Hey CC!
I am a junior with an SAT score that I definitely want to send to colleges- the only problem is that most schools I am applying to require at least two SAT subject tests along with the SAT I. I didn’t do so great on the SAT subject tests I took (720 in literature, 590 in biology). While I would most likely submit my lit subject test, I really can’t submit my biology test. I’ve decided against retaking bio, because I don’t feel prepared enough for it.
Instead I am considering taking the SAT Chinese test. I am NOT a native Chinese speaker (I’m not even Chinese, I’m white), but have taken Mandarin throughout middle and high school and am currently in IB Mandarin SL (HL isn’t offered at my school). Mandarin has always come pretty easily for me and I have always gotten As in the class. From what I have heard, though, there is a huge curve on the test and it is very difficult to get a good score as a non-native speaker. However, I feel like if I really prepared and did well, it would be a huge plus to my application and make me stand out (from what I understand, it is a test rarely taken by non-Chinese students). At the same time, I really don’t want another score I can’t send to colleges.
Could anyone give me some insight into taking SAT Chinese? And if anyone thinks I could succeed, are there any good prep books or other resources to help me study? I haven’t found anything so far.
Thanks!
SAT Chinese has a pretty harsh curve as you said, so if you think you can do well, it’ll look all the more impressive if you do so. I have a friend who took it, and he used Barrons primarily.
Take a sample test and make your decision based upon your score.