I have two possible test dates coming up: October 7th, and November 4th. Let’s say I try to take the SAT in October, and the subject tests in November; is one month enough time to study for American History and Literature, or would it be a better use of time to just focus on raising my SAT score? I’m sitting at something like 1220 on the SAT practice test I took, and need to bump it up around 300 points; should I take two months to raise it as much as possible and skip the “unnecessary but recommended” subject tests?
Depends on what colleges you’re applying to. If the college requires or recommends subject tests, you better take them.
Like the user above, it really depends on the colleges. Top Tier colleges recommend it( but it really means required).In the end, SAT shows how well you can take a test to a certain extent+analysis +some math skills. While the SAT2 shows your knowledge in certain areas.
I think it would really depend on how much you already know about the subject. The amount of studying I did for Math II and Physics could easily fit within one month, but that’s because I already knew a good amount about the subjects and just had to brush up on a few old things and learn a few new things. Have you taken any practice subject tests?
Depends on the school you’re targeting, but I don’t think just for the reason that you should take it if recommended. If you’re applying to Ivies or the like, having a 1200 on the SAT (even if you somehow did get two 800’s on subject tests) would be almost an automatic rejection. On the other hand, having no subject tests may be a bit of a negative for those schools, but a 1500+ on the SAT will at least put you in the running.
Most students take subject tests after they have taken a course in that area so study time is really just refreshing yourself with the material. If they recommend subject tests, I would recommend you take them but it is not a good idea to pick an area that you haven’t learned already.
@waterbrether725 I probably should’ve just said initially where I was planning on applying to, but I wanted to avoid having to justify my choices haha. I’m aiming for Princeton, and their website states that subject tests are “recommended but not required”. They let low-income students off the hook, and I think that could apply to me, as my mom hasn’t worked for years and I only have a low paying, part time job at present. Plus, the subject tests are offered in a small town dozens of miles away from my city, and I don’t have a car to get there.
@Amduseus My knowledge of U.S history is minimal. Sure, I could tell you about the separation from Great Britain, the Civil War, and perhaps a few other notable details, but nothing in depth. I haven’t formally studied English Literature apart from two classes in my grade 12 year, though I think I could catch on quickly. Unfortunately for me, Philosophy isn’t a subject tested, and World History isn’t offered on the upcoming test dates: I could probably ace both of those without study. I’ve looked at the practice subject tests on College Board’s website, and tried my hand at a few dozen questions to get a feel for it.
@writergirl0316 I checked your profile - nice writing indeed! Yeah, I’m trying for the Ivies, and seeing what the average scores of the admitted students are discomforts me a bit; I had a 97% average in high school, and thought, “well, I have a 4.0 [unweighted] GPA, which is roughly on par with the average Princeton applicant, surely I couldn’t do much worse on the SAT”. I wasn’t anticipating such a low score - it’s the math bogging me down, because I scored 700 on the R&W with some time to spare. I think my EC’s and certain other facets of my life make a compelling case for admission, but like you say, a 1200 SAT would still likely bar me. I think you’re on to something by placing more weight on SAT scores than on the subject tests, it’s what I’m leaning to now. I see you posted a one or two “chance me” threads yourself for elite schools, and your CV is impressive! Best of luck to you!
@123Mom456 I see, thanks. The subject tests would definitely be new territory for me, not refreshers at all.
Thanks for the advice guys and gals! I have two more days to decide if I want to apply to take the subject tests, but I’m leaning towards focusing on the SAT instead.
Thank you for the response. Good luck on what ever tests you decide to take!