<p>Hi guys, I'm thinking of applying to college in the US this autumn as an international student and am considering taking three SAT IIs. However, I know I am good at literature, reasonable at maths (Math I or Math II - not yet decided) but cannot think of a third subject, as I do not do any of these at school.</p>
<p>Is it worth studying for a subject from scratch? For example, if I opt to go with U.S. history, is it worth picking up some study guides with no knowledge at all about the topic (well, I know the Civil War went from 1861-5 but not much else!)? Has anybody done this before?</p>
<p>Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>If you have the motivation, you could self-study one over the summer and take the test in the fall. Which test you take is purely dependent upon your interests.</p>
<p>Yeah you can study from scratch just make sure you know the basics eg: don’t start teaching yourself chinese if you’ve never studied chinese before. Have you thought about taking a science sat? I’ve heard the biology one is pretty easy, just get some book and start studying. Good luck!</p>
<p>I think you could study one of the science one, since you’ve probably learned that in school. World History would be a better option than US History, because with World History you would probably have at least a stronger base.</p>
<p>Actually, I know no science 
However, I’ve bought the biology book for self-study as I got 100% in a couple of my tests back in 9th grade, which was the last time I took a class in that subject! I think biology would be easier as it’s mostly memorisation, as opposed to chemistry and physics, which both require some degree of conceptual understanding.</p>
<p>Many people say that about biology. If you did well when you took biology, even in 9th grade, a little review and some memorization should help you get a fine grade.</p>
<p>Thanks all. I think I’ve decided on the following:</p>
<p>U.S. History
Biology
Literature</p>
<p>Be careful though: Some schools (or majors, programs) require or recommend for you to take the Math II. These are usually tech schools (like CalTech, MIT – not sure exactly which ones though, you can research it on colleges’ websites). So if you know you might want to apply somewhere like that you might want to reconsider.</p>
<p>Literature is really hard…but you said you’re good at it so hopefully it will be a good choice for you.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Oh, I wasn’t planning to apply to any tech schools. I’m very humanities-oriented, so I don’t go near anything like that :)</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>