<p>I'm a rising senior, and I plan on applying to top 15-20 schools next year. I understand that some schools require 2 SAT2's, and others prefer it heavily. I still have to take the SAT1's again this october. When should I take the SAT2's? I don't have any prep material, so I don't think I'd be able to take the SAT2's on the 2nd of June. I plan on taking Bio M, Bio E, and possibly Math 2. I'm worried that it would be too late when I take them next year. Any suggestions, or advice?</p>
<p>First of all, do not apply to 15-20 schools. Trust me, it will be a lot of work so I think it’ll be a good idea to apply to 10-12 at the most. I’m a rising senior too, and I’ve narrowed my list to 10 schools (2 safety, 3 mid, 5 very selective). Also, I have taken the Math II, World History, and Bio M subject tests. I would definitely recommend taking Math II and Bio M because they have a nice curve (-5 or so for Math is still an 800, -2 for Bio M is an 800). Given your situation, I would try to take the subject tests as early as possible after you have taken your SAT I, so take them in November and spend some of your summer studying for these tests! Good luck!</p>
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<p>Agree, between classes, standardized testing and applications, you are highly unlikely to be able to produce that many quality applications. I suggest you bring it down to no more than a dozen.</p>
<p>Unless you are on a serious FA hunt, 15-20 is brutal. DS did 20 and it was difficult. Almost 1/2 those schools then asked for additional essays for the merit aid, and those were due during a very busy senior year. Make sure that you focus on finding a safety that you love.
Did you take the Biology this year? June would be a good time to take any class that you just wrapped up, but the first two test dates should be fine, unless you are trying to apply to most schools EA.</p>
<p>Thanks for the feedback guys. I took honors bio my sophomore year. My school doesn’t have many AP classes, but I recently got AP Bio approved for next year, so I’ll be taking that next year. I’m concerned that I’m not on track, and feel as if I’m a bit late on things.</p>
<p>If your list of schools is at 15-20 then maybe you haven’t whittled your list based on what they offer you.</p>
<p>You can take the SAT at October and take the SAT IIs at November. The latter will be sent to your ED/EA schools on time, assuming nothing extraordinary happens.</p>
<p>I’m sorry, I should’ve edited the original post. I intended to say that I was be applying to schools that are in the top 15-20 ranks. I plan on applying to about 7 schools, but they vary in rank in the top 15-20 schools. Ex: Berkeley, Brown, Cornell, GA Tech, etc.</p>
<p>Take them in November/December. Scores will be available in time. They’re part of the application that is usually accepted a little after the deadline anyway. I did the December test date, waited for scores to be available online for ScoreChoice, and still sent them in time for apps (though after the hard deadline).</p>
<p>The best time to take the SAT II is right after you finish the related class in HS. If there is nothing you can get out of the way right now, pick up an SAT II prep book at your public library, and take a look at the exams. You might find that the exams you are contemplating are not that hard or that they will only require minimal review.</p>
<p>This summer, before things get too busy, start a spreadsheet with schools you are considering applying to. Put down their application deadlines, what standardized tests they require or recommend, if they use the common application or their own application, the application fee, etc. If you are applying for financial aid, look up the requirements/deadlines for that - FAFSA only, or both FAFSA and CSS Profile, when tax returns are due. Is there a separate deadline/application process for merit scholarships?</p>
<p>You can also include other information that might be helpful on the spreadsheet - how the school handles AP scores, what their degree requirements/mandatory general education requirements are.</p>
<p>Most schools take the ACT with writing - depending on where you plan to apply, you may not need to take SAT subject tests. There are online quizzes that predict if you are more likely to score better on the ACT or the SAT.</p>
<p>If you decide to apply early decision anywhere, the deadlines for the application and to have all testing completed will be earlier. Look at the schedules for both the SAT and the ACT to determine what test dates are possibilities.</p>
<p>You will have a less stressful time if you do a little research and organization now. You don’t want to be in the situation where you realize you have missed deadlines.</p>
<p>Make sure you apply early to a school with rolling admission, and schools where you are likely to be admitted. If you are applying to schools which rank in the top 15-20 you may have a brutal outcome. One of my S’s best friends, with an unweighted 4.0 GPA and tons of achievements, was waitlisted at every top school he applied to, including Cornell, Brown, Princeton, and Dartmouth. He wasn’t rejected by any of them. He wasn’t admitted to any of them, either.</p>
<p>Oh wow. Thanks a lot. I’ll definitely start organizing.</p>