Remember that your kids are at PREP school so they can get an education and the rest can fall into place. I’m guessing your school will send out something sophomore year saying “here’s what you should think about now” and it will include subject test guidance.
My understanding is that so many kids do well (800) on Math 1 that you’re better off doing Math 2 if you’re math-y. A good score on Math 2 is better than a perfect one one Math 1. (And if you’re not math-y, you can find other tests.)
I think one of the best things you can do with your freshman, in conjunction with their advisor, is figure out what you think the next 3 years will look like for classes. Take a couple AP exams sophomore year, and where there’s a choice, don’t take your hardest classes (don’t play to your strengths) junior year. That year is really visible in the admissions process , so taking a couple of particularly challenging (for the student - no need to avoid rigor where it is exciting ), classes can take so much time and energy that it’s impossible to shine where you normally would. Your child can be strategic in when classes are taken to keep the load reasonable for him/her. You can always adjust the plan as you move forward, but thinking about the balance can help a lot. DS did not and there was much to regret by the end of junior year. (Not that he didn’t end up at a great LAC in spite of it) but it was a rough year and a stressful college admissions cycle.
@payn4ward , thanks for your post. I needed that!