I will be volunteering abroad this summer in a Spanish-speaking country for about 7 weeks. I am currently in Spanish 4, and I have great confidence that my language abilities will greatly improve during my experience. (I’d reaaaally like to become conversationally fluent!)
Anyways, I’m not sure what, if any, test to take when I get back? Someone had suggested the CLEP, but I’m really confused about the SAT subject and AP tests? What is the difference between each? Is there another type of language test I should consider as well?
First of all, you would need to know what your college/university will award for each different test you have mentioned. Not all colleges treat the 3 exams (SAT subject, AP, CLEP) the same.
The only exam program mentioned that allows you to take the test any time of the year (dependent on the test center you use) is CLEP, which also has immediate scoring. SAT subject exams have a posted schedule as to when they are offered. AP exams are offered one time a year (May) with scores released a couple of months later.
Do some homework to find out which exam program would benefit you the most. If you already know what schools you plan to apply to (or have already been accepted to), check out their posted policy or speak to someone in the Registrar’s office.
You will always get college credits by taking the AP exams (if you get a 3 or above) but not for subject tests/CLEP. All CLEP exams cost $80 whereas AP and subject tests can be cheaper.
also having subject tests on your high school transcripts will increase your chance of being accepted by colleges. but if you are already in college then take CLEP because not many college students would take subject tests/AP exams