International Student Taking US Hist SAT Subject Test?

Student Lounge International Students
1

<p>Hello, </p>

<p>I'm an international student and I'm trying to figure out which SAT Subject Tests to take. I'm good at Math, so Math II for sure. I'm also good at languages, so I'm taking the German and Spanish (native) written, and Chinese and French with listening and I'll see where I do best. I might submit Spanish as a supplement, as it's my native language and I'm sure I'll get an 800. </p>

<p>However, I feel that just math and a language would be too weak for the two required tests, so I was thinking of taking World History, since I'm average in science but love history. However, World History is only offered in June and December. I can't take the June SAT as I'm gonna be abroad, and the December date is too late for ED/EA apps. So I was thinking of self-studying for US History instead? I've never taken a US History course and I only know the basics of US Hist, which I've learned in previous World History courses. So basically, would it be worth it to self-study for US Hist? And how would the admission board see it, since I've never taken any US Hist courses? </p>

<p>Oh, and by the way, how may tests should I take/submit, granted that I perform well in all of them (700+)? The more the merrier, or are the ones after the third superfluous? </p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Take the number and types of exams that the colleges/universities you are applying to require. </p>

<p>If you read through the college/university website and find that you can eliminated a foreign language requirement, or place into a higher level course in that language based on a specific SAT II score, it may be worth the effort to take an extra foreign language exam.</p>

<p>I would not recommend American History as an exam for an international student who has not been studying in US schools. You would need to teach yourself the equivalent of a full year (or more) of classroom material. Certainly you have better uses of your time than that!</p>

3

<p>Yeah, I guess I agree with you regarding US History. I’ll probably be better off if I spend that time studying for the SAT reasoning test instead. </p>

<p>Let’s say I end up submitting 800 Math and 800 French, how would I compare against a student who submitted 800 Math and 800 Physics? I’ve heard language tests are infinitely easier than science/math/history tests, so would that put me at a disadvantage against the other student?</p>

4

<p>It really depends on the student. I think sciences are way easier than foreign language ones, especially if you’re not a native speaker</p>