SAT and Subject Tests on the Same Day??

Test Preparation
1

<p>I registered for the June SAT but I don't know if that's a good idea. I heard that it was better to take it that time (I'm a junior) so if I decide to apply early, my application will be in with the SAT scores before the November deadline. But I still need to take at least 3 SAT subject tests (US History, Math II, and Biology) but the closest days are May and June. Since the AP Exams are in the beginning of May, I don't think I'll be prepared that early and I just want to concentrate on my AP exams.</p>

<p>I want to take the SAT subject tests in June but I already signed up for the actual SAT. Should I just move the SAT to October and pay extra $26 or just take the June SAT and the SAT Subject Tests in October? But that means I would have to remember all the material... Thank you!</p>

2

<p>You cannot take both SAT and SAT subject tests on same day. As to the issue of by when you need to take tests if you intend to apply early action or early decision with schools that have Nov 1 application deadlines for their early programs, be aware that all of them take through the Oct test and the majority of them even take Nov tests for their early programs. The application deadline is not the deadline by when test scores must be in their hands.</p>

3

<p>You should have taken the SAT at least once before April. Anyway, it is too late to change the game plan. Here are a few options:

  1. If you are taking APUSH and AP Biology right now, go for the subject tests in May. You do not need much more time in studying other than doing a few practice tests on each subject. This way would allow you to take SAT1 in June with an optional retake in October (or later). As SAT1 scores are much more critical than subject tests and the best time to take subject test is in May/June of the semester you are taking the corresponding AP classes.
  2. Take the subject test in June and spend the whole summer to prep for SAT1 thoroughly. This way you should have a better performance in subject test and AP test (which is the least critical for school application). But then, you don’t have much room for mistake in SAT1. You really need to work hard in the Summer to be sure to achieve a good score in SAT1.</p>

<ol>
<li>Move the SAT1 to October and take subject test in June. But sign up for the ACT in June which is a week later. You don’t have to use SAT1 score for school application. This would give you an additional opportunity. If the ACT score is bad, just forget about it. You don’t have to report it if you are going to have a better SAT1 score.</li>
</ol>

<p>If I were you, I will go with option 3.</p>

4

<p>I already took the SAT twice and got 2110 on my second one. Should I still go with option 3 and try the ACT plus writing section?</p>

5

<p>SAT 2110 is pretty good. Does it match up with your expectation from practice? If you are already thoroughly prepared for SAT1 and consistently getting a higher practice scores, you are definitely ready to retake it in May or June. If not, I don’t see the point in retaking it soon. Subject test and AP should have a higher priority since you’ve already got a decent SAT 1 score. Taking ACT in June is still an option which has no conflict with AP or subject tests. You still have 1 week to do a bunch of practice tests to get familiar with the format. The bottom line is, you got 2110 in SAT already. Remember you have already taken SAT twice, this should be your last attempt if you are retaking. While ACT is a new game field for you.
Remember, ACT (or any test) is not a test for luck. If you are thinking of retaking it before you see the score, it makes me feel you were not thoroughly prepared for the test. It is not a lotto, simply retaking it would not give you a much higher chance.</p>

6

<p>

Why?</p>

<p>I’ve heard this advice on numerous occasions.</p>

<p>Yet, I’ve worked with lots of students who show significant improvement after taking the test 3 times.</p>

<p>I’ve also heard “people” say that admissions committees “don’t like it” when students take the ACT or SAT more than 3 times or “too many” times. Yet, I have never heard an admissions officer admit that consistent improvement on the SAT (beyond 3 test dates) would be perceived negatively. In my experience, I’ve worked with a number of students who have taken the SAT more than 3 times…who have done quite well in the admissions process. (I realize that this evidence is purely anecdotal, and we’ll never really know if those students would have done even better in the admissions process had they taken the test fewer times.)</p>