teachermom2834 Posted August 10, 2017 Share Posted August 10, 2017 (edited) Thinking ahead for my freshman who is STEM oriented. In a quick glance of some colleges he might be interested in, it looks like SAT 2 tests in math and physics/and or chemistry might be necessary. At least it is something I need to be aware of before it is too late in the game. I understand that these tests are over high school content but the majority of fellow testers are going to have had AP classes. I am not very interested in him taking AP classes for a variety of reasons including expense and I believe I will have a very difficult time finding a testing site. However, I would consider an AP class. My oldest two boys were not driven toward competitive colleges so we didn't go down the SAT 2 route. I am interested in how I can prepare this student to get these tests in by application time senior year. He is just now in Algebra 2 as a ninth grader and he has yet to take geometry. I feel like he has plenty of time to get the coursework in before graduation but needing these tests by fall of senior year makes it feel like a crunch. Any specific advice on how to prepare for these tests. Any online classes (non AP or AP) that are good preparation? Edited August 10, 2017 by teachermom2834 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted August 10, 2017 Share Posted August 10, 2017 (edited) Both physics and math 2 do not need AP classes. For math 2, after precalculus is done, borrow a test prep book and do the diagnostic tests. If need be work through all the unit tests. If the diagnostic tests shows almost complete mastery, than skip the unit tests Work through the practice tests under timed condition (my older boy did one per day to finish all 6) Go over any mistakes together. These are the main categories/topics on the math 2: Algebra & Functions Trigonometry Coordinate & 3D Geometry Number & Operations Data Analysis, Statistics & Probability My older boy did physics a year after clover creek physics with no physics in 2016/17 other than random readings that are on astrophysics. We did the same routine to prep for the physics subject test. My kid use Barron's test prep for both subjects, did the tests on the same day and scored 800 for both. He did math 2 then physics because physics would have tire him more so we decided on math 2 first. Math 2 allows use of calculator. Physics is a no calculator paper. You can take three subject test in a morning and they are an hour each. Taking a diagnostic test from any test prep book is the fastest and probably the easiest to tell how ready your child is to take the subject test. Physics subject test is a conceptual paper, your child may already know most of the content. No idea about online test prep class. The in center test prep class schedule was come in do a practice test as a group and then the tutor goes over the test with the whole small group. Edited August 10, 2017 by Arcadia 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teachermom2834 Posted August 10, 2017 Author Share Posted August 10, 2017 Thank you! Very helpful. He is in Clover Creek physics this coming year. My dh has a BS and MS in physics and is an online physics instructor for a cc. That is probably one we could prep for pretty well. We will see how the year goes and take some practice tests and go from there on that one. My third kid is making me do things completely differently. Just when you think you know what you are doing... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted August 10, 2017 Share Posted August 10, 2017 For math, we simply used a test prep book. DD took the physics SAT2 after completing a DE class. Chemistry - we looked at the test prep book and decided that her interest in the subject was too low to warrant prepping for this very challenging test and scratched it off the list. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JanetC Posted August 10, 2017 Share Posted August 10, 2017 You only need subject tests if the student is both STEM-oriented and highly-selective school oriented. Most colleges do not require them. Compass Prep keeps a list of schools that need them up to date. http://www.compassprep.com/subject-test-requirements-and-recommendations/ If the student is going to be highly-selective college material, they are likely working ahead of grade level. If you are not ready for a subject test in 10th, you can try to knock out the regular ACT or SAT during 10th, and focus on the subject tests in 11th. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teachermom2834 Posted August 11, 2017 Author Share Posted August 11, 2017 You only need subject tests if the student is both STEM-oriented and highly-selective school oriented. Most colleges do not require them. Compass Prep keeps a list of schools that need them up to date. http://www.compassprep.com/subject-test-requirements-and-recommendations/ If the student is going to be highly-selective college material, they are likely working ahead of grade level. If you are not ready for a subject test in 10th, you can try to knock out the regular ACT or SAT during 10th, and focus on the subject tests in 11th. Thank you for the list. Very helpful. I do realize sometimes homeschoolers have requirements to meet that traditional students do not but that is a good starting point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted August 11, 2017 Share Posted August 11, 2017 Engineering schools typically look for Math 2 and a science from everyone. So if engineering is something that your son might be interested in, those scores would be a nice to have and not need than to worry about later. My younger boy has been interested in designing fighter planes and race cars for years so we are looking at the possibility of mechanical engineering as he loves hands on. Also you can have a few wrong answers and still score a 800. The grading curve is generous for math 2 especially and also for physics despite the wrong answer penalty for SAT subject tests. If you want to take a look at the raw to scaled score conversion table by CollegeBoard, go to any Barnes & Noble bookstore and flip through any of the below. The Official SAT Subject Test in Physics Study Guide (College Board Official SAT Study Guide) Paperback – March 7, 2017 https://www.amazon.com/Official-Subject-Physics-Study-College/dp/1457309211 The Official SAT Subject Tests in Mathematics Levels 1 & 2 Study Guide Paperback – August 8, 2006 https://www.amazon.com/Official-Subject-Tests-Mathematics-Levels/dp/0874477727 The Official Study Guide for ALL SAT Subject Tests, 2nd Edition Paperback – International Edition, April 26, 2011 https://www.amazon.com/Official-Study-Guide-Subject-Tests/dp/0874479754 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teachermom2834 Posted August 11, 2017 Author Share Posted August 11, 2017 I am not positive he will need them but I want to keep it in mind just in case. I don't want to be scrambling to prep/ test at the last minute especially if he could have taken a test right after taking a class if I had been on the ball. I do know he could get into engineering at our state schools with just his math ACT score but if there is a chance he might want to go elsewhere I want to be prepared. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daijobu Posted August 11, 2017 Share Posted August 11, 2017 My daughter took the SAT subject test in biology after taking the WTMA biology course and doing some extra self-study on organ systems since that isn't covered in the course, but is covered in the exam. She got an 800. So no, you don't need to take an AP course to score very well on the SAT subject test. It's only an hour and all multiple choice, so it really isn't that difficult at all. I recommend signing up for the May or June administrations immediately after completing the relevant course. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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