<p>So I'm contemplating whether or not I should take Chinese or USH. I'm a Chinese Born American (Born in USA) and my reading isn't that great. I usually score 720ish on the practice tests for Chinese. I also did not take any APUSH courses. Would it be in my best interest to take Chinese or USH? If USH how would I prepare for an 800? I have AMSCO but, as an AP book, wouldn't AMSCO contain some superfluous information that is not needed on SAT II History? What other books should I get?</p>
<p>AMSCO+Practice Tests=800?</p>
<p>Thanks CC!
Jason</p>
<p>Edit: For those 800ers who self studied how long did it take you?</p>
<p>While I did not self study AP US History, I did get an 800 and I mastered the material pretty well. The best way to ace the SAT II is to use AMSCO. I know its AP, but the material covered on SAT IIs is so varied and can be so surprising that there is virtually no such thing as superfluous information for the US SAT II. I would reccomend reading both Barrons and AMSCO. If you know both of these books, then you will definitely score remarkably well on the test.</p>
<p>As for Chinese, as long as you are a non-native speaker I would reccomend taking it. I know the percentiles are rediculous, but scoring around a 720 is very impressive for a non-native speaker.</p>
<p>I agree with what jammer11 said. I didn’t self-study USH either, but I received an 800 on the June test. I recommend studying from AMSCO and then reviewing from REA’s Crash Course. Although they are books are for the AP, they both cover most of the information you’ll see on the SAT II. </p>
<p>
I agree. IMO, a 700+ on any language test for a non-native speaker is impressive.</p>
<p>^^
Thanks guys for all the help. I’m still Chinese however.How would colleges know whether I am a “non-native” speaker or not? The language I speak in my house is Chinese too. I speak fluently I just can’t read. Would this look bad on a college application/Should I still take Chinese? I already have Chem and Math down so I just need 1 more subject test. I heard colleges only look at the best 3 scores (Academic Index) so would taking Chinese for a 720 when I could potentially get a much higher score in USH be worth it?</p>
<p>In addition, I do have AMSCO. It’s quite hefty. How would one go about learning all the material? Should I break it down to 2 chapters everyday with heavy outlining? </p>
<p>Thanks!
Jason</p>
<p>I assume you’re applying to Georgetown then?</p>
<p>I am British Chinese (though I can’t speak or read any Chinese at all), though I would personally go for doing US History (which I am doing right now). If you’re Chinese, whether or not you’re a non-native speaker it will look bad if you fail to get 800 on it in my opinion, not to mention that the scores for Chinese are extremely skewed upwards.</p>
<p>Large percentage of students taking the language tests get 800 because they are already fluent in the language.</p>
<p>Taking US History might be better since it is a level playing field to start with.</p>
<p>If I remember correctly, Georgetown is one that wants 3 subject tests. Have you consider all the subjects that you are already taking classes so you don’t have to self study?</p>
<p>Yeah, Georgetown is the only school that requires three subject tests as fair as I know.</p>
<p>
Whatever works for you. I just read it once to supplement what I did in class</p>
<p>I am not applying to Georgetown but rather to NYU and some of the ivies. I know that only 2 are required but I heard 3 tests are highly recommended.</p>