SATII vs AP — which is more important?

[interested1app]

<p>Hi everyone,</p>

<p>I will be applying to Harvard early action, then to the other YPSM as well as some other private schools in the RD cycle.</p>

<p>I recently received the following test scores:</p>

<p>SATII US History — 780
SATII World History — 760
AP US History — 4
AP World History — 4</p>

<p>Should I submit both AP and SATII scores? Clearly my subject tests are much better than the AP exam, but will the AdCom notice that "[applicant] did not take the AP exam for these courses"? Is one test valued over another (especially for Harvard)?</p>

<p>Thanks in advance!</p>

[skieurope]

<p>Two SAT II subject tests are required for admission to Harvard. 0 AP tests are required. Therefore SAT II is more valued from the admissions perspective.</p>

<p>AP scores are self-reported. Most students will send in scores to the college they are planning to attend after having been accepted. Sending in AP scores to all colleges to which you are applying is just a waste of money. Therefore, to level the playing field, AdCom’s will generally not consider AP scores in the admissions decision, with the exception of schools like NYU that accept AP scores in lieu of SAT II scores.</p>

<p>I would also suggest that you submit another SAT II score since the 2 you have listed are in the same field. Also, as you may know, Harvard only gives AP credit to those students who apply for Advanced Standing, and only for scores of 5, although in certain cases, AP scores will allow you to place out of certain courses. World History is one of the subjects for which no credit is given.</p>

[interested1app]

<p>I will also be taking the Math II, Chemistry, and Physics tests in June. I am considering taking additional tests in October and November 2014.</p>

<p>Does the admissions committee begin reviewing applications before the November 1 deadline? Additionally, will sending November SATII scores help, or will my application already be reviewed?</p>

[skieurope]

<p>

For Early Action candidates, we hope to receive all testing results by the end of October, but students are still eligible to apply using the November series. Those results will arrive in time for consideration without the need and expense of “rush reporting.

</p>

<p>I would caution you that submitting far more subject tests than is required may give the appearance of a test-taking loving applicant who has nothing better to do with his/her time.</p>

[gibby]

<p>@interested1app‌: Harvard, and other selective colleges, don’t count up the number of SAT Subject tests and AP tests and award “bonus points” for students who have taken more tests. You don’t get a leg-up on other applicants by taking more tests. – that’s not how college admissions works. Please see: <a href=“https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-started/video-transcription/whats-the-most-important-part-of-the-application”>https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-started/video-transcription/whats-the-most-important-part-of-the-application&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>

Students, when we’re on the road, we often play a little kind of quiz show game with students, asking what they think is the most important part of the application. Many, many students respond, “Well, the testing must be the most important.” It’s actually one of the less important elements in the file. The testing can give you a sense of what schools are within your range, and it gives the school a sense of what students in the applicant pool are within their range. The most important part of your application — bar none, no question, any college — is your high school transcript. Probably the next most important are your teacher recommendations, particularly if you’re applying to any kind of selective college or university.

</p>