<p>Hey guys,</p>
<p>I was wondering: should I take the US history subject test if I have never taken a college-preparatory course in high school (I am a Canadian student with minimum knowledge but a strong interest in history)?</p>
<p>In other words, will studying from a prep book like Barron’s be sufficient or still too much to handle? Would it be worth it? </p>
<p>I am taking three subject tests this November for Early Decision. I am taking the Biology and Math II subject tests, and I plan on taking either Literature or US History as my third subject test. So should I take Literature or US History? Which one would be easier considering my current situation? (Isn’t Literature similar to Critical Reading?) For my regular decision schools, I will most likely take the World History subject test on December.</p>
<p>By the way, I’m applying to College of Arts and Sciences, and intending to major in Political Science. I was also wondering if Literature or History looks better for liberal arts programs, especially politics.</p>
<p>A lot of people take the Literature SAT 2 thinking it is just like CR. It is not.
It is arguably the most difficult of all subject tests.
(google it and read the horror stories of those that thought it would be a cakewalk)
You need to be strong in literary analysis to do well. If you are… go for it, but just because one does well on CR test doesn’t guarantee a strong performance on the Lit subject test.
Good luck!</p>
<p>I’ve taken a College Board practice test, and I knew it wasn’t going to be the same. But don’t you approach the test with the same mindset? I did anyhow, and the only problem I had was time management (I got a 720 with an extra 15 minutes).</p>
<p>So @mailmlists, do you think Literature is harder to do well in than US History, considering my predicament?</p>
<p>Also, how would I prepare for the Lit test? Barron’s? </p>
<p>Which looks better for political science: Literature or history? Or does it not matter, considering they’re both liberal arts?</p>
<p>Have you taken either AP Lit or AP USH in high school?</p>
<p>No I have not taken any high school courses in US History (I am a Canadian). And I have taken AP Lit, although I believe the curriculum is different in Canada than in the US.</p>
<p>If you know your lit terminology and can analyze passages from both literature and poetry, then Lit may be a better option for you. Take some practice tests for both and see how you do.</p>
<p>Well see that’s the problem. If I took a practice test for US History, I wouldn’t do well at all because I have very limited knowledge in that subject matter, although I do have an interest. So, I’m wondering would it be worth it to take the time and memorize everything? </p>
<p>Also, which looks better for political science: Literature or history? Or does it not matter, considering they’re both liberal arts?</p>
<p>I don’t think it matters.
Just get above a 700 on whatever you take. A 700 something on both your SAT 2’s is almost expected and shouldn’t hurt or help particularly.
I have heard anecdotally that a 760 (95th percentile) or above in AP Lit is considered an impressive accomplishment and could be be a plus to the applicant.
On the other hand, a 760 in US History would only put you at about the 88th percentile.</p>