Hey guys! I’m a junior taking AP Physics 1, Chem, APUSH, and Lang. I recently signed up for the Chem, U.S History, and Math Level 2 subject tests in June. I will for sure take Math and Chem.
I really wanted to take the physics subject test, but my teacher told me the class wasn’t enough for the test. A quick look at the sparknotes topics confirmed that. Perhaps I can diligently study the rest of the topics in the next two weeks for a 750+?
So I guess I have 3 options
-only take my original 3 in June
-only take Math, Chem, and Physics in June
-take my original 3 in June and take Physics in October
The reason I want to take physics is because I’ll be applying for an engineering major for most schools and a physics/astrophysics major for others. However, a good score on the U.S test might make me seem a bit more well rounded. Would taking the physics test be better for my application? Is there any benefit to having 4 subject tests? What should I do?
Totally depends on where you plan to apply. Some schools don’t ask for Subject Tests. Many selective schools suggest/require 2. Georgetown, among others, requires 3. I would suggest you take no more than the most required at any school where you plan to apply. Most likely 2 or less. Study hard for them and you’ll be fine.
Majority of colleges do not require, recommend or consider subject tests for admission. The colleges that actually require subject tests for admisison (about 18 colleges, the majority of which actually accept the ACT in lieu of both the SAT and subject tests) require two and for engineering you typically need to submit math and a science. The colleges that require two subject tests typically use for admission the two with the highest scores to determine admission if you submit more than two.
There are also a number of colleges that recommend but do not require subject tests and they typically recommend two except Georgetown recommends three. Georgetweon stands alone as wanting three subject tests except some others require three from home schooled applicants or some special programs. Those that recommend two usually consider the highest two if more than two are submitted and none of those which recommend (but do not require) subject tests, other than Georgetown, require you to submit all subject test scores.
In other wordfs, unless you are applying to Georgetown, you need only two subject tests and if you have the needed math and science for engineering with high scores, it is usually of minimal value to take more.
A third test of value could potentially be language, not for admission, but because some colleges use the language tests for placement and some even offer course credit for good scores.