We are trying to figure out if our S19 should move forward with taking a series of SAT 2 tests. He took the Biology SAT after freshman year and did ok but not great (700). This year, we were planning on him taking Math 2 and Chem. He will just be finishing up Pre-Calc Honors and Chem Honors so this is the right year to take these tests. Next year, he would probably take US History and English.
My question is, though, are these important for schools that say they “consider” them? Some schools require them. Some schools recommend them. And some schools will consider them if sent. Most of the schools on his tentative list “consider” them.
I’m starting to think that, if you’re not sending a score close to 800, you wouldn’t send it. I’m talking about schools like Wash U, Carelton, Davidson, and Wake Forest. I hesitate to have him spend a ton of time studying for them. The SAT 2 date is the same week as finals for him. I bought books for him to review but, when he glanced through them, he said that he hasn’t covered everything on these tests in school this year so it would require at least some time.
What if we just bag these tests? If he has a strong GPA and a high SAT score, does it really matter if he takes SAT 2s for these types of schools?
It won’t really hurt you to not send them, and for the SAT Chem, I would take it after AP Chem just to be safe. I am taking AP Chem this year and am going to take the SAT Chem test with little need to study. The Math II test is supposed to be based on Pre-Cal but if he hasn’t seen the material yet I wouldn’t be so sure about taking it. If you feel the time it would take him to study for these could be used to raise his SAT score or his finals grades even higher then I would do that. If it would only take a week or two of studying for the SAT II tests then I would go for those as they could spice up his application.
I agree about the Chem. At our high school, though, you have to take Chem H before AP Chem and, if he takes AP Chem, it will be senior year - too late for apps. As for studying for Math II, I guess I could ask him how much time he would really need to study after looking at these questions. Good point about Pre-Calc and the final. I will ask him if studying for the Math II test could also help him for his final.
I guess my real question still remains though- how much do having these really matter if all other scores are high? I hate having him take extra tests, especially if studying for them takes away time studying for finals which are very important to his semester grade.
What about having him take a couple in August or in the fall? If it were my kiddo, I would not have him take them in the middle of finals. Also, for schools that just “consider” them, I read that as if they are great scores, it will help, but no big deal if you don’t send any.
@suzy100 Yes. I’ve thought of August. Just thought June would be better since Pre-Calc and Chem will be fresh. I feel like he would need to study more if taking them in August since he would probably have to review more. Plus, he’s studying for the SAT this summer to take in August and I don’t think they can take SAT and SAT 2s on the same date. Could you imagine? :((
They are just another data point for the adcom to consider. I also think he should just take the SAT II during the first fall tests, which will be in plenty of time for applications and he can study over the summer. Admissions are too competitive not to provide as much information as possible.
My vote would be to take them in June when the material is fresh. Not everyone has had the same content, and the scoring reflects that. A score in the 700s will not break an application and it’s best to have the scores in the event they are needed.
If you end up needing them, you don’t need five. Schools with specific requirements ask for two or three.
Have him do one test in June and maybe another next year if he wants to try to top his bio score.
@AroundHere I think that makes sense. If he doesn’t end up focusing on science in college, then maybe we would just send a Math II and then English and History. He will most likely apply to college undecided to a LAC and, for those that just “consider” the SAT 2s, they don’t ask for any particular number of tests.
First, it depends on the school. There was a report from several years ago that 95% of admitted students at Stanford submitted SAT2 although it is only recommended.
Second, good score(s) would help admission while bad score(s) may not hurt (particularly if not submitted.
Third, even if it is not required, good SAT2 scores would help the school to distinguish among top students for merit aids. When they are looking at the top 1-2% students that all have great scores and GPA, anything that makes you stand out helps.