SAT Subject vs. AP

[luckymom]

What are the advantages/disadvantages of SAT SUBJECT tests vs. AP exams?

[Arcadia]

SAT

+ required by some colleges and/or majors e.g sat math 2 and a science sat for engin

+ 1 hour only

+ you can take three in a day

+ cheaper

+ no writing

+ no need to find test centers because test center is assigned

+ most subjects have many test dates a year except the LOTE ones

 

- no college credit for SAT but some colleges give credit for a 4 or 5 for AP

- there are only 20 SAT subject tests. Subjects like statistics, psychology, macroecons and micro econs does not have a SAT equivalent so if your kid wants to validate with SAT/AP, then you only have AP or dual enrollment

 

ETA:

UC doesn't take CLEP so for us SAT covers all colleges that kids might be interested in compare to using CLEP.

Edited February 7, 2016 by Arcadia

[Dmmetler]

SAT

+ required by some colleges and/or majors e.g sat math 2 and a science sat for engin

+ 1 hour only

+ you can take three in a day

+ cheaper

+ no writing

+ no need to find test centers because test center is assigned

+ most subjects have many test dates a year except the LOTE ones

 

- no college credit for SAT but some colleges give credit for a 4 or 5 for AP

- there are only 20 SAT subject tests. Subjects like statistics, psychology, macroecons and micro econs does not have a SAT equivalent so if your kid wants to validate with SAT/AP, then you only have AP or dual enrollment

Or CLEP, which is another fairly easy, inexpensive way to validate. Not all schools accept it for credit, but at least it shows a high school course was done reasonably.

[luckymom]

Thanks.

So, if my dd, is in dual-enrollment (demonstrating that she is capable of college-level work), would taking a several SAT II tests be enough for admissions officers?  She is thinking of taking ST II:  Math, Literature, Spanish, French, Biology, World History, Latin and German.

[regentrude]

Thanks.

So, if my dd, is in dual-enrollment (demonstrating that she is capable of college-level work), would taking a several SAT II tests be enough for admissions officers?  She is thinking of taking ST II:  Math, Literature, Spanish, French, Biology, World History, Latin and German.

 

What kind of college is she shooting for?

For most colleges, you don't need ANY SAT2 subject tests.

Highly selective ones may require 2-3, I have not seen any that required more than four.

8 subject tests looks like serious overkill to me.

 

My DD had 4 subject test, no APs, and plenty of college credit.

[luckymom]

What kind of college is she shooting for?

For most colleges, you don't need ANY SAT2 subject tests.

Highly selective ones may require 2-3, I have not seen any that required more than four.

8 subject tests looks like serious overkill to me.

 

My DD had 4 subject test, no APs, and plenty of college credit.

 

 

She's looking at selective schools and thinks that she can do well on those SAT subject tests.  We are new to this and are not aware of how many would be "enough."

 

Thanks for letting us know.

[Julie of KY]

If the dual enrollment is through a respectable provider, then you may already have the evidence you need to prove she's capable of doing college level work - as in she's already doing it.

 

Some colleges will require SAT subject tests, but not very many tests.

[Lori D.]

… She's looking at selective schools

 

The very BEST policy is to contact the specific schools directly, explain your situation, and find out exactly what they prefer to see, what they grant credit for, and what helps best for admissions AND for scholarships. :)

 

 

So, if my dd, is in dual-enrollment (demonstrating that she is capable of college-level work), would taking a several SAT II tests be enough for admissions officers?  She is thinking of taking ST II:  Math, Literature, Spanish, French, Biology, World History, Latin and German.

 

SAT Subject tests show competency with high school level material in that subject area.

AP tests show competency of advanced & college level material while still a high school student.

 

Since your DD is already demonstrating college-level work, and will submit a transcript from the dual enrollment, SAT Subject tests (which test high school level work) would actually be a step backwards.

 

If you feel the dual enrollment does not do enough to show college level work, then you might consider some AP tests, which show advanced high school/college level of work by the student, and with a score of 3, 4, or 5, can earn the student college credit. Since selective schools sometimes do not accept dual enrollment transfer credits, taking the AP test in courses done as dual enrollment could still earn the student college credit, as most colleges -- including top tier and selective colleges -- grant credit for high scores on AP tests.

 

SAT Subject are required by a few colleges (mostly East Coast area), but not required by most colleges. At most 2-3 tests are required; check with the specific colleges you are interested in to see if they require any, and if so, which subject tests they prefer to see.

 

AP tests are not required by any colleges -- BUT -- they are looked on very favorably if applying to top tier / selective / competitive colleges. (The majority of students applying to these colleges will likely have 2-4 AP test scores.)

 

Because CLEP has no grade or score attached to it (just pass/fail) it is less likely to be of help when applying to a top tier/competitve school, compared to AP scores, or a hefty dual enrollment transcript of high grades from a quality school. For second tier colleges, CLEPs are a fine way to "prove" homeschool transcript grades -- although, if your student has already earned the credit for that course through dual enrollment, a CLEP in that subject would be a waste of money.

 

Below is a  "replay" of a past post of mine with info on the tests. BEST of luck, whatever you decide! Warmest regards, Lori D.

 

_________________________

 

 

SAT Subject (also known as SATII test)

cost = $24.50 = first test, $13 each additional test (fee waiver for low income)

length = 1 hour; can take up to 3 SAT Subject tests in one day

when given = same as SAT -- but not all subjects tested on all days (test schedule)

when to take it = as soon after completing the course as possible for "freshness"

where given = at the SAT test centers (location search engine)

purposes = shows understanding of high school level material in that subject / confirms "mommy grades" on the transcript / college admission requirement for some colleges (list of colleges require / recommend / consider SATII tests)

what to do = register/pay online, 6-8 weeks in advance of desired test date and location -- includes uploading a specific-sized, recent photo of the student; print off "admission ticket" receipt and bring, along with a state-issued photo ID or passport, on test day (Test Day Tips & Policies)

 

AP (Advanced Placement)

cost = $100 (approx)  (AP financial aid for low income families )

length = varies on the subject (1.5 to 3 hours, approx.)

when given = two weeks in May (test schedule); not every test given at every location each year

when to take it = 11th & 12th grades are typical, but earlier if completed the study/coursework

where given = at some local high schools 

purposes = tests understanding of advanced & college level material while still a high school student / proof of "mommy grades" and advanced work on transcript / help with admission to top tier & competitive schools / depending on the score (and the school), some colleges grant college credit for AP, or allow freshmen into honors programs due to AP

what to do (for homeschoolers) = at least a year in advance of the test desired, locate a school willing to allow homeschooled student to test with their students, pay the fee, study AP coursework over the school year (student can take AP test without taking an AP class); on test day be sure to bring state-issued photo ID

pros = many colleges grant credit for a score of 3, 4, or 5 -- check the websites of the colleges of interest to see which tests they grant credit for and what courses the tests substitute for;  saves money and time at college when credit is granted; helps with college admissions and scholarships; can open doors for college freshmen to enter honors program or start college at advanced level

cons = not all colleges grant credit; not all tests available at all test locations; can be very difficult to get a high school test location to allow your student to test with their students; have to plan and make arrangements a year in advance; the test is only given once at the end of the year -- if the student has a bad day, can blow a year of work; not a good option for a student who just isn't a good "tester"

 

CLEP (College Level Examination Program)

cost = $80-125 (approx)

length = varies

when given = varies (you schedule appt. with the test center)

when to take it = as an adult; or 11th & 12th grades -- but earlier if completed studying

where given = community colleges and universities

purposes = test for college credit / proof of "mommy grade" on transcript

what to do = online registration for scheduling a specific test/location; use CLEP study materials to prepare for the test; on test day bring payment and state-issued photo ID

pros = saves money and time at college when credit is granted; helps with college admissions and scholarships; can open doors for college freshmen to enter honors program or start college at advanced level; if the student is good at studying and test prep/test taking, can take numerous tests in the course of a year; can schedule at any time; can re-take the test 6 months later

cons = not all colleges grant credit; most colleges limit the total amount of credits granted via test-for-credit; not a good option for a student who just isn't a good "tester"

neutral = no grade or GPA attached to CLEP credits; check the websites of the colleges of interest to see which tests they grant credit for and what courses the tests substitute for

 

College Prep/College Plus (or other similar business or DIY option of earning a college degree at home)

who is this option for = student needs to be self-motivated and dedicated; student needs to be able to learn well independently, through books/tests and online classes and not need the motivation of a live teacher/class

pros = much cheaper and faster way of earning a college degree

cons = only available for certain degrees; since much of the degree is via test-for-credit (no grades), the degree may not have the needed GPA for entering a graduate program later on

neutral = can slow the pace as needed

 

Dual Enrollment

Taking college courses from a 2-year Community College (CC) or 4-year University while still in high school, earning "dual credit" (credits count both towards high school AND college)

pros = many credits widely accepted by many universities; some states offer FREE dual enrollment for high school students; live teachers/class interaction; can earn enough credits while still in high school to knock out 1-2 years of college in advance, or even earn an Associate's degree by high school graduation; student gets to "practice" college in advance

cons = some CCs are so full of returning adult learners that high school students can't get it; a few colleges limit how many college credits a high school student can have and still be considered a freshman, which is the year of college which offers the most scholarship money (most colleges do not limit this); top tier and selective colleges often do not accept dual enrollment credits toward a degree; some CCs have poor teaching/reputations and credits are not accepted by universities

neutral = all dual enrollment courses count towards the GPA on the student's permanent college transcript

 

How to Know What Test (If Any) to Take?

In deciding which test(s) your student should take, it helps to know the answers to questions such as:

- what college program/degree is the student going for 

- what schools does the student plan to apply to

- do those schools grant credit for CLEP, AP, dual enrollment

- are those schools competitive, so that AP tests help with admissions

- do APs open doors at those schools to honors courses or special programs and research opportunities to freshmen (or do they not make a difference)

- how big of a factor are finances to your student going to college:

* high ACT / SAT scores are used by colleges to award scholarship $$

* high score on the PSAT can lead to scholarship $$

* high AP and SATII SAT II scores show high level of work and can lead to scholarship $$

* CLEP tests, when accepted by the college towards the degree program, can reduce overall time at the college (and hence, reduce cost of college)

Edited February 8, 2016 by Lori D.

[JumpedIntoTheDeepEndFirst]

If the dual enrollment is through a respectable provider, then you may already have the evidence you need to prove she's capable of doing college level work - as in she's already doing it.

 

Some colleges will require SAT subject tests, but not very many tests.

Actually you need to check with each school for their requirements.  Dd looked at a few schools that required more than six SAT subject tests for homeschoolers (that is 3 separate testing dates minimum).