<p>Is it bad if you take two tests in the same subject area? For example, chem and bio are both in the same subject (science). Is it ok to take both? Thanks.</p>
<p>chem and bio are okay. nothing to worry about.</p>
<p>That is not a problem at all. Most students take SAT II exams in similar subjects - Bio and Chem, US History and World History, etc. </p>
<p>The only time it is not recommended is when a student submits both Math I and Math II -- it is a bit redundant.</p>
<p>Haha, I took Math I and Math II. I took them because I applied for a BME major and on the Johns Hopkins University website it said that they look for strong math and science candidates so I felt as if Math I was not sufficient.</p>
<p>That seems fine but don't take Math I and math II.</p>
<p>No prob.</p>
<p>Advice: Choose subjects that you know you will do well in, or are atleast interested in. Don't worry about the easiest test or which one has the best scale etc... and don't forget to actually study haha.</p>
<p>Question from a mom, for anyone:
My DD, a junior, will be tested out the wazoo in May for AP tests in Math, English, Bio. and U.S. History. Add the SAT in March, for the second time. And the ACT, sometime, maybe. I'm assuming she should take a couple of SAT IIs in June. Am I recommending to her unnecessary testing, or are those SAT IIs really needed on top of AP tests?</p>
<p>purplexed mom-</p>
<p>In my part of the country (East Coast), ACT isn't as common as it is further west, though some kids do better on it than the SAT.</p>
<p>Most schools ask for no more than two SAT II scores with the addition of writing to the SAT I, but Hopkins "recommends" three SAT II's in their usual legalistic manner:</p>
<p>
[quote]
Freshman Applicants
SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT with Writing Test is required.</p>
<p>For those submitting SAT scores, Hopkins recommends submitting SAT Subject Test scores, and if submitted, requests results from three tests. Applicants should select Subject Tests that demonstrate their mastery of a specific area of study or convey their academic interests.</p>
<p>Applicants interested in an engineering major should submit scores from the Mathematics Level 2 exam and at least one science exam.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>June would be a great time for you D to take the SAT II's. If she studies for AP tests in the subjects you listed, she should be ready for the US history and biology SAT II tests a couple of weeks after the APs. (They changed the dates--my S took the US History SAT II test the day after he took the APUSH test; got a 4 on the AP, 760 on the SAT II). I'm not positive about the overlap between the Biology AP and SAT II, though, so check into that.</p>
<p>If your D is taking Calculus now, she may have forgotten the "easier" math (trig formulas, etc.) that are on the Math IIC and may need to spend some time re-learning it. The Math IC content is easier, but has a tough curve--easy to make a couple of stupid mistakes and drop your score. The IIC curve is much more forgiving and is requested for JHU engineering majors. </p>
<p>Also, ask yourselves if March is the best time to retake the SAT, though I guess you are probably already signed up? Could do practice tests over the summer and retake in the fall (don't wait too late--weather problems, stress...)</p>
<p>Good luck to you both!</p>
<p>Thanks, Dad'o'2.</p>
<p>On the upside: if March SAT is good, then DD will have confidence for SAT IIs and a summer to focus on other things. If March SAT is not so good (and studies show that's more likely since it'll be her second time), DD will know all summer that she needs to prepare hard for an early fall SAT date. Then time for any EA applications before Halloween will be available. At least that's my thinking, and coincides with a SAT prep class done in the dark of winter when distractions are relatively minimal.</p>
<p>Good points on the math review and test comparisons, and she'll look further into the Bio. First year bio was two years ago, and Calc I was a year ago, so there is indeed a gap of math review between the basic SAT stuff and the things she's doing now. Current bio teacher says she'll do review stuff in May. Talented math kid doesn't want to be an engineer, unfortunately, and thinks for pre-med that she'll want math and basic bio again in college. But as other students have said at CC, she's thinking too far ahead on that. She should take the tests and make decisions later.</p>
<p>I long for the days when test prep was just a good night's sleep and a good breakfast.</p>
<p>Excellent response Dad'o'2 -- I could not have stated it any better. And some great advice that hopefully people will listen to.</p>
<p>purplexed: I think you have gotten some great advice that I do not need to add to - and I completely agree with you when you say that your daughter should take the test and then make decisions later. </p>
<p>In my years of experience, the traditional student does the following and typically performs the best with such a schedule (not sure if this will help, but it might) ---</p>
<p>Fall/Spring of Junior Year (March/April): 1st official SAT Reasoning exam and/or ACT exam.
If cost is not an issue, I do recommend students experience both exams and see which they do the best on -- in most cases the scores will be similar on conversion charts. </p>
<p>Spring of Junior Year (May/June): 1st official SAT II subject exams.
I think it is better to take SAT IIs now then repeating the SAT I. Experience these other exams now rather than repeating an exam where you probably will not improve much in such a short span of time.</p>
<p>Fall of Senior Year (Sept/Oct): Repeat of either SAT I and/or ACT.
In most cases I think it is good to take the main exams twice. Why? Well, in the spring of junior year I student is at the end of their junior year studies and may feel overwhelmed. Plus, it is there first official time with the exams probably. Taking the exam in the start of their senior year there is more familiarity with the exam, time to prep better, and there has been academic maturity.</p>
<p>Fall of Senior Year (Nov/Dec): Time to take the main exams a third time if really necessary or time to take SAT II subject exams. </p>
<p>Hope that helps. In the end, a student should gauge their testing step-by-step and use their guidance counselors for advice along the way. Yes there is over-testing, and students should realize that going in. If it becomes a huge deal where it is affecting their other academic work and non-academic experiences, then there should be an evaluation of whether all the testing will be worth it. </p>
<p>Best of luck to you and your daughter.</p>