject tests at all, so the choice is yours. </p>
<p>I think you should start by taking a practice test in Chemistry and Biology and see how you do. Buy prep books, which is not a big investment of money, to help you get a sense of how well prepared you are. This is a good idea anyway since you are not taking the test immediately after the course finishes, so the prep books will help you refresh your memory. Sign up for the October 11 testing date. Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but I think you can walk in and take a different subject test than the one you signed up for. If your intended schools don’t require all scores, you could take both Chem and Bio and see which one you do better at. </p>
<p>@Corinthian that is correct and you can also end up taking more than what you signed up for too a maximum of 3. They will bill you later if you end up taking more than what you signed up for. </p>
<p>Most engineering schools that require science SAT II they mean chem or physics and NOT biology. Of course there are exceptions and you could still do Bio, they are not going to disqualify you BUT they would prefer chem or physics. You have the summer ahead. I think if you get a chem prep book and study you can do well. I think bypassing the science sat II for an engineering candidate is a bit risky. </p>
<p>Thanks everyone for the feedback. I just got my IB scores back for Math SL and Chemistry SL. I got a 6 in math and a 4 in chemistry (like I said, chem is not my strong suit). I’m going to get a chemistry prep book and prepare for the Chem SAT II as I think it’s my best bet. I’m also going to take Math 2 and either Literature or French. </p>