<p>Freshman Year
Spanish I
Integrated 2 (Algebra 2 + Geometry)
Accounting
P.E/Health 9
English 9
US History 9
Biology Honors</p>
<p>GPA: ~3.5</p>
<p>Sophomore Year
Spanish II
Integrated 3 (Algebra 3 + Geometry)
Oracle Academy
P.E/Health 10
English Honors 10
US History Honors 10
Chemistry Honors</p>
<p>GPA: ~3.7</p>
<p>Junior Year
CHS Statistics (College in High School; Credited Pitt course)
English Honors 11
Physics Honors
Trig/Precalculus
AP European History
AP Biology + AP Biology Lab</p>
<p>GPA: ~3.85 AP European History Exam: 3 AP Biology Exam: 5</p>
<p>So those are the classes I've taken so far. My question is: what subject tests should I take? I got a 5 on the AP Bio test, do I still need to take the Biology Subject test? If a college doesn't specifically ask me for subject tests but I take them anyway and do bad, will it hurt?</p>
<p>I second those choices.
Biology because you just took it and because you scored a 5 on the exam.
Math level 2 because you just finished precalc, but if you didn’t do well, be aware that while the curve is pretty generous, a lot of math people take it, so if it isn’t your strongest class, take lit, because you’ve been in english honors twice (at my school, this is a big deal, dunno about yours).</p>
<p>you still <em>should</em> take the bio subj. tests because many colleges require two.</p>
<p>Okay so Biology is a definite and math is actually my strong suit while literature and history are my weak points as you can see from my 3 in European history. I’m planning on going into engineering so I should probably take Physics. Is the physics subject test based on the AP Physics class or just regular old physics?</p>
<p>It’s not “based” on anything, though taking the AP class definitely would have helped. You probably don’t need three SAT IIs btw..only a few schools require three.</p>
<p>I’m taking AP Physics this year, I was just wondering if I should wait till I finish the course or take the subject test now. I guess I’ll wait.</p>
<p>I would say that math is just as relevant for engineering as physics. Even more so, perhaps, because physics is based on math. Anyway, I think if math is really your strong suit, don’t hesitate to take Math2.
Also, for AP Physics are you taking B or C? I ask because C only covers Mechanics and Electricity&Magnetism, so you will have to do a lot of studying on your own for the other topics (thermo, waves, optics, modern physics, etc.) which are actually covered in B. That’s not to say you shouldn’t take C (you should in fact since its calc-based and you want to be an engineer). Just letting you know what you’re going to have to go through if you take the physics test. Math2 seems safer too since it has a higher percentage of 800s. But you know the choice is yours, still I would say to at least consider Math2.</p>
<p>It depends on where you’re applying. Some colleges don’t even require them. Also keep in mind that some (ie Harvard or Princeton) want 3. Also depends what you’re majoring in.</p>
<p>If you’re engineering, you need MathII + a physical science. So you’d probably do Bio and MathII for sure. Take Chem if you still remember it. Take Physics if you’re taking it this year and are willing to study ahead on your own time.</p>
<p>Also, top colleges won’t hold it against you if you have a low score. Say they ask for two, but you submit three. If they’re all strong, then your reader will bring up all three. If one of your scores is crap, however, the initial reader won’t mention it in front of the admissions committee. Of course, that assumes they’re not asking for any specific tests. If they require Math II for engineering apps, they’ll discuss that score even if it’s your weakest.</p>