What’s more impressive, 780+ on SAT Chem or 5 on AP Chem?
Background: I’m a junior from Florida; 2290 (800,800,690) SAT. Took SAT Chem and Spanish on Saturday. Took AP Chem this morning. I think the test was way harder than any practice exam I’ve ever taken but whatever. I think I did really well on the SAT on Saturday but I doubt I got a 5 today, which I’m surely capable of doing. Ultimately, what’s more impressive, I think it’s the SAT II bc there are so many APs, and only 2-4 SAT IIs
For admissions, the 780+ would probably matter more since APs aren’t really that heavily weighted (since they’re optional while SAT IIs are often mandatory).
For what it’s worth, I was sure that I got a 4 last year in AP Chem and somehow ended up with a 5.
@OrchidBloom i took the 2014 exam and did so well, that’s why I don’t know why I thought today was so hard. Maybe I was just really nervous.
Are you a senior? Where are you going to school? How’d you do on SAT and SATII?
780 is more impressive because it is used more in the admissions process.
Wait you took the AP Chem exam twice? Or do you mean as practice? I HAVE heard some people say that it was pretty challenging this year.
And yeah, I’m going to Yale next year. 2320 (800M, 800CR, 720W) and 800s in Bio M, Chem, and Math II.
@OrchidBloom No, i took the 2014 exam as practice because it was released and got a very high 5. This test was way harder, which is so annoying. You should be really proud of your SAT I and IIs!
Ahhhh that makes sense. I’ve heard from others that it was harder as well, so maybe the curve will be more lenient! And thank you! I definitely got lucky on CR.
@OrchidBloom Yea I got 800 math, 800 writing, 690 reading. Reading was always my struggle, but I reached 690 from a 610 so I’m satisfied (no chance I’m taking it again hahhahah).
I hope I got 780+ on SATII
“Impressive” does not really enter into the equation; “useful” does. As mentioned above, if a school requires SAT subject tests, the 780 will be more useful. The 5 in AP Chem may get you some college credit, but plays little to no role in the admissions process, other than possibly validating the rigor of your course. Good luck.
It depends on the school. If you’re going to a school that considers or recommends or requires SAT Subject tests, that 780 will work in your favor. The 5 is going to get college credit but it doesn’t count in admissions. So even if you did get a 4, it’s not the end of the world.
Colleges do not see your AP scores until after you’ve been admitted into colleges. Definitely the SAT II looks better
Perfect! Also, someone a long time ago told me that you’re only allowed to send a certain amount of AP scores, I’m not sure if that was for a certain college or for the Common App. Does anyone know of this or any other interesting fact on standardized testing and applications?
You only have 10 spaces on the Common App, but you can use the add’l info section to list the balance.
Jealous of your W score 
I just could never crack the essay…
Crossing my fingers for you!
@OrchidBloom I only got a 9 on my essay but a perfect multiple choice!
Thanks bud, really appreciate it
Yeahhh haha I got an 8 and one wrong on MC XD
If you got an 8 and one wrong, that curve must’ve been terrible!
Glad to say that I got a 790 in chem!! Hopefully I got a 5 on AP but I wouldn’t be angry with a 4!