So say i want to take the SAT II US History, even though i hate history and have no intention to major in history, but i'm really good at all the details of US history, should i take it? i mean its good to show colleges that i know some stuff. plus i think taking AP US history helps before taking the SAT II test.
Best Answer
Nikita,
It definitely matters, in two distinct ways. First, you want to show really high SAT II scores when you're applying to college. This is a good supplement to the other test scores and grades that make up the core, quantitative portion of your application. If a college sees that you have great grades and really high test scores, it really makes you a solid candidate for admission. So you want to make sure to pick tests on which you will do well -- even if you don't plan to study those subjects in college. The second reason you want to be careful which tests you pick is because a lot of colleges will give you college credit for a good SAT II score. So if you take a foreign language SAT II and score above say a 700, many schools will let you waive the foreign language requirement which can save you 1 full year's worth of classes! So make sure you pick a few SAT II tests on which you'll do well. You may even WANT to pick some SAT II exams on which you'll do well but for a subject which you have no intention of studying in college because the SAT II score may be enough to have you skip that requirement once you're in college.
It definitely matters, in two distinct ways. First, you want to show really high SAT II scores when you're applying to college. This is a good supplement to the other test scores and grades that make up the core, quantitative portion of your application. If a college sees that you have great grades and really high test scores, it really makes you a solid candidate for admission. So you want to make sure to pick tests on which you will do well -- even if you don't plan to study those subjects in college. The second reason you want to be careful which tests you pick is because a lot of colleges will give you college credit for a good SAT II score. So if you take a foreign language SAT II and score above say a 700, many schools will let you waive the foreign language requirement which can save you 1 full year's worth of classes! So make sure you pick a few SAT II tests on which you'll do well. You may even WANT to pick some SAT II exams on which you'll do well but for a subject which you have no intention of studying in college because the SAT II score may be enough to have you skip that requirement once you're in college.
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Other Answers
I took SAT II Math IIC, Spanish, and Biology E/M recently. I chose these tests specifically because I had taken corresponding high school classes (that certainly helped) and because I needed to satisfy a math, language, and science requirement in SAT IIs for my prospective college.
I encourage you to take exams in subjects that you've taken courses in. And, I second Cali's advice.
I encourage you to take exams in subjects that you've taken courses in. And, I second Cali's advice.
Also, check for which types of SAT II subject tests your prospectives schools are looking for. I know that some schools require a certain combination; for instance, MIT requires two types of SAT Subject Tests: one in math (Level IC or Level IIC) and one in science (Physics, Chemistry, or Biology E/M).
Don't quote me on this. But, in general, I believe most top 100 colleges ask for a generic 3-type combination: one in math, one in science, and one in languages/literature (Literature or a Foreign Language).
Don't quote me on this. But, in general, I believe most top 100 colleges ask for a generic 3-type combination: one in math, one in science, and one in languages/literature (Literature or a Foreign Language).