Subject Tests

Hey guys! I’m a junior in high school and I am trying to figure out what SAT subject tests I need to take in May. The kind of schools I’m looking at are Ivy Leagues and some others like WashU and Johns Hopkins. Since Math is my strongest subject, would it be acceptable for me to take Math 1 and 2 as my SAT II requirements or would that affect my admission?

Any advice would be much appreciated!

It depends what you want to major in. Typically all elite colleges want at least Math level 1 or 2 and then some other subject test that relates to your major.

Note: DO NOT TAKE BOTH MATH 1 AND 2, THEY ARE NOT CONSIDERED TWO DIFFERENT TEST. As Math is your strongest subject I recommend taking Math level 2 since it has a nicer curve.

As noted by QuadMaster take either Math 1 or Math 2 but not both. If you’re planning on majoring in engineering , science, economics (e.g. Quantitative majors) math 2 is often preferred. Pick a science, English, a language, etc. for the other sat 2, on whichever one you’ll get your best score. If you’re unsure look at sample exams and pick accordingly.

^yes it all depends on what major you may be applying to. For example, my D applied to Cornell Arts and Sciences and she needed two SAT II of her choice. My other D is at Carnegie Mellon and she needed Math level 2 and two others, one being a science and one of her choice. Make sure to check the college’s requirements.

I would take a subject test that relates to one of the classes you are currently taking. For example, I took AP chem my junior year and that spring, a few weeks before the AP test, when I knew everything, I took the subject test and did really well. Same for US history. I would also recommend getting one of the SAT Subject test guidebooks and review the material. I took math 2 as well and I did not review my skills before hand. I knew what I was doing, but I was not doing it fast enough to fit within the time limit. So I suggest practicing math quickly and correctly.

This is a great idea since the info is fresh in your head. This is what my kids did, too.

Yes, I agree you should take subject tests when they relate to the current year; if you are in AP bio take bio; AP US take US History etc. etc. Also, for math level 2, I recommend Dr. Chung’s review book. If you can take 3 subject tests by the end of this year you will have plenty of time in the early fall to revisit them if you don’t do as well (or to take new tests if you prefer). In an ideal world you would have SAT2 scores to submit in Math 2, a science, and from one of the history/language/English (humanities) choices.

Math Level 1 is a waste. Don’t waste both SAT II requirements on both levels, but rather, take Level 2 instead.

I would also advise you to take a subject test in another area you are strong in to show colleges some variety in your strengths (preferably a science test would do: Biology, Chem, etc)