Merits of SAT Subject Tests, and when to take them?

Hello,

Next fall I will be a high school junior, but only very recently have SAT subject tests come to my attention. My school doesn’t seem to talk about them much (not nearly as much as the regular SATs, ACTs, and APs) but online it seems like most people take them and they’re as crucial to the college application process as anything else. So here’s my question: are they worth it?

This past year I took AP US History, and I’ll be getting my test results back in a few weeks. I always did very well in the class and I’m pretty confident that I passed the exam. Since I took the AP US, should I also take the SAT US History test? I honestly have no idea whether it would be beneficial, or if they would seen as the same thing and disregarded. I’ll also be taking AP World History next year, along with IB Physics and my school’s equivalent of AP English Composition and Language. Should I do subject tests in those, too?

My other question is: when should I start taking the SAT and ACT? I took the pre-ACT last year, and this fall I’ll take the PSAT. Thoughts?

Thanks!

You can start taking SAT or ACT this winter; I personally took each once in Spring of junior year. But take it in fall or winter first if you think you want to take it multiple times. You should probably only take one of the tests. If you are satisfied with your PLAN score, focus on the ACT. If not, take a practice SAT at home to see how you do (or wait for results of PSAT). Keep in mind that if you do well on the PSAT you can get National Merit, so that favors SAT. It’s up to you though; a lot of people I know, myself included, have done better on the ACT but it’s a personal preference.

Typically, only the more selective colleges will require or recommend subject tests. They are not nearly as crucial as some would lead you to believe. Some colleges, even Ivies (I think Brown) accept just the ACT in lieu of SAT+2subjects. Even if they want subjects, they mainly want 2. (Although I believe Georgetown as an exception requires 3.) But if you’re applying to a lot of private colleges, I suggest you take either Math 1 or 2, AND any science or history or lit. The latter depends on what your prospective field is in, or just take something you like. I would take the tests in May or June of your junior year, since high level information is fresh in your brain.
Check out some of the older threads for more info about Subject tests-- a lot of their value hinges in your economic status, other stats, and where you are applying.