SAT – SUBJECT TESTS and APs What is the SAT SUBJECT TEST? The SAT Subject Tests measure your knowledge and skills in particular subject areas, and your ability to apply that knowledge. The SAT Subject Tests are the only national admissions tests that give you the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of content in specific subjects, such as English, history, mathematics, science, and various foreign languages. Many colleges use the SAT Subject Tests for admission, for course placement, and to advise students about course selection. Some colleges specify the SAT Subject Tests that they require for admission or placement; others allow applicants to choose which tests to take. These tests give you and colleges a very reliable measure of how prepared you are for college‐level work in particular subjects. Used in combination with other background information (your high school record, SAT scores, teacher recommendations, etc.), they provide a dependable measure of your academic achievement and are a good predictor of future college performance in specific subject areas. The SAT Subject Tests offer you an additional opportunity to show colleges what you know and what you know you can do. Please visit the college website to see if the SAT Subject Test is required for application. SAT Subject Tests fall into five general subject areas: ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
English Literature History U.S. History World History Mathematics Mathematics Level 1 Mathematics Level 2 Science Biology E/M Chemistry Physics Languages French French with Listening ƒ
Spanish Spanish with Listening ƒ
Latin ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
All SAT Subject Tests are one‐hour, multiple‐choice tests. However, some of these tests have unique formats: ƒ
The SAT Subject Test in Biology E/M contains a common core of 60 general‐knowledge multiple‐choice questions, followed by 20 multiple‐choice questions that emphasize either ecological (Biology E) or molecular (Biology M) subject matter. Before testing begins, you must choose which test you will take, either the ecological or molecular. Students are not allowed to take both tests in one sitting. If you do, your scores may be canceled. ƒ
The SAT Subject Tests in Mathematics (Level 1 and Level 2) have some questions that require the use of at least a scientific or graphing calculator. Mathematics Subject Tests are developed with the expectation that most students will use a graphing calculator. ƒ
The SAT Subject Tests in Languages with Listening (French and Spanish) consist of a listening section and a reading section. Students taking these tests are required to bring an acceptable CD player with earphones to the test center. Language w/ Listening tests are only offered in the fall. Who takes the SAT II? Students considering the more selective 4‐year colleges should plan to take the SAT II – in a particular subject area after completing the high school course in that subject. For example, juniors finishing US History II may choose to take the SAT Subject Test in US History in June of their junior year. An exception to this is the SAT II ‐ Literature which students usually take in the spring of their junior year or in the fall of their senior year. IN GENERAL, STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE THE LITERATURE, MATH (level 1 or 2) and a subject of their choice. Students can take up to three tests in one test sitting, although this is not recommended. How does a student register for the SAT II? The SAT II is offered on specified Saturdays throughout the school year. (Alternative test dates are available to those who cannot test on Saturdays for religious reasons). Students may register on‐line at www.collegeboard.com, or by mail using the registration bulletin which is available in the Guidance office. Registration deadlines are generally 4‐6 weeks prior to the testing date. Upcoming SAT II Registration and Testing Dates Test Date Test Registration Deadline May 1, 2010 SAT & Subject Tests March 25, 2010 June 5, 2010 SAT & Subject Tests April 29, 2010 IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONFER WITH YOUR COUNSELOR TO DETERMINE THE BEST TIME FOR YOU TO TAKE A PARTICULAR SUBJECT TEST, AS EACH INDIVIDUAL STUDENT’S ACADEMIC PROFILE IS DIFFERENT. ADVANCED PLACEMENT What is AP? AP, Advanced Placement is sponsored by The College Board, are full year college‐level courses in high school. Students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses in high school should take the respective exam in May, near the completion of the course. Scores from the AP exams may be used in college credit and placement. Students can earn college credit and advanced placement, stand out in college admissions process Focus is not memorizing facts and figures; but students will engage in intense discussions, solve problems collaboratively and learn to write clearly and persuasively AP allows students to learn at a higher level and to dive in depth into each subject. AP courses help you to develop the key skills (and confidence) you need to succeed in college. (writing, problem‐solving and develop better study habits.) AP students are more likely to graduate from college in four year, which only 27% of students at US public colleges achieve. (average price is $18,000 a year!) AP Exams let you show how well you have mastered College‐level course work AP Credit helps you design a college experience that suits you and gives you the flexibility to get the most out of your college years.