SAT Subject Test

Hi,

I’m very conflicted. I plan on taking the SAT Math II and Literature subject tests, but many of my peers and successful elite college applicants submit more than 2 subject tests. I thought I would try the SAT chemistry-- the test date is June, and I have only learned half of the Barron’s SAT chemistry book. I am taking honors chemistry right now, which is too easy. I just feel like I cant study the whole thing in time but at the same time, really want to take the full SAT in August (I don’t want to take the SAT chemistry in August and then delay the full SAT for October). If it really is advantageous to have the third subject test, should I just wait and take the chem in August and than the full SAT in October?

Should I keep going and cram until June? Is only having 2 SAT subject tests make me a little less strong? Should I quit studying? What do I do?? My schedule is going to be busy until June…

Advice would really be appreciated!!

I would advise you not to take the SAT Chemistry unless you complete reviewing the Barron’s book in time.

I assume you are a sophomore…What colleges are you targeting? Georgetown is the only school that recommends 3 subject tests.

First off, I would prioritize the SAT over SAT subject tests.

With that said, taking the chem subject test after chem is the best time to do so----if you are doing well in honors chem, you should be reasonably prepared for the subject test. Can you make a determination from the chapters in the review book if your class has covered everything on the subject test? If you have covered everything, studying for your semester final might prepare you for the subject test.

Have you prepared for Math 2 (what math do you have now) and the Lit tests? Lit in particular is difficult. Perhaps only take 2 subject tests in June…in that case I would drop lit. Good luck.

Is your guidance counselor suggesting you need three strong SAT IIs to make your apps stronger? Are you currently a junior? Unless you are applying to a school that requires 3 (my recollection is that it is only Georgetown), I’d take two, because it sounds like you are diluting your study and preparation time and adding a lot of stress to your schedule by taking 3. I think two top scores are better than three lesser scores. Check the schools you are most likely to apply to and see what they require or recommend (and if they allow you to report the ones you want to or if that school requires all subject tests taken to be reported) for your intended major-- any two, a math and any other, or a Math and a science? Then decide. You also have the option to take the Chemistry subject test in October.

Except for Georgetown, 2 solid Subject Test scores is more important than 3 mediocre scores. Even 3 800’s is not more impressive than 2. If a college wants 2, and an applicant sends more, they look at the best 2.

Having said all that, don’t take tests for which you are not prepared, You need precalc for M2, so if you’re only in Algebra 2 - wait. And it is the rare sophomore who has the skills to to well on the Lit test. That is one test where is is best to wait until a later year to take, regardless of academic prep or how good your grades are.

Sorry for the misunderstanding. I plan to take the SAT literature my next year. So right now I only have Math II, which I am taking in a month, and deciding whether or not to take the chemistry in June.

Here’s what my kid did that worked well:
SAT 2 math in June after sophomore year (after pre-calc). Had looked at the chem test material but decided not to take the test that day.
Spent about 2 weeks in August cramming the rest of chem (took the rest of the Barrons tests and a couple more from another book) and took the SAT 2 chem in August.

Took an SAT prep class in September of junior year, then the PSAT and the SAT the same week in October. Didn’t quite score high enough on PSAT for national merit but scored high enough on the SAT to be done with it.

Thank you for your help @washugrad ! Do you remember if your kid was able to score above a 750 on the subject tests? Because cramming for two weeks in August seems like a short amount of time to learn all that material.

You’re not learning all the material; you’re reviewing the material, and maybe filling in some gaps. 2 weeks (or even one week) should be more than enough time to accomplish.

@Daisy789 yes she did. Chemistry there wasn’t that much new material after a year of regular 10th grade chem… maybe one chapter or so was new stuff. I can’t remember whether you can swap with not much notice from the subject tests to the general but maybe you could find that out and plan to take the chem test in August but skip it or change to the general if you decide at the last minute that you don’t feel prepared enough.

You can change subjects, with some limitations, on the day of the test.

If you’re a sophomore, then take either AP Chem or AP Physics 1 next year and take subject tests after that. You can physics subject in june or even the august before college apps or if you take chem then you can take the subject starting around december 2019

SAT Physics would require significant self-study, but my friends in chem say all of the material was covered

You can change any Subject Test, except Language with Listening in November, which requires special equipment. Or special arrangements you’ve made for Braille or Large Type accommodations.