<p>My son, a junior, knows nothing about the subject tests. He knows he's taking the new SAT and the essay test but nothing else. Any thoughts on why his school may not be stressing/offering these tests? We're in Florida.</p>
<p>cowpernia - only the most selective colleges want to see SAT II tests. Thus, they aren't often the focus, as are the SATI, which everyone takes. SAT I and SAT IIs are given at SAT testing sites, not at high schools as part of their school year. If your school lends itself as an SAT testing site, your son and kids from other area schools should be able to take both SATs there. You have to register for the SAT I and SATII via collegeboard.com - not through school. Schools only administer PSATs.</p>
<p>To build on what momsdream has written, only about 60 or so colleges plus the UC system require the SAT-IIs; that's why many schools do not emphasize them.</p>
<p>SAT-IIs should be taken soon after an advanced course in the subject has been completed, when the materials are still fresh in the student's mind. This means taking SAT-IIs in May and June. With the introduction of the new SAT, some colleges are requiring only two SAT-IIs and some are sticking with three. It's best to take only two SATIIs at a time; although they only last one hour each, by the end of the second test, the student may be very tired and would not do well on a third test. </p>
<p>Since SAT and SAT IIs are administered on the same days, it is good to plan a schedule of test-taking in advance. Look up the schedule of tests and registration dates on the College Board website. Also make sure that the teacher covers all the materials included in the SAT II; some teachers plan on covering only part of the curriculum.</p>
<p>just to emphasize marite's excellent point: when asked, many teachers know which part of their curriculum is covered or not covered on the SATII, so a kid can self-study with prep books for any items not covered in class. But, do rememer any "pre-reqs:; for example, the SATII Math 2c requires the competion of pre-calc and trig. Frosh Bio will not likely prepare one to do well on the SATII bio test, but AP bio definitiely would.</p>
<p>Thanks. My son is getting his AA while in high school and all his classes are at the community college. If he goes to a Florida school, he'll simply transfer. Things are far more complicated than when I was in school. I wish he had to apply and put forth some effort to sell himself.</p>
<p>cowpernia:</p>
<p>U might check with the schools he is considering transferring to, since they may not even require the SAT I. For example, the UC's which require SAT's for Frosh admits, do not require them at all for transfers.</p>