<p>Hello, I'm currently a sophomore and I'm wondering when I should take these tests. The only test I've taken so far is the PSAT and I got a 217 on that. I want to take as little tests as possible, meaning I'd rather not have to retake tests. Here are the tests I want to take:
- The old SAT
- The new SAT
- The ACT
- SAT subject tests (Math 2 and a science test)</p>
<p>So when should I take them? As in, should I try to take an SAT subject test at the end of this year or wait? Should I take both the old and new SAT?</p>
<p>Edit: By the way my breakdown for the PSAT was 70CR 71M and 76W if that helps.</p>
<p>Junior year is nice i think. The subject tests are a bit harder in terms of knowledge, so you might want to take those last. You should take some mock tests and see how it goes.</p>
<p>I have seen the recommendation that the developmentally-appropriate ideal time to take the SAT is March of your Junior year. Math II should be taken towards the end of AP Calc B/C, and the science test near the end of the appropriate AP Science class, whenever that is. Also, do several practice tests and study for the PSAT. There is a lot to be said for being named NMF- and in some cases that means a 224- definitely a real possibility for you! :)</p>
<p>By the way, I’m taking AP Chem this year, AP Bio next year, and AP Physics senior year. So I’d have to take either the Chemistry or Biology subject test. </p>
<p>I would take the SAT II subject test right after you have finished the AP classes in those particular subjects. I would definitely take the SAT and/or ACT by March of Junior year. This gives you enough time to work on problem areas for either the June or September tests. Do not wait until the last possible moment before applications and then have to worry if the scores will be sent in time to meet the application deadlines. Good Luck.</p>
<p>While the general advice is to take the subject test after completion of the science AP course, your HS’s curriculum may prepare you enough to take the subject test before taking the AP course. My son took the Bio subject test at the end of 9th grade honors Bio and was fine. He had to self-study a couple of topics, but was able to do so using the PR & Barrons guide books and things he looked up on the internet. I also purchased the College Board book that includes one copy of each subject test. Now, if your school offers the new AP Physics 1 that is half of the old AP Physics B, then you would not be prepared to take the Physics Subject Test.</p>
<p>Re: Math II subject test. I don’t think you need to wait until completing BC Calc. My son plans to take at the end of honors pre-calc this spring. Take a look at the practice test questions on the College Board website to determine if your math course has taught you enough to take Math II this year. You should be ready to take Chem subject test at the end of AP Chem, but again, pull up info on College Board site.</p>
<p>Re: old or new SAT I. Your PSAT score is excellent so I would suggest you look at your own calendar and figure out when you want to take the exam. You could take it this year, but just keep SAT II testing dates, final exam dates and EC commitments in mind. The old exam will be offered Oct, Nov, Dec & Jan of your Jr year, but there is no reason to wait until next year if you can find time to take a couple of practice exams this year for the March, May or June test dates. One thing you may want to spend a little time on is the essay since the PSAT does not have an essay section. As of now, there is no way for you to study for the new PSAT but sample materials will be released in the future.</p>
<p>To your comment about buying the ACT & SAT books and taking practice tests….yes, but to be honest, with a score of 217, you really should not need much practice, at least for the SAT. Take timed practice tests and perhaps consider a tutor for essay review only, but you can probably find enough info on-line about the essay grading.</p>
<p>I’ll add some advice based on two sons, one of which is a freshman at an Ivy and a second who is a junior just going through the PSAT/SAT regiment. First son took the SAT in Jan of Junior year cold (just one or two practice test) and did no prep for PSAT’s. With Jan SAT’s (for a fee) you can get the questions and answers plus your answers. Then in April did some one on one tutoring with answers from Jan SAT’s (like one lesson for each Math/Reading/Writing/Essay) and took SAT’s in May. The tutoring helped with the trick questions that the general group classes don’t even touch and it helped my son get almost perfect SAT score (100 point improvement over Jan scores). Then he took the subject tests (physics & math) in June which gave him a couple of weeks after the AP’s to brush up on anything not covered in class. </p>
<p>The major adjustment I made for second son was I scheduled a few one on one SAT tutoring lessons for end of Sept. into October which would help with PSAT’s and he took the SAT’s in beginning of December (but answers are not available for purchase). This definitely helped with the PSAT’s since my first son just missed National Merit finalist by 1 point! (but made Commended Scholar). The second son just received PSAT’s and will definitely get NM finalist with 10 points above state average. We find out SAT scores tomorrow and he will only retake them if he is below 2300. I’ve heard that top schools like to see you take them twice unless your score was almost perfect - something about going the extra mile!</p>
<p>By the way second son took Chem subject test end of Sophomore year and received a close to perfect score but he said the test was really tough (and that says a lot coming from him). First son didn’t bother - chem wasn’t his thing. Some top schools require that you submit all test scores taken and the Chem subject test is one of the hardest ones so I would only recommend taking it if you can get 790 or 800. Otherwise take the Math and Physics subject tests in June of your junior year. </p>
<p>@KathleenA Thanks, I think I’ll take the Biology subject test at the end of junior year because Chemistry isn’t really my thing either (I recently realized this).</p>