<p>Hi everyone, I've been busy preparing for SAT I, ACT, and AP tests lately and I never really thought about taking SAT Subject tests because they are not required (although their websites say that it does not hurt) anymore for the colleges I am applying to (UCs, UW, USC). Should I take the SAT Subject tests if they are not required? How much studying is needed (is just studying for AP classes enough?)? I don't want to take the Subject Tests just to get a mediocre score, because I think Subject Tests should show excellence in one subject right? Should I just focus on doing well on my SATs and APs? I would appreciate any input!</p>
<p>If you know that you will definately not be applying to any school that requires them, then you do not need them. That said, it does not hurt to take them. My son took them in May at the same time he was taking the AP exams and did well. I think if you are studying for the AP exam you so not need to do anything extra for the SAT II subject test</p>
<p>You may consider taking one or two Subject Tests in areas that you are truly good at and/or areas that you won’t be making any AP exams of. For example, it would be excessive to take the Subject Test in Biology if you are already going to take the AP Bio exam later on. Subject Tests are supposed to let you demonstrate that you have proficiency in a particular area; but if you have already proved that with a 3, 4 or a 5 in that area’s AP test, what’s the point?</p>
<p>AP scores aren’t generally considered during the application process. Only for college credit reasons are they required to be reported. AP scores don’t even have to be sent in with the application for most universities. AP is evaluated during the application process in the sense that it shows the rigor of your schedule.</p>
<p>SAT II on the other hand is evaluated during the application process.
Sigil21 said that why take SAT II if you already took AP test, but why not take SAT II if you already know the topics, because you took AP class in that subject? It would be relatively easy SAT II if you have fresh memory of the subject from taking an AP class.
Taking SAT II’s will make you more competitive without a doubt.
I would take SAT II’s if I were in your shoes, but it’s your decision to make.</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>thanks everyone!!! I’ll talk to my counselor about it as well</p>