SAT Subject Tests VS AP Exams?

Test Preparation
1

I go to a school that doesn’t offer any AP courses and virtually no one takes SAT Subject Tests. Last year, I self-studied AP Art History and got a 5 (mainly to demonstrate an interest in the subject as I intend to major in it), and this year I kinda just assumed I would self-study again. I chose exams that corresponded with some of the dual enrollment classes I’m taking: College European History and College Composition align (not perfectly, but closely) with the AP Euro and AP Lang exams.

My question is, then, what weight does my AP self-studying carry, if any? I don’t really care about college credit because it most likely won’t transfer to the schools I’m interested in. Are SAT Subject Tests weighed more heavily in admissions? Should I choose to take the SAT Literature and World History exams instead of the AP Lang and Euro exams (especially since the SAT IIs are much easier to me)? I know I can do well on both the AP exams and the SAT IIs, but what would help me more?

I’m torn. I need to decide which ones to do, and I need to decide quickly! Should I just take both?

Also–I’m not sure that colleges will necessarily EXPECT me to have any SAT IIs because I’m pretty low-income.

2

Colleges will tell you on their websites what they look for in SAT subject tests. Most schools that want them ask for 2, but Georgetown, for example, wants 3. If you are low-income you can get fee waivers. If your school doesn’t offer them, you can look up online where else offers them in your general area (ours all had to take some exams at other schools- it’s pretty easy to navigate).

AP exams are typically not given as much weight in US college admissions as subject tests. To me, it is inexplicable that an SAT subject test, which for many subjects is objectively easier to get a high score, counts less than an AP, but sadly they didn’t ask my opinion…

3

Subject tests are more important. If your school does not offer AP classes, do not worry so much about taking the exams. If I were you I’d take the SAT subject tests that correspond with your academic strengths.