SAT Physics for Computer Science?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi guys, I'm trying to apply as a EECS/ECE major to a lot of schools, and somebody told me that I need to take the Physics SAT 2 exam for that major.</p>

<p>I've already taken Math 2 & Chemistry as well as a few non Science/Math subject tests, and my school record shows that I will be taking Physics C next year.</p>

<p>Should I take the Physics test? This would mean I would basically have to study on my own during the summer because I've received very little instruction on Physics at my HS.</p>

2

<p>Bump</p>

3

<p>Well, there are a lot of topics on the Physics SAT, but some of it is just related to common sense. When I was practicing for it, I still got the spring questions right. It’s not a whole lot about knowing equations and more about knowing concepts, but you should still try to know the equations.</p>

4

<p>Thanks for your response, but that doesn’t answer my question.
I’m asking if the SAT Physics subject test gives you an advantage over SAT Chemistry when applying as an ECE/EECS major.</p>

5

<p>Only for some schools will it be beneficial to take the physics SAT 2 if you’ve already taken Math 2 and Chem, and the only one I can think of on the top of my head is Princeton. Provided you scored well (750+ would be desirable) don’t bother taking Physics. Most engineering programs require Math and ANY Science SAT subject test and Berkeley (#3 in EECS) doesn’t require any subject tests. </p>

6

<p>No, check the school’s website. Some schools only need one science and one math subject test. Some schools require Physics. My daughter only took Chemistry subject test and Math. She is doing CSE, kind of similar to EECS, just different letters switching around. Neither Princeton nor MIT requires Physics. My daughter submitted Chemistry, IIRC.</p>

7

<p>EECS = Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
CSE = Computer Science and Engineering
ECE = Electrical and Computer Engineering
Those 3 are more or less the same thing. </p>

8

<p>On the UC Application website, it says “Math 2 & a Science Test closely related to your major”. Since Physics is closer than Chemistry for EECS, should I take Physics? </p>

<p>I scored 800s on both Chem & Math 2, but I’m almost certain I would not be achieving that score for Physics, since I received little instruction on it.
Do you still believe that I should just not take Physics?</p>

<p>Source: <a href=“http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/requirements/examination-requirement/SAT-subject-tests/”>http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/requirements/examination-requirement/SAT-subject-tests/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

9

<p><a href=“http://coe.berkeley.edu/students/prospective-students/faq/prospective-freshman-faq.html”>http://coe.berkeley.edu/students/prospective-students/faq/prospective-freshman-faq.html&lt;/a&gt; says for Berkeley’s College of Engineering:</p>

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10

<p>Does anyone know about Virginia Tech? I’ve tried looking on their website but can’t find anything.</p>

11

<p>UPenn is the only one I’ve come across that requires Math II and Physics for engineering applicants.</p>

<p>Most other engineering and CS programs want Math II and any science (bio, physics, chem). Doubt there is a benefit to any one specific test.</p>

12

<p>Just an update: I’ve called the Berkeley admissions department, and they said
“Although we will not force an SAT Subject Test on you, it does seem that Physics is a more appropriate Subject Test than Chemistry for your intended major.”</p>

<p>^May not be the exact words but that was the gist of what the admissions representative said.
Thanks for all the help guys!</p>