I am planning in taking Sat subjects test in Physics, Chemistry, Math 1 and 2 (do you recommend me to take both) I would like to apply to top colleges like Stanford, Caltech or Mit (I would like to study mechatronics or something related)
Which books do you recommend to study for these tests. I is worth to highlight I don’t follow any US program, but the IB (Math HL , Chemistry and Physics SL)
I have heard about barrons for maths 1 and 2
And both of barrons and princetons review for physics and chemistry. Which of these two should I choose, or both?
Do you think any other is good?
I hope getting 800’s.
Thank you for answering.
I’m not too familiar with the prep books out there, but I recommend taking only Math II, in addition to whatever subject tests you want to take. Caltech requires Math II, so I don’t think Math I really adds anything. Also, taking four subject tests forces you to test on two days.
PS: We don’t really have a “mechatronics” major at MIT (Courses 2, 2A, and 6-1/2/3 are the closest I can think of).
Thank you for answering. Do you think I have the possibility of getting admitted (to any of these colleges) with: a GPA of 4.0 (97-99/100) and predicted grades for the I.B. adding up to approximately (40-42/45). I plan on taking the SAT I (cr, writing and maths), and the subject tests I mentioned before. Which scores do you think I should get in these? I have participated in math olympiads and various organizations helping others. Do you think I should do anything else?
@wab0310 A 4.0 GPA is solid; no need to worry about that. I’m not familiar with the IB program/scores, but my guess is that IB scores, like AP scores, won’t really influence admission that much, although they can certainly earn some introductory college credit.
In terms of SAT scores, I’m not sure what a good “goal” score is, but I would say aim for around 2100-2200+ (this might be a bit hypocritical since I didn’t even break 2100, although I am from the US - admissions internationally is often more competitive).
Just wondering, what math olympiads did you participate in (e.g. IMO)? We have the USAMO here, and I’ve heard of similar olympiads in other countries. Doing well in those definitely adds some “stand-out” factor.