Why do many schools require SAT II’s? Unlike most pre-college standardized tests, these need be taken before you start at college, but can be taken after acceptance. If taken before acceptance do they have an effect on admissions either pro or con? What are they supposed to reflect? How do the schools use these scores, specifically, WHAT do they use them for?
SAT II scores are very useful for college admissions. In fact, some schools look at them more closely than the regular SATs. Because they measure profficiency in a particular subject, they give the school a more in-depth knowledge of your strengths. For example, if you’re applying to an engineering school, and you have good grades on the Chemistry, Physics and Calculus SAT-II’s, then they may take an interest in you, even if your regular SAT scores aren’t so hot.
I guess a few things perplex me about the SAT II’s. First, they seem extremely similar to AP exams (short test, specific subject) and I don’t understand how they significantly differ from them. And I am fairly certain that schools have no interest in AP tests as admission criteria. The second thing is that there are so many subjects that I don’t see what the colleges can compare them too, I mean you can’t compare chinese and physics. Third is the fact that, at least around here, high schools de-emphasize them to the point of an afterthought–you have to take them, 'nuff said. And lastly, many schools will accept the ACT in lieu of SAT II’s and yet it sounds as though both SAT and ACT are more apptitude tests vs. SAT II and AP being achievement tests.
When I was in high school (6 years ago), there was no such thing as a calculus SAT II. I doubt there is one now. There were several different math SAT IIs, and two levels of AP calculus.
AP exams are college-level, meaning they are supposed to test you on stuff that a college freshman would learn taking an equivalent class. SAT IIs are supposed to be high-school level.
Why do you say this? AP classes are usually harder than normal ones. I think this is taken into consideration when looking at grades. An ‘A’ in AP physics is not the same thing as an ‘A’ in regular physics.
No, but you can compare physics and physics. I am sure they get enough applications to be able to make comparisons among groups of students who took the same test. When I applied to college, most wanted a math SAT II, a science SAT II, and the writing SAT II.