<p>Hi, Thanks for clicking on the thread. I'm considering taking the following SAT IIs in June
- Chemistry<br>
- Biology (E)<br>
- Literature<br>
- World History<br>
I've taken care of the last two and need some advice about the first two, first off, lemme just say that I'm terrible at chemistry and don't know jack about Biology. You may be wondering why am I bothering to take SAT IIs in areas that I'm weak but I can't take Physics and Maths (my strong subjects) as I've already scored As in my A-Levels, I just want to give admission officers something different to look at (they already know that I'm quite the hotshot in maths and physics). As i said I've already taken care of World History (using the 5 steps to 5 AP World history) and Literature (can't do anything about that anyways, just trying to read as much novels as possible). I need some advice as to how to prepare for Chemistry & Biology (Books, strategies, test taking tips etc.). Please enlighten me, bhaiyon. </p>
<p>NOTE : Please don't suggest prep books like Barron's SAT II Chem or Bio, I already have them, I need to study from the basics and would really appreciate Indian books that cover each topic tested on the SAT II in depth.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone :-)</p>
<p>First of all, wrong logic. ALWAYS take SATIIs in subjects that you are comfortable with. The colleges that require SAT 2 scores look at your highest scores. It doesn’t matter if you have already taken A levels in scored well in those. This is different.
I am not saying you shouldn’t write the other subjects. Btw, when are you applying and to what colleges? I am guessing it is not for Class of 2018 so you do have loads of time to write as many Subject SATs as you want. </p>
<p>I like the fact that you want to show colleges that you have breadth in your knowledge but this plan will backfire if you do not score well in the subjects that you admit you have no clue about.</p>
<p>I have no idea about Chemistry but I did SAT Bio. I didn’t take the science stream in 11th so Bio needed some hard work but they test the basics. I did Princeton Review first and felt it taught the basics well. Then, I did Barrons and it covered some topics and depth. Then I did the Biology Guides in Sparknotes. They are a bit too difficult and contain info that you do not require for SATs. Do try the official College Board book though it has only 1 test.</p>
<p>Remember that more than reading books, practice tests matter. You need to know how the information will be tested. Most questions are application based. Reading Indian books for SATs will most probably be a waste of time since you will have school work to do as well and those grades are important too.</p>
<p>To sum up, TAKE THE PHYSICS AND MATH2 SATs!!!</p>
<p>I also think SAT II should be in some way relevant to the program that you are applying for. Some schools offer an option of only Subject SATs submission. For example, the Business schools, specifically Stern, NYU, do ask for a Math or Science, a Literature or Humanities and one Elective.</p>
<p>Likewise, I am sure for Engineering schools a solid score in Math Subject SAT and Science SAT would play a significant role in at the time of filtering the applications.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot Conscience 13, I agree with both of you (the plan can backfire). How much did you score in the Bio? and which U are you attending now? Did you took Commerce in 12th?
Was it CBSE, ISC, IB or A-levels/Pre U? (Sorry, don’t mean to pry, just curious). You offer hell of a advice.
I’ll be applying for the class of 2018, but as a transfer. I applied to Deep Springs, but was rejected.</p>
<p>I go to an ISC school and yes, I took the Commerce Stream. I am still in 12th and I will be writing my board exams this year. I wrote Bio in October 2013 but back then I read only from Princeton Review and did just 2 practice tests that were available in the book. So scored just 670 and hence, I am re-writing it this Saturday with better preparation and by taking more practice tests.
If you are applying as a transfer, when is the last acceptable testing date? So when are you planning to write these SATs?
All the Best!</p>
<p>whoa Duck007 you had the guts to apply to Deep Springs but deep springs is a cc so they don’t take transfers pm me about the application process</p>
<p>ISC?? Are they still teaching you guys Macbeth? I was in an ICSE board upto 10th std, then i switched to home-schooling and playing chess & tennis full time.
I’ll be applying for spring 2015 (January session) in schools that accept spring transfers, and also in fall 2015 (September session) for the more elite schools that don’t accept spring transfers like Yale and Dartmouth. However, I’ll only be applying in the fall session if I don’t get good offers for the spring session. If i do get good offers (like full ride in a t25), I’ll definitely kiss Yale goodbye and accept the offer!! If you don’t mind, which state are you from? and which universities are you planning to attend??</p>
<p>hey save my life, Deep springs was my dream school, I applied as a first year but got rejected and am currently attending a uni here in my own country, will be applying next year as a transfer in other schools (hoping to get into Amherst next spring) and I’ll also keep trying to get into Deep springs. Keep in mind, they admit you as long as you haven’t graduated from anywhere else!! So, I can attend a college for three years, then still apply and attend Deep Springs. I’ll just lose 3 yrs of my life. Most students there have some post high school education before they attend Deep Springs. Remember, their application process is different, so everyone has a decent shot, despite of poor grades or low SATs. They use extensive essays to judge college preparedness. That’s why even Community college drop outs have a shot at getting in.</p>