Why SAT Subject Tests?

[shburks]

I feel like I've been hiding under a rock or something! I haven't been on in a while and when I come back, there are all these SAT subject test questions!

 

Why would you take them? What do you use them for?

[wapiti]

Some selective colleges require applicants to take a few of them.  They are also called SAT IIs (SAT2).  Back in the 80s, I believe they were called Achievement Tests.  (LOL, I found scores among my old papers.  Too bad I didn't know there was such a thing as prep.)

 

ETA, for homeschoolers in particular, they may be an option for verifying mommy grades.  There may also be strategy involving timing, taking particular ones right after finishing particular courses.

Edited February 9, 2016 by wapiti

[Lawyer&Mom]

Back in the day I thought they were fun. But I'm I standardized test junkie.

 

I do think they could be a convenient way to measure achievement. One hour, multiple choice. Less of an ordeal than AP.

[Arcadia]

My boys are taking them to check the box for history and literature. They do not want to follow a curriculum and they are not fond of writing but they will type. This way they can enjoy history and literature most of the year and do test prep for one to two months to get a decent score.

 

They are also taking the Math 2 and a science subject test because both have engineering as a safety choice and the schools of engineering typically want those. My alma mater (not US) wants three great sat subject test scores as well as good SAT scores for overseas applicants as a minimum regardless of major.

 

For me, it gets me out of giving mommy grades for hard to grade subjects, particularly the humanities.

[SparklyUnicorn]

I've seen it as a requirement for highly selective schools.  I do plan to have my son take some.  I figure it is additional outside validation. 

[Hilltopmom]

Outside validation.

We have very limited options for AP testing here, so are doing SAT subject tests instead- Bio & US History this year.

 

Oldest is leaning Comp Sci or Engineering & places we've looked at so far want SAT subjects in 1-2 Science & math.

 

Can't beat the 1 hour mult choice format either:) & you can take 3 in one day at regular SAT sites, no begging places to let u take AP tests.

[regentrude]

Required by selective schools (and by some not-so-selective schools just fro homeschoolers).

One form of outside validation.

 

[shburks]

Thanks for the quick replies!

 

My boys are taking them to check the box for history and literature. They do not want to follow a curriculum and they are not fond of writing but they will type. This way they can enjoy history and literature most of the year and do test prep for one to two months to get a decent score.

They are also taking the Math 2 and a science subject test because both have engineering as a safety choice and the schools of engineering typically want those. My alma mater (not US) wants three great sat subject test scores as well as good SAT scores for overseas applicants as a minimum regardless of major.

For me, it gets me out of giving mommy grades for hard to grade subjects, particularly the humanities.

Can I ask how old your boys are? Also, if you use them to get out of "mommy grades," how will you submit these? In place of a high school grade?

 

Outside validation.
We have very limited options for AP testing here, so are doing SAT subject tests instead- Bio & US History this year.

Oldest is leaning Comp Sci or Engineering & places we've looked at so far want SAT subjects in 1-2 Science & math.

Can't beat the 1 hour mult choice format either:) & you can take 3 in one day at regular SAT sites, no begging places to let u take AP tests.

Are both of your boys taking these? Are these considered equivalent to passing an AP test? 

 

Some selective colleges require applicants to take a few of them.  They are also called SAT IIs (SAT2).  Back in the 80s, I believe they were called Achievement Tests.  (LOL, I found scores among my old papers.  Too bad I didn't know there was such a thing as prep.)

 

ETA, for homeschoolers in particular, they may be an option for verifying mommy grades.  There may also be strategy involving timing, taking particular ones right after finishing particular courses.

Back in the day...I've never heard of these until very recently. They were around when we were testing in the 80s/90s? I grew up in Georgia; we must not have had these as an option!

 

 

Required by selective schools (and by some not-so-selective schools just fro homeschoolers).

One form of outside validation.

Can I ask where you're seeing these? Particular schools, I mean!

 

 

Thanks for your quick replies. I guess I'm just still not understanding how these will be used. You would submit them with a college application? They would be used in addition to a high school transcript or in place of certain classes in some cases? If used in place of, how do you "grade" it--factor it into a transcript?

 

Sorry for the 400 questions!

[shburks]

Ahh...I see where it's listed under Georgia Tech now. 

 

In order to holistically review students from unaccredited home school programs, our Admission Committee recommends submission of supplementary information to demonstrate academic ability in core academic areas.

While not required, one or more of the following items are particularly helpful in our assessment of achievement and excellence in math, foreign language, social studies/social science and lab science:

• Previous college coursework
• SAT Subject Tests
• AP/IB test scores

[regentrude]

Pretty much every selective school requires SAT subject test from all applicants. Just look up the colleges you are interested in.

Scores are kept by the College Board and sent directly to the college if you request that. You can list them on the transcript with the other test scores, but they only "count" if they are sent officially.

They can serve to substantiate mommy grades - or, if you wish, you can base the grade on reaching a particular score, if you so choose. For example, I knew that nobody would question DD's grade of A in German since she had a perfect on the SAT2 - we had no other evaluation or grade.

[shburks]

That opens another question! When do you take these subject tests? Do you do the practice tests online and if the kiddo does well, go ahead and take the subject tests?

[shburks]

Pretty much every selective school requires SAT subject test from all applicants. Just look up the colleges you are interested in.

Scores are kept by the College Board and sent directly to the college if you request that. You can list them on the transcript with the other test scores, but they only "count" if they are sent officially.

They can serve to substantiate mommy grades - or, if you wish, you can base the grade on reaching a particular score, if you so choose. For example, I knew that nobody would question DD's grade of A in German since she had a perfect on the SAT2 - we had no other evaluation or grade.

 

Thank you, thank you!! That helps so much!

[regentrude]

That opens another question! When do you take these subject tests? Do you do the practice tests online and if the kiddo does well, go ahead and take the subject tests?

 

I highly recommend taking the test immediately after completion of the course. Waiting a year is not usually a good idea.

I do not think there are practice tests online, but the SAT2 test books have some. I also recommend targeted test prep with a prep book, except possibly for languages and literature. But math and science, definitely.

 

[Arcadia]

Can I ask how old your boys are? Also, if you use them to get out of "mommy grades," how will you submit these? In place of a high school grade?

They are 10 (5th) and 11 (6th). UC (California) has a high school credit by exam choice and would accept credit for high school math and LOTE (language other than english) taken from 7th grade. So my oldest can start fulfiling math and LOTE credits in 2016/17.

 

I intend to list their SAT and any AP scores as credit by exam on their transcript if they did not do a formal class for those. There are some subjects that my intense oldest does not want to spread over a year and prefer to self study at his pace.

 

For any AP scores which they attend an AP course for, I will just list the course provider and their AP scores.

 

ETA:

The SAT subject test prep books have diagnostic tests which are useful for spotting gaps or anything that needs review.

 

ETA:

What I mean by high school credit by exam using UC guidelines. Other colleges would have different criteria.

 

E.g

"SAT Subject Examination

 

U.S. History: Score of 550 satisfies one year.

World History: Score of 540 satisfies one year."

 

http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/requirements/a-g-requirements/

Edited February 9, 2016 by Arcadia

[Cosmos]

I highly recommend taking the test immediately after completion of the course. Waiting a year is not usually a good idea.

 

While I don't dispute this advice, I will say that one nice thing about the SAT subject tests compared to APs is that they can be taken throughout the year. I live in the north, where the school year runs until the end of June. A student taking a test in June (the last SAT test of the year) may well not have finished all the material yet. And of course homeschool students might finish a course at who knows what time. At least with the SATs you have the option to study over the summer and take it in October (or January or whatever suits you) rather than the take-it-now-or-wait-an-entire-year kind of decision you have with APs.

 

[quark]

We didn't want DS to have to take the SAT subject tests multiple times so although he finished some of the content learning much earlier, he only recently took the SAT Math 2. I do regret that he didn't take SAT Chemistry and Biology earlier but it would have been crazy for him to take these at the age that he completed high school level courses (elementary age). So he'll take one science subject test this Nov instead (kinda late if he chooses to apply this year as it is too close to application season but it is what it is and we'll have to take that risk).

 

One thing to note is that University of CA asks that students avoid submitting SAT subject test scores in subjects where they have taken college course equivalents. That makes things hard for DS because he would have DE-ed 2 sciences by then and is not interested in the general version of the 3rd science anymore. He is probably going to go ahead and take one science SAT anyway just in case he applies outside the UCs.

 

[dirty ethel rackham]

Thanks for the quick replies!

 

<snip> Also, if you use them to get out of "mommy grades," how will you submit these? In place of a high school grade?

 

I had my kids take them as soon after they finished a class as possible, based upon when the College Board offered them locally.  I listed the scores on the transcript along with other test scores.  But they school also required that we have the scores sent from the College Board.   

 

<snip> Are these considered equivalent to passing an AP test? 

 

These are not equivalent to an AP exam.  The SAT II tests measure mastery of a high school level subject.  The AP exam measures mastery of an introductory college level class.  They both may serve to validate "mommy grades", but one may get college credit with a high enough  AP exam score.  It also can show the ability to do college level work, thus strengthening the application.  However, there are some highly selective colleges that still want SAT II tests even if you have AP exams (at least there were several years ago.)  

 

<snip>

 

 

Thanks for your quick replies. I guess I'm just still not understanding how these will be used. You would submit them with a college application? They would be used in addition to a high school transcript or in place of certain classes in some cases? If used in place of, how do you "grade" it--factor it into a transcript?

 

They are not really used in place of a class, but to validate that a student mastered the subject.  Credit would still need to be given for a "class" since colleges still want to see a certain number of credits in a subject.  When I used a subject test to validate a grade, I basically looked for something in the 700s to validate an A.  To submit the scores, you have to get them sent from the College Board.  I think 4 schools are free when you sign up for the test.  After that, you need to pay.  I did make a section on my 1-page transcript that listed the scores of any of these tests (SAT, ACT, SAT II, AP). 

 

 

[Arcadia]

 

One thing to note is that University of CA asks that students avoid submitting SAT subject test scores in subjects where they have taken college course equivalents. That makes things hard for DS because he would have DE-ed 2 sciences by then and is not interested in the general version of the 3rd science anymore. He is probably going to go ahead and take one science SAT anyway just in case he applies outside the UCs.

 

My oldest is likely going to DE math and science.  However we are just playing it safe by taking the math 2 and one science sat because of the recommended SAT subjects tests on UC's webpage. We would probably choose to DE math and science courses that are in the TAG list anyway even though we won't be going for TAG.

http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/requirements/examination-requirement/SAT-subject-tests/index.html

 

ETA:

Good luck on your son's college application (regardless of when that may be)  :)

Edited February 9, 2016 by Arcadia

[shburks]

 

Thanks for the quick replies!

 

<snip> Also, if you use them to get out of "mommy grades," how will you submit these? In place of a high school grade?

 

I had my kids take them as soon after they finished a class as possible, based upon when the College Board offered them locally.  I listed the scores on the transcript along with other test scores.  But they school also required that we have the scores sent from the College Board.   

 

<snip> Are these considered equivalent to passing an AP test? 

 

These are not equivalent to an AP exam.  The SAT II tests measure mastery of a high school level subject.  The AP exam measures mastery of an introductory college level class.  They both may serve to validate "mommy grades", but one may get college credit with a high enough  AP exam score.  It also can show the ability to do college level work, thus strengthening the application.  However, there are some highly selective colleges that still want SAT II tests even if you have AP exams (at least there were several years ago.)  

 

<snip>

 

 

Thanks for your quick replies. I guess I'm just still not understanding how these will be used. You would submit them with a college application? They would be used in addition to a high school transcript or in place of certain classes in some cases? If used in place of, how do you "grade" it--factor it into a transcript?

 

They are not really used in place of a class, but to validate that a student mastered the subject.  Credit would still need to be given for a "class" since colleges still want to see a certain number of credits in a subject.  When I used a subject test to validate a grade, I basically looked for something in the 700s to validate an A.  To submit the scores, you have to get them sent from the College Board.  I think 4 schools are free when you sign up for the test.  After that, you need to pay.  I did make a section on my 1-page transcript that listed the scores of any of these tests (SAT, ACT, SAT II, AP). 

 

 

 

 

That helps tremendously. Thank you for that information regarding the SAT score and the high school subject grade. What if you're not ready to send the grades to a school? Do you pay to send them later instead? It sounds like many of these kids are young taking these tests. Are they still "valid" five or six years from now?

 

My oldest is likely going to DE math and science.  However we are just playing it safe by taking the math 2 and one science sat because of the recommended SAT subjects tests on UC's webpage. We would probably choose to DE math and science courses that are in the TAG list anyway even though we won't be going for TAG.

http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/requirements/examination-requirement/SAT-subject-tests/index.html

 

ETA:

Good luck on your son's college application (regardless of when that may be)  :)

Arcadia--Can you help me understand what "DE" courses are?

 

We didn't want DS to have to take the SAT subject tests multiple times so although he finished some of the content learning much earlier, he only recently took the SAT Math 2. I do regret that he didn't take SAT Chemistry and Biology earlier but it would have been crazy for him to take these at the age that he completed high school level courses (elementary age). So he'll take one science subject test this Nov instead (kinda late if he chooses to apply this year as it is too close to application season but it is what it is and we'll have to take that risk).

 

One thing to note is that University of CA asks that students avoid submitting SAT subject test scores in subjects where they have taken college course equivalents. That makes things hard for DS because he would have DE-ed 2 sciences by then and is not interested in the general version of the 3rd science anymore. He is probably going to go ahead and take one science SAT anyway just in case he applies outside the UCs.

Quark--This is what I'm asking, I suppose. DS is 11, so is it ridiculous to consider taking these subject tests in a year--two years? Is it too early to take them and still be able to use them for college admissions/transcript purposes?

 

They are 10 (5th) and 11 (6th). UC (California) has a high school credit by exam choice and would accept credit for high school math and LOTE (language other than english) taken from 7th grade. So my oldest can start fulfiling math and LOTE credits in 2016/17.

 

I intend to list their SAT and any AP scores as credit by exam on their transcript if they did not do a formal class for those. There are some subjects that my intense oldest does not want to spread over a year and prefer to self study at his pace.

 

For any AP scores which they attend an AP course for, I will just list the course provider and their AP scores.

 

ETA:

The SAT subject test prep books have diagnostic tests which are useful for spotting gaps or anything that needs review.

 

ETA:

What I mean by high school credit by exam using UC guidelines. Other colleges would have different criteria.

 

E.g

"SAT Subject Examination

 

U.S. History: Score of 550 satisfies one year.

World History: Score of 540 satisfies one year."

 

http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/requirements/a-g-requirements/

This information is great! I love that they have this specifically broken down by subject and scores.

[dirty ethel rackham]

shburks,

 

This page from the College Board website should help with info about how to send the scores and what to do about older scores.  If you get a prep book for the subject test and have them take it a couple sample tests, you can get a fairly good idea on how well they may be prepared for the test. 

[shburks]

shburks,

 

This page from the College Board website should help with info about how to send the scores and what to do about older scores.  If you get a prep book for the subject test and have them take it a couple sample tests, you can get a fairly good idea on how well they may be prepared for the test. 

 

Thank you so much!

[Arcadia]

Arcadia--Can you help me understand what "DE" courses are?

 

This information is great! I love that they have this specifically broken down by subject and scores.

DE is dual enrollment at community colleges or colleges. TAG is transfer admission guarantee program in California which some UC takes part in. So if someone wants to transfer from community college to a participating UC specific major, there are certain compulsory courses to take.

 

I like that UC list the minimum SAT scores for each subject to count as a pass credit. At least it is a 3rd party suggestion as to what constitute a passing score.

 

Scores before age 13 won't be kept unless requested. Scores after 5 years will be archived so you pay more when sending archived scores to colleges. The extra cost is what we are willing to pay to frontload some work to middle school so our kids have more time for their passions in high school. We want our kids to have time to do internships in high school if they want that because they will turn 13 in mid 8th grade.

[quark]

ETA:

Good luck on your son's college application (regardless of when that may be) :)

Thank you! We are going to need it!

[quark]

Quark--This is what I'm asking, I suppose. DS is 11, so is it ridiculous to consider taking these subject tests in a year--two years?

Sorry, on my phone so quoting is a little clunky. Others have answered the too early and reporting info. For us we also had to consider age related asynchronous development. DS had no problems with stamina but he did have issues with speed at 10+ and couldn't finish practice tests on time. We used a harder prep book too (Chung). So he was always about 5-8 questions short. Two+ years later even the chung and barron books were on the easy side and he finished practice with time to spare (but made some careless errors a few times). In retrospect since the actual tests are easier than Chung and Barron prep books he might have hit his target score then at 10yo...or maybe not. With him it was just hard to say due to his discomfort with timed tests. At 13 it was no sweat. :) There wasnt a need when he was 10+. Now we think there is. Hope that helps!

[EndOfOrdinary]

My son is 11 and currently thinking AP more than SAT2. However, next year he will take at least 2 SAT2 tests (Biology and either English or World History). He will also study for 2 AP tests (comparative goverment and art history). The SATs are much lighter weight due to their format. This makes them ideal for using as test prep with my son's anxiety.

 

You do not have to send the scores to colleges. They can just keep them on file. Ds wants to enter community college by 14 (at the latest) so having a nice stack of test scores will help. It also verifies that he has completed high school level work, to what degree it was mastered, and that he can demostrate such work in nationally normed tests. I can claim this of my 12 to 13 year old, but no one will care. The tests keep his options open. In this way he can be doing post high school work, get credit for it, and not have to graduate.

[shburks]

DE is dual enrollment at community colleges or colleges. TAG is transfer admission guarantee program in California which some UC takes part in. So if someone wants to transfer from community college to a participating UC specific major, there are certain compulsory courses to take.

 

I like that UC list the minimum SAT scores for each subject to count as a pass credit. At least it is a 3rd party suggestion as to what constitute a passing score.

 

Scores before age 13 won't be kept unless requested. Scores after 5 years will be archived so you pay more when sending archived scores to colleges. The extra cost is what we are willing to pay to frontload some work to middle school so our kids have more time for their passions in high school. We want our kids to have time to do internships in high school if they want that because they will turn 13 in mid 8th grade.

 

Thank you! I just wasn't thinking dual enrollment for DE, so thanks!

 

I really like that US lists the minimum SAT subject scores, too. I thought that was so clear!

[8filltheheart]

I just want to interject that not all subject tests are treated equally. The foreign language tests can be used to confer credit at some universities. Different schools require different scores. I think I have read that some schools will give credit for a 640 on the Latin exam.

 

Fwiw, for chemistry and physics, I wouldn't take them after a high school course. (Meaning non-AP level.) Even AP physics 1 would not cover enough material for the subject test.

Edited February 11, 2016 by 8FillTheHeart

[8filltheheart]

https://web.stanford.edu/dept/lc/language/requirement/

 

This link describes Stanford's requirements.

[SeaConquest]

https://web.stanford.edu/dept/lc/language/requirement/

 

This link describes Stanford's requirements.

Interesting that the Hebrew Sat 2 requirement is so low. I remember reading that the curve on that test is pretty brutal, with lots of native speakers taking it. Stanford must be compensating for the normal Jewish kids who just learn Hebrew in day school (or, G-d forbid, their non-native speaking, Jewish convert of a mother who tries to teach it in her homeschool. Suffice to say, it is Sacha's least favorite subject at present.).

Edited February 11, 2016 by SeaConquest

[Kathy in Richmond]

Are there colleges that give credits for SAT 2 exams? That Stanford chart is for exempting out of studying foreign language study while at Stanford. They don't give give credit for SAT 2 scores though. You only can get credit for specific AP exams & scores.

 

A note on the physics SAT 2 exam just in case someone is considering it: It aligns very well with the *former* AP Physics B exam. I'd try to purchase one of the old study guides for that course. The current physics AP classes (Physics 1&2 and C) don't match up in topic coverage, although they're good, challenging courses. You could also prepare for SAT 2 physics by working through Giancoli's algebra based textbook. That's what my kids did, & it worked extremely well.

 

In addition to physics, my kids took SAT 2s in chem, lit, math2, and Latin. They took chem at the end of AP chem, math2 after calculus (though it can be taken after precalc), literature after they'd done well on SAT critical reading, and Latin during their AP year. Ideally I think it would be easier to take the SAT 2 Latin following Latin 3 since it's both grammar and reading based. Kids tend to forget some of the finer points of grammar when they advance to AP level & are concentrating mainly on readings.

 

For all the exams, we purchased a study guide about a month before the test date (Princeton or Barrons usually; REA for Latin). We used them for general review and to identify any areas that needed extra attention. Then we used a practice test from the College Board book of real SAT 2 exams closer to the test date. The tests from that book will give you a rough idea beforehand of how they'll score on the real thing.

 

One last thing.. my kids signed up for either 1 or 2 exams per test day. Three exams in one morning would have been too much for us, though it can be done.

[daijobu]

My older dd is taking AP chem from PA homeschoolers and was told that it aligns well with SAT chemistry so she's signed up for that (the very next day after her AP chem exam).  

 

My younger dd is taking WTM bio and was also told that it works for SAT bio, so she's signed up for that as well.  (She'll need to read one additional chapter in the text.)

[8filltheheart]

Are there colleges that give credits for SAT 2 exams? That Stanford chart is for exempting out of studying foreign language study while at Stanford. They don't give give credit for SAT 2 scores though.

Thanks for pointing that out about Stanford. I didn't read the link that closely bc I was posting from my phone. But, yes, there are schools that do give credit for subject test scores. Baylor and Tufts are 2 examples.

 

http://www.baylor.edu/irt/index.php?id=74597

The table below lists the SAT II Subject exams that have been approved for receiving credit at Baylor. Note that the number of credit hours for each Baylor course is denoted by the second digit of the course number. Therefore, History 2365 is a 3-hour course, while Biology 1401 is a 4-hour course.

This is the first time I have ever noticed credit for something other than foreign languages, though. I have seen multiple colleges give credit for foreign language scores, but never science or history.

 

http://admissions.tufts.edu/apply/first-year-students/pre-matriculation-credits/

 

I found it interesting at Tufts that a 770 on the French exam placed students out of 6 semesters of French but a 5 only place students out of 5. A 720 on the Latin exam places out 5 semesters, but a 5 only 3. Never seen that before, either. Both only grant 1 credit. (Seems that is the way Tufts grants all testing credits).

Edited February 11, 2016 by 8FillTheHeart

[Garga]

Outside validation.

We have very limited options for AP testing here, so are doing SAT subject tests instead- Bio & US History this year.

 

Oldest is leaning Comp Sci or Engineering & places we've looked at so far want SAT subjects in 1-2 Science & math.

 

Can't beat the 1 hour mult choice format either:) & you can take 3 in one day at regular SAT sites, no begging places to let u take AP tests.

What is a "regular SAT site"? I had called our local public school to have my kids take the PSAT at their school. I didn't know there were SAT sites and you didn't have to call schools to reserve a spot.

[Arcadia]

What is a "regular SAT site"? I had called our local public school to have my kids take the PSAT at their school. I didn't know there were SAT sites and you didn't have to call schools to reserve a spot.

Here is the link to find the SAT test site code to use for mail in registration.

https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/find-test-centers

 

If your child is above 13, you would be choosing the preferred test site choices (up to 3) during online registration.

 

Typically the test sites that offer SAT will also offer the SAT subject tests.

[Kathy in Richmond]

http://www.baylor.edu/irt/index.php?id=74597

This is the first time I have ever noticed credit for something other than foreign languages, though. I have seen multiple colleges give credit for foreign language scores, but never science or history.

 

http://admissions.tufts.edu/apply/first-year-students/pre-matriculation-credits/

 

I found it interesting at Tufts that a 770 on the French exam placed students out of 6 semesters of French but a 5 only place students out of 5. A 720 on the Latin exam places out 5 semesters, but a 5 only 3. Never seen that before, either. Both only grant 1 credit. (Seems that is the way Tufts grants all testing credits).

 

Thanks for the examples...very interesting!

 

While Stanford accepts foreign language APs for credit, they use SAT 2 tests for placement in the Latin department. So my dd's AP Latin score got her credit, but her SAT 2 scored placed her into their course sequence. If you don't have a SAT 2 score and want to continue in Latin, they administer a similar exam as a placement test. I guess that the SAT 2s are more useful because they have a finer grained scoring scale. And the Latin SAT 2 is a tough exam...

 

Edited February 11, 2016 by Kathy in Richmond

[Chrysalis Academy]

We didn't want DS to have to take the SAT subject tests multiple times so although he finished some of the content learning much earlier, he only recently took the SAT Math 2. I do regret that he didn't take SAT Chemistry and Biology earlier but it would have been crazy for him to take these at the age that he completed high school level courses (elementary age). So he'll take one science subject test this Nov instead (kinda late if he chooses to apply this year as it is too close to application season but it is what it is and we'll have to take that risk).

 

One thing to note is that University of CA asks that students avoid submitting SAT subject test scores in subjects where they have taken college course equivalents. That makes things hard for DS because he would have DE-ed 2 sciences by then and is not interested in the general version of the 3rd science anymore. He is probably going to go ahead and take one science SAT anyway just in case he applies outside the UCs.

 

Thanks for posting this, I wasn't aware of it. Hmm. More data to add to the complicated mix of choices, eh?

[quark]

Thanks for posting this, I wasn't aware of it. Hmm. More data to add to the complicated mix of choices, eh?

 

Right! And these things actually stand in the way of the kids who do above and beyond. It just totally confuses me. :huh:

[shburks]

Thanks for posting this, I wasn't aware of it. Hmm. More data to add to the complicated mix of choices, eh?

 

I guess you could always do the SAT subject test and if dc later took a course DE you could opt not to send that subject test to the university, right?

[daijobu]

 

One thing to note is that University of CA asks that students avoid submitting SAT subject test scores in subjects where they have taken college course equivalents. 

 

I'm curious specifically about the word "avoid."  Do they specifically prohibit submitting test scores in addition to course grades, or they just really wish and hope you wouldn't?  

[quark]

I'm curious specifically about the word "avoid."  Do they specifically prohibit submitting test scores in addition to course grades, or they just really wish and hope you wouldn't?  

 

My bad on word choice. :tongue_smilie:

 

Here's the exact wording:

 

You may not use an SAT Subject Test to meet these requirements if you have completed a transferable college course in that subject with a grade of C or better.

 

In our case, he will already have an a-g course for the science subject and won't need to apply admission by exam...but will take a subject test anyway for a just in case scenario (because we still haven't firmed up the college list) and might apply last minute to a few colleges.

[daijobu]

My bad on word choice. :tongue_smilie:

 

Here's the exact wording:

 

 

In our case, he will already have an a-g course for the science subject and won't need to apply admission by exam...but will take a subject test anyway for a just in case scenario (because we still haven't firmed up the college list) and might apply last minute to a few colleges.

 

Thank you for clarifying, and sorry for playing "gotcha semantics."  

 

But this rule is quite startling.  And annoying.  Between all this nonsense and the budget cuts, I'm ready to cut out the UCs.  

[quark]

Thank you for clarifying, and sorry for playing "gotcha semantics."  

 

But this rule is quite startling.  And annoying.  Between all this nonsense and the budget cuts, I'm ready to cut out the UCs.  

 

No worries!

 

I wish we could cut them out too. Circumstances make them a very viable choice for him though.

 

[Chrysalis Academy]

No worries!

 

I wish we could cut them out too. Circumstances make them a very viable choice for him though.

 

 

Yes, my kids are very interested in 3 different UCs at the moment, too.  So I am definitely keeping it on my radar, although things my change before the time comes. 

[Arcadia]

 

Here's the exact wording:

 

It is like telling people not to take a transferable college course for the subjects which they have the highest sat subject scores on if they want to optimise that combined score. 

[Lilaclady]

What is a "regular SAT site"? I had called our local public school to have my kids take the PSAT at their school. I didn't know there were SAT sites and you didn't have to call schools to reserve a spot.

The registration for PSAT and SAT are a bit different. You need to call the school to register for PSAT but you sign up either online or through paper registration ( if your child is under 13) for SAT.

You get to chose 3 sites and they will assign you one of the three. HTH

[daijobu]

Related question:  Are there any issues with taking SAT subject tests before high school?  Do scores get "archived" or is it all okay to submit those scores for college apps 6 years later?  I saw this page on sending old scores but it refers to:  "Once you have left high school and have not tested for a year..." so I'm not sure if it applies.  Dd will take SAT bio in 7th grade, and probably some more SAT subject tests during high school, along with regular SAT.  Anyone have experience with this?  

[quark]

I don't have a clear answer sorry. But I think it might depend on the college. Colleges might want a more current score? As in within the previous 2-3 years? If you write to CB to ask them to keep all the middle school scores, the colleges will probably see them if the college asks for all scores to be reported (like UCs do).