Which Standardized Tests to Take?

Test Preparation
1

<p>I'm a junior and am plotting out the standardized tests I will have to take over the next 8 months before it is time to send out college apps. I need to make sure I have things planned out because I have conflicts on several of the testing dates. As far as scores are considered, I'm aiming for some of the more competitive schools, with Brown being my #1 right now.</p>

<p>ACT: I've taken the ACT twice (freshman year in April and sophomore year in April) both times with less than an hour of studying. My best score is a 26 (terrible, I know).</p>

<p>SAT: I've taken the SAT once (December of Junior year). I got a 2010 (800 Math).</p>

<p>SAT Subject Tests: I haven't taken these yet; although, I plan on taking Math Level 2 and US History for sure.</p>

<p>AP: I took AP Human Geography freshman year and AP World History sophomore year. This year, I plan on taking AP Calculus BC (taking class) and plan on self-studying a few. </p>

<p>Questions:
1. Would self-studying AP US History, AP Environmental Science, and AP Psychology be enough? (I'm considering AP Micro and AP Macro; however, I don't want to overload on too many AP's and score 3's. I want straight 5's.)</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Should I focus on just taking the SAT or just taking the ACT or should I keep taking both? How many more times should I take either of these? (I could take the ACT in April and June and could take the SAT in June (maybe) and October.)</p></li>
<li><p>I plan on applying to several schools EA. How does this affect taking the SAT/ACT? What's the latest test date? (I heard October, but I want to verify.) Also, if I would retake the SAT or ACT in December for my RD schools, could I submit those scores, even though I submitted other scores to my EA schools?</p></li>
<li><p>I plan on taking Math Level 2 and US History SAT II's in May. What is the best way to prepare for these exams? (I'm aware of the College Board book, but anything else?)</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Basically, I'm freaking out because I realize I only have a few more times to take the SAT and/or ACT and/or SAT Subject Tests. I want to try to focus my studying on what I will score the best on, but I'm not sure what that is. I think I can do better on the SAT than the ACT, although that would probably mean taking the SAT two more times and I'd have to do the SAT Subject Tests (which I'm nervous about). Still, I've got an 800 Math, so I just have to focus on Critical Reading and Writing. On the other hand, if I do well on the ACT, I'm done and don't have to worry about the SAT II's (at least I don't think).</p>

<p>I'm shooting for SAT to be 2200+ and ACT to be 33+, thank you so much for your help! I'm really sorry if I've been babbling on. I really appreciate all of the help! Thanks!</p>

2

<p>

Take the most rigorous classes your school offers. If you feel you would be prepared in self-studying, then go for it. Self-studying three on your own sounds impressive, as long as you’re also taking the best courses possible.</p>

<p>

Just the SAT, you already got an 800 in math. Focus on raising your other two scores a lot before your next test. I wouldn’t advise more than two more tests.</p>

<p>

Yes, October is usually the latest for EA, so some schools might consider November if it gets there in time. November, December, and often even January are acceptable for RD.</p>

<p>

There are additional collegeboard books in both Math and History. If you’re self-studying AP US, that should help, though you won’t get through a lot before you have to take the subject test. There’s a lot of good advice in the Subject Test Forum.</p>

<p>

Very few schools that require SAT Subject Tests will accept the ACT in lieu of both the SAT I and the SAT IIs. You would still need subject tests. Go with the SAT.</p>

3

<p>Thank you very much for your advice BillyMc!</p>