So, I’ve decided to take some Subject Tests this upcoming October, however, I don’t really know what to take. I’m taking Math 2 regardless, however, I don’t know what other two to take in addition. I am interested in Physics, but I am taking AP Physics 1 right now (should’ve taken it earlier I know) and am not caught up with like 60% of the test material. I did take AP Chemistry last year, however, I wound up getting a 3 on the exam, so it’s not exactly a strong suit for me - same with Biology. I am very strong in English (my biggest strength), so I’ve been considering that. My intended major, though, is Physics, so English doesn’t really factor into that. You may be wondering, why in the world are you trying to major in Physics when you haven’t even finished Physics 1 and English is your strongest subject? Because I fell in love with it over the summer with an internship I had. I can do all the math for the most part as I’ve been through Calc AB and BC and am taking DL Calc now at Georgia Tech (well, it’s a video stream). The problem is that the Physics subject test is pretty much completely conceptual, and I’m not caught up on the concepts. Should I even apply to be a Physics major if I can’t take the subject test for it? Sorry, this got off topic. Anyway, what subject tests should I consider taking for my intended major? Thanks, and sorry for the rant.
My recommendation is to study and take all 3 tests: Math II, English, and Chem in October.
See how you do and consider taking Physics in December or even January if you need to. My D took one in Jan. last year, with results in Feb and was able to submit them – but check with your colleges. She had to email her AO to find out as it wasn’t clear on websites. And you could retake any of the other ones as well if you want to try to get scores up.
This way you can see where you land in Oct and have more time to focus on the top 3, especially if you can study over the winter break. Plus you’ll have more of your Physics class under your belt.
Get the big blue SAT Subject Test book and use their practice tests between now and Oct! Use Kahn Academy.
Good luck!
First, are you looking at colleges that recommend SAT subject tests, or require them? If it’s recommend, seriously consider just English and Math II. Or get the scores back and use score choice to only send a third score if it is strong. I’m not sure a mediocre science SAT II score helps you.
Regardless, take Math II and English. I have a kid at a nationally known STEM magnet school, and they are very serious about English. We live in a world where it isn’t enough to have good ideas.
“ Effective communication is often the only difference between a good idea and a successful initiative.” —TJHSST belief statement
You have to be able to communicate. A strong English background is a big asset. If you have it, don’t hide it— showcase it.
For the third test, take the Bio and Chem practice tests and see which one you do better at. Devote your study time to that one. If it comes back weak, strongly consider not sending it.
And if you love physics, go for it! Your experience this summer sounds like a great essay to me, and explains the late start. Physics is very math based. Send in strong SAT Math and SAT Math II scores, AP Calc scores, math grades, and post a good mid year physics grade, and maybe a math teacher rec, or a letter from your supervisor at your summer experience, and you will show that you are a strong enough Math student to succeed in physics.
AlmostThere2018, I think I will take the English test as well, but I want to ED to my dream school (Stanford), whose deadline is November 1st. They’ll accept scores from October, however, there won’t be any more time after to retake or take another one for ED. I know I should’ve taken the tests earlier, and it’s my fault for procrastinating. Still, I am pretty sure I’ll ED there, unless I totally bomb all my subject tests. However, results will be back sometime in December, so, unless I get in, which I probably won’t, I think I will take that Physics one again for RD to my other schools. Thank you for the advice!
NOVA2024, yeah, I definitely am going to take the English one along with Math 2. You guys both helped me decide that. The colleges I’m looking at don’t require them, at least for most of their programs, however, it looks good to have them. The thing I’m worried most about is that I’m applying to elite colleges, and I don’t think they’d take my Physics major seriously considering I’ve only taken one Physics class my Senior year and won’t even have the subject test. Should I reconsider changing my major for the application? I love physics, but I’ve only “loved” it for a few months. It’s an extremely recent development, and if I do want to get back to physics, I could always change my major later on. I know this is off the original topic, but do you think I should consider changing my intended major to one where I have more background and experience in? Or should I just stick with physics? Sorry for all the questions, I’m just nervous, and thank you so much!
I don’t see a reason why you can’t list Physics as your intended major, esp. since most colleges ask for your secondary and, if I recall, even sometimes a third area of interest. The fact that you did something this summer that ignited your interest is not too late.
It’s no wonder you’re nervous – these are big decisions and it’s a stressful time. You sound like a great candidate and you will do well. Remember, your future depends more on what you do in college, not where you go.
Good luck and hang in there. It will all be fine. Truly.
OP—I know this must seem overwhelming. And you would have a much bigger decision on your hands if you are applying to a direct admit program, like engineering, or to a school, like CMU, where you apply to science or humanities. A school that lets you wait until after freshman year to declare your area of interest may help them build a “well rounded” class, but they expect that kids will change their minds. And hope that some kids will be exposed to a new area, like anthropology, and pursue it.
My kid is a junior and has a strong interest in geology and is putting that on college interest sheets. Problem is, his high schools course sequencing is biology, chemistry, physics, and a unique geosciences class senior year that uses all three. No geoscience classes offered before that. So, he won’t take a geoscience class until senior year. But it’s his genuine interest.
Stanford is a lottery school for virtually everyone. I think you stand a better chance being genuine, rather than trying to force yourself into a box you don’t belong in.
My kid took Lit & Math II. 800s in both, and she got in everyplace she applied. She was a physics major whose HS school did not even offer AP Physics, and is a Physics PhD student now. I don’t know where kids get the idea that (1) they have to be singularly focused in their interests, and (2) somehow they are way behind if they haven’t taken an AP or subject test in an area they might want to major in. Colleges want you to be interested and interesting. You (and many other applicants) are worrying about the wrong stuff.
Thank you guys so much for all of your advice! It really has helped me, and I will apply for Physics. It’s something I thoroughly enjoy, and you guys are right. I am just overthinking things a bit because I’m pretty nervous as you could probably tell. Again, thank you guys for your advice - it really was helpful to me.