Hi everyone. I took subject tests in chemistry and math II in June, and I still need to take a third subject test because I want to apply to Georgetown. The only issue is that I am not enrolled in an AP that correlates with a third test. I know some of you are thinking, “oh, if you took an honors class though, you will be fine;” however, at my school, honors classes aren’t that rigorous (they may as well be called regular), so if you are not in an AP for a certain subject, you won’t get a high score on the subject test.
As I see it, I have a couple of options. First, I could take Lit as you don’t need to be in the AP for that test, but I got a 670 (which isn’t that great) on the CollegeBoard’s practice test. Second, I could take Spanish without listening as I am in Spanish 5 at my school, but I also got a 670 on the test in the CollegeBoard’s practice book. Third, and what I am leaning towards unless persuaded otherwise, I should self-study (i.e. study from a prep book without taking the class). I could potentially self-study for two tests: biology and United States history. The only reason why I could self-study these tests is because I took both of those classes freshmen year (I am a rising senior now) and could potentially study for those subjects with some ease.
If anyone has an opinion on what I should do, please comment below. Just clarifying, I am fine with taking Lit or Spanish if you think that is the best option; I do not want you all thinking that I really want to self-study for a test, but if that is my best option, then I will gladly do it.
Lastly, some of you might be thinking, “why not just take math I?” To answer that, I already did and got a 750 on it sophomore year, but my counselor says I cannot send both math tests to colleges, so that option is out.
If you don’t have any AP’s that correspond to the subject tests, I don’t think you can get around studying. Judging by your Math 1 score, if you’ve taken any physics (and still remember some formulas) it might be worthwhile to try out a practice test. The math isn’t terribly difficult, though you do need to know formulas and a couple of concepts like electromagnetism and lenses. If you don’t have any physics yet, I’d suggest taking a USH and Bio practice test- I was actually considering taking the French w/o listening until I took a practice exam and I realized I didn’t know as much as I thought I did. If any of the practice tests are over 670, I’d stick with the highest one and just study, study study.
On the off chance you don’t already know, early action applicants CAN apply with only two subjects, though it is recommended you sign up for a third in case you are deferred to the regular deadline.
@CacaoNut13 Thank you for replying. I really am thankful for your advice. I was not planning on applying early action to Georgetown, but because it is summer and I will have a lot of time to study, I thought why not and start studying now to get the third test over in the early fall. I’m going to do what you said and take practice tests in bio and USH and see what I get; hopefully, one of the tests with be in the 700s. Thank you again.
I took 3 subject tests and got 670 on math and bio, but i got a 780 on ush. Granted history is my best subject and i studied a lot for that test, but i think us history would be your best option. It isnt tricky and doesnt test esoteric topics. I took AP Bio and there was still a ton of stuff on the subject test i didnt know. If you want a very high score on sat us history, i recommend AMSCO (its the most popular apush review book and many classes use it ad an apush text book) for a thorough introduction of the material and then the kaplan sat ush for a succint review + practice tests. Good luck! I also have to take another subject test and am not looking forward to it (and don’t know which one to take)