COMPARE and CONTRAST thread: AP vs SATII

Watson&Crick · 12-01-2007, 11:42 PM

Hi everbody. Since this forum is red hot with the new SAT subject tests of December, I thought you guys could help me out to choose which SAT IIs to take. I was wondering which subjects have the most similarity between the AP multiple choice and the SAT II. What I mean is that which subjects will be easier to get 800 if you studied assiduously for your AP, and get a 5.

I'm specifically interested in the following subjects:

- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- US History
- Math level II (with Calc AP concurrent)

Thanks infinititely for reading the thread.

Watson&Crick.

PKswmr76 · 12-01-2007, 11:44 PM

lol the chem SAT II was ridiculously easy after taking the AP...take that for sure

art_star · 12-02-2007, 12:15 AM

I can attest to two tests:

US - I personally think the multiple choices on the AP exam are a lot easier. However, I do think you should take AP before taking the subject test if you want a high score coz it really helps with the prepping.

Math II - AP Calc will NOT help you. Everything you learn has nothing to do with stuff that is tested, so it's best to take it when you're in PreCalc when you have everything fresh in your mind.

Vivi · 12-02-2007, 12:54 AM

Biology - is really easy if you've taken and aced the AP Biology exam. My friend got a 3 on her AP Bio and she did fairly well on SAT II. Nothing too specific on there.

Physics - you've taken the test and got a 5?! Or were you speaking hypothetically? If you did, congrats. If you took Physics C you'll be a lot better prepared than just Physics B, since Physics C has the concentration in E&M (which seems to be getting reaaally popular with the SAT Physics test writers!)

Math II - what art_star said. Calc does not help at all.

kwu · 12-02-2007, 12:59 AM

I'm expecting a very high score 750+ in U.S. History.
I took it today.
However, I scored only a 4 on the AP, May 2006.

The multiple choice on the AP are a lot more general and straightforward.
In regard to the essay, the DBQ should not be difficult if you make the effort to analyze the documents and write about them critically. The short answers are a little harder to B.S.

APs are far easier than their SAT counterparts.
I scored a 5 on the English Lit AP, but I would never in my right mind take the SAT II Lit.

kwu · 12-02-2007, 01:01 AM

And, I agree with what was posted above concerning Math II. It's mostly Algebra II and Pre-calculus.

Vivi · 12-02-2007, 01:38 AM

I thought SATs were harder than APs. I mean, I BSed my World History essays and got a 4, but when I took practice tests for SAT WHist I was scoring in the upper 600's, so I just said, "Um, maybe not."

jaimeastorga2000 · 12-02-2007, 02:33 AM

I got a 4 on my AP American History exam, compared with a 690 on the SAT II.

...is one score better than the other in this case? XD

brokenw1ngs · 12-02-2007, 04:30 AM

I would highly recommend Math 2 since it sounds like you just took precalc and that's the only thinig that math 2 tests. But studying for AP Calc will help you in no manner for Math 2- just review precalc.
I STRONGLY recommend US History right after completing the course when everything's still fresh so it wouldn't be that hard. Studying for APUSH will DEFINITELY help you on the SAT II because the multiple choice for SAT II are MUCH easier and much broader than the AP's.
Physics I do not know personally. Friend got a 5 on the AP but was dissatisfied with SAT II Score (but then again she has high standards.) From what I hear SAT II physics is a beast because only the really bright kids take it so the curve is minimal.
Good luck!