SAT Biology - to be or not to be?

My child is taking Honors Biology and the teacher recommended taking SAT Biology (M) at the end of the year. My child is not aiming ivies, but there is a possibility of appying to BS/MD (depending on future grades). If that will be the case, would SAT Biology test be beneficial?

@2018Summer2018 It helps. Consider taking SAT II for BIO and CHEM. But make sure to take the test after preparation is done and not just give it a try and see the outcome.

@GoldenRock , of course, preparation would be necessary! Do students normally take SAT II Biology after Honors Biology class or AP Biology class?

I have a short term memory. so I don’t remember when my D did.
Hopefully some students can respond to you. Make sure the tests are taken at least before starting the senior year (even if AP classes are going to be taken in Senior year).

Thank you for your reply!
Hopefull other members can add more info.

@2018Summer2018

You haven’t stated which grade your C currently in. You have to weigh in if he/she has enough time to wait to complete an AP. I have a feeling that if their teacher is recommending, the curriculum should be sufficient. However some kids prefer to wait for better maturity in test taking, to add further exposure and depth to more topics, more practice etc. Personal choice.

My C took 2 science/math subject tests in sophomore high school year, both asked for certain BS/MD programs. During that year did AP in one and honors in the other. Scored a perfect score in one and 10 points short in the other.

OP - the answer is absolutely YES. Honor Bio is enough for taking SAT Bio subject test, no need to wait for AP Bio. In our area, Honor Bio is typically taught at 9th grade, so that will be the first SAT test kids are sitting.

Your kid’s teacher gives great advice - take the SAT subject test at the end of that school year while the knowledge still fresh in the brain. In our area, teachers offer extra help sessions for kids who are sitting for SAT subject tests.

In our area, SAT Bio is taken at end of 9th grade, SAT Chem/Physics/Calc are at end of 10/11th grades, SAT is typically at end of 10th grade. This way, by the time the kids applying to colleges at beginning of 12th grade, they’d have finished all the SAT tests already and just focus on essay writing.

Around here locally, from my experience and conversations, students take SAT Biology (and Chem) subject test at or near the conclusion of the AP class.

My kid’s AP Chem teacher took the entire month of April to help prepare kids taking the SAT Chem subject test. Of course, this assumes the timeline works for you. As an example, a senior already accepted to colleges, taking AP Chem (or Bio) would not need to take the SAT Chem (or Bio) test.

Thank you very much for your replies! Very appreciated!