I read on the website that for some courses (i.e physics) taking the SAT 2 test for the course and getting a certain score, in this case a 550, it satisfies a whole year of the course. How do they calculate this in the GPA (score conversion rate or some other method), and can it replace a regular grade if you actually took the course? Confused atm and thanks for advice
You can use the Physics SAT subject test to fulfill the a-g course requirements (d) Laboratory Science requirement but it does not replace a grade in a HS physics course nor does it impact your UC GPA. It is another way to fulfill the minimum a-g course requirements only. If you took a Physics class, it could showcase your knowledge of the subject but competitive scores would be in the 700’s. Also depending upon intended major, some SAT 2 subject tests are recommended to be a competitive applicant.
Each test clears one year of (d) requirement:
Biology: Score of 540
Chemistry: Score of 530
Physics: Score of 530
Recommended Subject tests for UCB:
College of Chemistry and College of Engineering: Math Level 2 and a science test (Biology E/M, Chemistry, or Physics) closely related to the applicant’s intended major.