Hi everyone,
I plan on going into pre med so I need to take the SAT 2 Chemistry test. I’m looking at many straight BS/MD programs and some of them require the SAT 2 Chemistry so I must take it.
To be competitive for these highly selective programs I want to get an 800 on the exam.
The problem is, I’m a junior right now. I took Chemistry Honors as a sophomore but I feel like I barely learned anything and won’t be prepared for the SAT 2 Chemistry test. The chemistry department at my school is just horrendous.
This year my schedule looks like:
Medical Interventions
Biomedical Innovations
Honors Anatomy and Physiology
Free Block
AP US History
AP English Language and Composition
AP Physics 2
AP Calculus BC
I just don’t think there is a gap for AP Chemistry in this schedule. I feel if I take AP Chem I will be really well prepared for the test. I plan to take it online because like I said above our school’s chemistry department is a waste.
Do you guys think I need to take AP Chem before I take the SAT 2 Chemistry? If so, which of these courses should I drop? (I won’t be able to take AP chem senior year because then college applications would’ve passed by the time I take the subject test)
If not, what prep books/material would you guys recommend that I buy so that I can get a perfect on the exam? Any additional resources?
Thanks.
@Bahubalo
SAT2 chemistry is a high school test while AP chem is a college test. I have taken both and I can tell you the SAT2 is far easier than the ap exam. Think of it like this 1,2,3 in terms of difficulty(1 being easiest 3 being the hardest)
1.Honors
2.SAT Chem
3.AP Chem
You will need to know more information that just a regular chemistry honors class to get a 800 on the SAT chem
Luckily for you, AP Chem is the only AP class that I have found that has a free course on youtube. Many people who have gotten 5s(personal experiene) have used these videos. Its a full course for AP Chem.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVqkjsKI25jyqiW-GtjnpVv5BtYy1aRB_(Her videos are good)
if you want an online textbook,here it is
https://www.westminsterpublicschools.org/cms/lib/CO01001133/Centricity/Domain/398/AP%20Chemistry%20Zumdahl%20Textbook.pdf
Barrons is #1. Its harder than the actual test. I would suggest Barrons for any test you take(SAT,SAT2,APs)
PR is alright but i feel PR is too easy.
I dont have enough experience with Kaplan so.
I recommend Barrons for SAT2.
Remember, anything is possible as long as you put your mind to it. If you really want that 5 and you put in the work, you will get that 5.
@waterbrether725
Hey man I really appreciate your help! It’s very relieving to hear that the SAT Chemistry subject test is easier than the actual AP Chem course/exam.
So what you’re saying I could do is use the free block I have above as independent study time for AP Chem, as you said those 2 resources are extremely good. Then I can take the AP test May of 2018 and around that time I can take the SAT Chem subject test as well? Based on the info you’ve provided (and your prior experience) if I focus on getting a 5 on AP Chem I should be able to do fine on the SAT 2 Chem test.
If this is what you’re offering can you confirm?
And one last doubt. I presume that if you Independent study AP Chem won’t show up on your transcript? Is this fine (colleges will see an AP score and SAT 2 subject test score instead)? Is there anyway to get a grade for it?
Once again thank you so much for providing these sources!
@Bahubalo Hmm lets add khanacademy to those sources. Now you have 3 great sources. If you get a 5 on the AP exam and not an 800(atleast 760+) on the sat2, theres something wrong. If you self study AP chem,you are right that it wont show up but when you submit it to colleges, you can write in your application “AP Chemistry was selfstudy” or the colleges will pick up on the AP chem class missing and could conclude that you selfstudied.
Also I can confirm that these sources are credible and you could get a 5 with them but the 5 is up to you. But theres also one thing missing. That is Previous Exam tests. Link below gives some fo those past frqs
Let me advise you: In February, you should start looking at the FRQs on the college board website. Do all of them for the last 6-8 years.
Also if your school offfers AP Chem but you cant take the class, tell the teacher about the self study plan and maybe she could hook you up with some extra resources. You cant find practice multiple choice online but teachers have acces to that information.
I can 90% tell you that if you can get your teacher to give you extra resources in addition to the ones that I have stated, you will most likely get a 5.
Remember that AP chem is not only concept. There are some lab questions. You might need your teachers help with the labs. The labs arent really a big portion of the test but you need to guarantee that you can walk in the test 100% preprared
@waterbrether725
Ok thank you man. You’ve layed it out pretty clearly for me.
School just started for me and I went through all my classes. I think I’ll be able to manage a 5th AP course if I just self study. If I ever get stuck I’ll just ask the AP chem teachers at my school for help, additional resources, or lab materials.
I plan on recruiting like 2-3 of my close, motivated friends who would be interested in self studying AP Chem as well. This will help us all keep on track and get a 5 on the exam.
Finally, since I’m going to do pre-med, do you think colleges will be fine with not seeing a grade for AP Chem or seeing that you didn’t take it in an actual class (physical or online)?
Thanks.
@Bahubalo Colleges dont care about the class grade.Class grade is only for GPA. Thats the only place it matters. Working with 2-3 other people is a great idea. This way if one of you slack off, then the others can set the person back on track.
If colleges see a 5, they will look at you higher than someone with a 4.0 in AP chem and a 5 on the exam just because you self studied.Self studying shows colleges that you can handle college level courses by yourself(a trait which they are infact looking for,especially those Ivys).
You seem pretty set. Follow the steps that I gave plus advice from your APChem teacher, and you’ll be fine as long as you dont procrastinate.
Since this isvery important, I advise you to make sure you practice old exams.
If i find anymore information, ill send it to you.
Im doing pre med as well!