<p>Hi,</p>
<p>So, I'm entering senior year, and my research on colleges indicate that a lot of my reach colleges require science SATIIs for admission. I've taken Math2 (800), Lit (800), and USH (790) this June, but I need to figure out what Science test to take - Physics or Chem.</p>
<p>Class history: I took honors chemistry this year, but it moved extremely slowly and had a badly designed curriculum - brief research on the Chemistry SATII shows that we learned very very little of the covered material. Next year, I'll be taking Honors (Calculus-based physics), which is rumored to be an excellent class with an excellent teacher, but I'll only get a month of it before the SATII test date. Therefore, I'd have to self-study a lot no matter which test I choose.</p>
<p>So, CC, which one should I choose?</p>
<p>The chem subject test is pretty easy if you take AP Chemistry first, and I’ve heard that the physics subject test follows Physics B material, but I didn’t take physics B or the physics subject test so I’m not sure.</p>
<p>If I were you I’d check out college board’s prep book for all subject tests, or review books from the same company on both tests (though that might not be as reliable, especially Barron’s), from a local library, and take one practice test from each. If your score without studying is significantly better on one test, you should probably take that one.</p>
<p>I think it’d be better for you if you’d take the Chemistry Subject Test, since you’ve been exposed to that kind of material much more than Physics. Even though you’re curriculum was designed bad, you have more knowledge in Chemistry than in Physics, even with one month of physics under your belt. So, I think it’d be better if you review the material you learned in Chemistry last year and sort of self-study the material that you didn’t cover.</p>
<p>The Physics Subject test is very similar to the Physics B AP. All the questions can be solved with simple math and no calculus is needed (or even useful really). It also has one of the most generous curves of all the subjects.</p>
<p>^ I agree; take the Physics Test. The curve is in fact the most generous curve among all of the Maths and Sciences SAT Subject Test.</p>
<p>But if the curve is the most generous, wouldn’t colleges also know that, and be less impressed by a high score?</p>
<p>Yes. That is why a high score at Physics Test is a must for Physics.</p>
<p>I have a question. I am taking the Physics subject test. Does anyone know what is the best prep book. Also I am going to be taking AP Physics B this coming year.</p>
<p>Yeah, my school doesn’t offer any AP Physics at all, just Honors. </p>
<p>Basically, this is about which test would be easier for me to self-study and get an 800 on.</p>
<p>I got an 800 in both after taking the respective AP classes. If you want my advice, definitely take physics. Chemistry has a somewhat harsh curve and physics has the most tremendous curve you can ask for. Also, self studying physics is a very good way to learn the subject, unlike chemistry where it’s not purely concept based.</p>