I am currently a senior in high school and am looking forward to the completion of my standardized testing as of October. I have taken the SAT I twice and I have taken 2 SAT subject tests (660 on Bio, 750 on World History). I have signed up for the October Math 2 SAT Subject Test, and am trying to figure out whether I should take the US History or Literature test in addition. I took APUSH in my junior year and will be taking US Government/Economics during this upcoming year, but I am afraid that I will not have enough time to re-study all the material. This leads me to lean towards the literature test, but I feel as though it would be insignificant, being that I already have a 5 on the AP English Language exam and an 800 on the SAT reading section.
Should I sign up to take the US History or Literature SAT Subject Test this October? Please leave study tips/advice as well. Thanks!
Why do you need a third subject test? Are you applying to a school that likes to see three scores? Ds had one of those.
Ds considered the subject test in world history because he had taken AP World. However, like you, it had been awhile since he had taken that course. Additionally, the subject test for world history was VERY different from the AP World History test - the former was very factoid-ish. I don’t know if the same applies to US History or not, but I would assume it would. If you are good at remembering American History facts you’ll probably do fine. However, given your obvious strength in reading/literature, I would go with the Subject Test in literature. When ds realized he was applying to a school that wanted three subject tests, he took the literature one. I don’t think he prepped at all and did well.
Here is a link that shows percentile scores (for 2017) in case that helps you make a choice:
SAT Lit is quite hard, but your 800 in R and 5 on Lang suggest you have the skills, and since it’s a skills test, all you’ll have to “study” is a handful of lit terms. That said, @Hoggirl has a point: Why keep taking more subject tests?
I have one student who will be taking US History and Lit in October. He was supposed to take them in Aug. but the test center closed, forcing a re-schedule. He was totally prepped for these exams so can attest to how challenging both are compared to the junior-level AP exams. He was a 5 on both APUSH and Lang & Comp. and scored a 790/800 on SAT EBRW so very much like you, OP. The only reason he’s taking these is that several of his schools are requiring at least one subject test - and one (Georgetown) is requiring three. Otherwise, he’d be moving on. There is not need to take (additional) subject tests unless it’s required or “strongly recommended” (which is the same thing) by your schools of interest. Look over what the admissions pages are saying - you might be able to rest just on that World History score. I’m guessing your aren’t planning a STEM major since you aren’t sitting Math 2 - is that correct?
I will be taking Math 2 in october and I am also looking at georgetown which is why I’m concerned about having 3 good scores. I intend to major in finance!
Just seconding that Lit is hard. In my opinion, it’s better to restudy material for US History than to start anew with the literature studying. I consider myself very humanities-oriented, but had to study vehemently to raise my cold lit score of 690 to a 780.
OP - S19 is taking M2 as well! Sounds like he and you are shooting for the same goal except that he’s applying to the college and not the school of business. OK so what you are planning makes a lot more sense. Given that Geo. does not allow for Score Choice, choose those October tests carefully. You already have a great score with World History. Normally I’d say “why not?” on taking a 3rd test but you want to make sure that all your scores are solid. Another reason not to over-test. Look at US History vs. Lit and figure which one will give you more bang for the buck. You already have one History test under your belt, but Lit might return a lower score . . . You’ll know once you get the materials and start practicing on both.
S19 used PR and the one available subject test from CB. Said it’s a challenging test - at least for him. He did fine but it was his lowest of the three he took. He thought he’d do much better once he’s actually had AP Lit (taking this year).