Why are there Subject Tests AND APs?

Test Preparation SAT Subject Test Preparation
1

<p>OK, I know this is a really dumb question, but what is the point of having both AP tests and Subject Tests? I mean, I know colleges like to see both, but why, exactly? Both are by College Board, many of the subjects are similar, and people often score similarly on corresponding tests. Sure, they serve slightly different purposes, but why couldn't one test count for both? I know there is something I am missing here, so please inform me. Sorry for being so ignorant.</p>

2

<p>money?</p>

<p>10char</p>

3

<p>I don’t think it is a dumb question at all. The Collegeboard is a for-profit organization put in charge of our futures, so they obviously have two of the same tests.</p>

4

<p>I assume because AP is so broad. I mean it as in a 5 could be 600-800. Also, not all schools offer AP because of funding, like my cousins school only offers up to Algebra II.</p>

5

<p>APs are meant for college credit as for Subject test are meant for administration purposes…</p>

6

<p>Two main differences:

  1. APs are meant to be college-level, while SATs are meant to be high school-level.
  2. APs are meant to test overall thinking and analysis in many cases, beyond just memorized knowledge. SATs test memorized knowledge.</p>
7

<p>^ Ah, that makes some sense. It makes me feel a bit better. Although I still think they could kind of combine the two for more efficient testing.</p>

8

<p>I think a 5 negates any need to take the corresponding SAT subj. test. I would only take an SAT II if I was not already taking the AP, since testing both would be kind of redundant.</p>

9

<p>^</p>

<p>That sucks, because most colleges require 2 Subject Tests. :smiley: Tough luck, kiddo.</p>

10

<p>Based on what my friends told me, there are Canadian colleges that equate subject tests with APs and IBs. In the U.S., mostly only top tier universities require subject tests; based on the top of my head, UCs and Stanford do not require subject tests, though they are recommended (which means take them).</p>

11

<p>I wish I could use my AP tests for the required subject tests… The more exact scores make me more paranoid about every question, which I don’t think helps my testing at all. Especially in math, where I make stupid mistakes and can’t see them until the hour after I take the test lol</p>