<p>My son is in 9th grade and homeschooled. we are using a combination of community college classes, university classes and more. he is interested in possibly applying to a competitive college and I have a quick question. (sorry -- we have no guidance counselor to ask these questions).</p>
<p>I know that he should take 3 SAT II subject tests. Would there really be any reason to take more?</p>
<p>His skills and interests right now lie in the humanities areas, although he is not bad at science and math.</p>
<p>What do schools like to see as far as these SAT II subject tests?</p>
<p>Also -- if he takes an AP level course, should the SAT II subject test be a different subject? (i.e. if he takes AP Lit & composition, would there be any reason to take SAT II Lit)</p>
<p>I am thinking -- </p>
<p>SAT II subject tests -- Math IIC, Biology, World History</p>
<p>AP courses/tests -- Physics B, Euro History, Language & Composition, Lit & Composition, Chinese Language and Culture (he is interested in more -- but we are planning on 5) </p>
<p>Since he would need the scores for his application process (homeschooler), all these tests would be completed by the fall of his senior year -- so those AP courses/tests are for 9th - 10th grade.</p>
<p>i know that the SAT II and AP test scores will weigh more heavily for him since he is a homeschooler and we want to plan correctly so that we are demonstrating a good spread of subject knowledge, etc.</p>
<p>Most colleges now are no longer requiring/recommending 3 SAT IIs because the SAT now contains the writing section. Therefore, it will only be necessary to take two, but it wouldn't hurt to take more. One of the subject tests will definitely need to be in mathematics. That is a standard for any colleges. If the college requires/recommends SAT IIs, they will usually specificly mention one being a Math SAT II. Whether to take Math Level 1 or Math Level 2 depends on how strong your child is in mathematics. Level 1 is easier and does not cover as much material. However, because it is easier, there is less of a curve. Therefore, it is more difficult to get a good score. In order to take Math Level 2, your child needs to be very proficient with all math up through the end of precalculus (nothing calculus will be required). The advantage to taking this is that you can still get 5 or 6 questions out of the 50 wrong and end up with a perfect score anyway. The other subject test should probably be playing to your child's best strength. If he is interested in humanities/literature, have him take the SAT II Lit, even if he is going to be taking the AP. Have him do these tests in a single sitting (do NOT take anymore). If the scores on these are both good (over 700), then do not take any additional SAT IIs unless colleges request it due to his homeschooling. By getting these good scores, your child will show colleges that he is clearly capable of competing with other students. Why risk that by taking extra SAT IIs that could potentially turn out badly? </p>
<p>If your child decides to take the SAT II Math Level 2, get the 7th or 8th Edition of Barron's SAT II Math IIC book. It will over prepare your child, guaranteeing a good score. I studied with that, and took the practice tests in the book. I consistently scored in the low 600s in the Barron's book. When I went to take the actual test though, it was a breeze. Easy 800. Barron's will over prepare you for any SAT II you decide to take. </p>
<p>I would say to wait on taking the SAT. That should come at the end of junior year and/or at the beginning of senior year. By that time, your child's abilities will have developed nicely. However, it would benefit your child to take the ACT as many times as possible. When sending scores, the ACT allows you to send only the scores from the testings that you like. Therefore, if your child takes it a lot, chances are that he will perform unusually well on at least one of them. You could send that single ACT score, and colleges would percieve that very nicely. </p>
<p>Sat II math is a definite must take. Although more comprehensive than Math I, it allows you to miss 5-6 questions and still get a perfect score.</p>
<p>"Also -- if he takes an AP level course, should the SAT II subject test be a different subject? (i.e. if he takes AP Lit & composition, would there be any reason to take SAT II Lit)"</p>
<p>Meh. It depends on what the schools look at in admissions. If you already know the school will take your AP scores into consideration, then I wouldn't bother with SAT Lit. </p>
<p>However, I would still take the SAT IIs that he took AP courses in. When I was going through testing, I deliberately chose the SAT II tests that I didn't take AP for. I thought it would make my app more "balanced," so to speak. But then I realized I was up against people who had taken the AP class too, and thus were a bit more prepared than I was. Although I still didn't bomb the tests, I felt my scores were less competitive than they could have been. Moral of the story: if he didn't take AP and still wants to take the SAT II, make sure he's as prepared to take it as he would have been if he took the AP course also. Haha... Clear as mud?</p>