SAT Subject Tests for Ivy League-bound student?
Asked by meresmithyHello! I am currently a high school sophomore and I'm trying to decide which SAT subject tests to take. I want to take 5: Biology, US History, Spanish, Math 2, and English Literature. But, I think 5 is way too many. I think you're supposed take 2 or 3. So, which ones should I definately take? Which ones should I definately not take? Thanks!!
Favorite Answer
Answered by blueangelfire995
5??? Too many. Waste of time and unnecessary. I would recommend 3, because while most colleges want 2, some want 3. Colleges usually like a math SAT score to look at, either Math 1 or 2. Math 1 is pretty much what is on the regular SAT, just more problems and some might go more in depth. I would recommend Math 2 -- it isn't too hard, and there's a larger curve. Admissions officers would much rather see Math 2, anyway. I took Literature and I personally found it hard, but maybe that's because I'm not good at multiple choice questions regarding theme, mood, tone, purpose, etc. If you are, I would recommend taking this one. It's a little harder than what's on the regular SAT, but there isn't much of a way to study for it. Look through vocab and literary terms, it's all you can really do to prepare. I took Biology, with just one yr of bio. I didn't take AP Bio, so I did some extra studying, and I ended up getting a good score. I thought it wasn't too hard. I heard that Spanish (esp with listening) is hard for non-native speakers, because native speakers usually throw off the curve. So make sure you're really good at the language, and have prepared with listening and reading exercises. You should have a good hold of grammar too. I wouldn't know about US History, but most people don't recommend it without the respective AP course, because there is a lot of material. So, overall, definitely take a Math one. Maybe a science, too. If you're taking any AP courses this year or next (US Hist, Spanish, Bio, Chem, etc), then take the respective SAT 2. If not, make sure to devote a good amount of time to studying.
5??? Too many. Waste of time and unnecessary. I would recommend 3, because while most colleges want 2, some want 3. Colleges usually like a math SAT score to look at, either Math 1 or 2. Math 1 is pretty much what is on the regular SAT, just more problems and some might go more in depth. I would recommend Math 2 -- it isn't too hard, and there's a larger curve. Admissions officers would much rather see Math 2, anyway. I took Literature and I personally found it hard, but maybe that's because I'm not good at multiple choice questions regarding theme, mood, tone, purpose, etc. If you are, I would recommend taking this one. It's a little harder than what's on the regular SAT, but there isn't much of a way to study for it. Look through vocab and literary terms, it's all you can really do to prepare. I took Biology, with just one yr of bio. I didn't take AP Bio, so I did some extra studying, and I ended up getting a good score. I thought it wasn't too hard. I heard that Spanish (esp with listening) is hard for non-native speakers, because native speakers usually throw off the curve. So make sure you're really good at the language, and have prepared with listening and reading exercises. You should have a good hold of grammar too. I wouldn't know about US History, but most people don't recommend it without the respective AP course, because there is a lot of material. So, overall, definitely take a Math one. Maybe a science, too. If you're taking any AP courses this year or next (US Hist, Spanish, Bio, Chem, etc), then take the respective SAT 2. If not, make sure to devote a good amount of time to studying.
