Okay, so I guess the title says it all. I know that the first three are standardised tests while APs are basically twelfth grade exams, and that you have to choose subjects for Subject Tests and ACT and all.
Which ones should one take and (most importantly) when? I’m in tenth grade (I start eleventh grade in a month) and I’d love to know what I have to take in eleventh and twelfth so that I can prep accordingly from now itself.
I’m not sure if this is the right subforum, sorry.
SAT see http://sat.collegeboard.org/home
ACT see http://www.actstudent.org/
Also, what is the “new SAT”?
@4kidsdad - I’ve seen those websites but I’m confused about when it’s better for international students to take the tests since they’re offered several times a year.
There is no “better time” despite the rumors. Take it when you feel prepared enough.
The SAT is being changed in 2016, so that’s the new SAT. If you’re applying to college for fall 2016 or fall 2015, then you’ll be taking the old SAT.
APs are technically college level introductory courses that High School students can take to get college credit before graduation. Most top universities will want to see APs because it’s at a higher level than SATs.
I’ll be applying in fall 2017, I guess (I’m in tenth now.)
By “better time” I menat a timeline that is typical for international students - i.e. “SAT in 11th, Subject Tests in 12th” etc.
Is it worth it to take both the ACT and the SAT?
Also, what is the norm for non-US students taking APs? We don’t have AP classes in school, so I assume one studies on his/her own and takes the exams, right?
Are you in the A-levels system? They would equal APs, so there’s no need to self study. AP’s aren’t a requirement for admissions.
There is no need to take both SAT and ACT, unless you’re stuck at one of them. Some people perform better on a different test.
I’m not sure about international students, but if I were to go back in time, I would have done 2 SAT2 tests and the SAT in my 10th grade. If you’re in the A levels system, you should be starting to do A levels soon, just as I am now doing APs. SATs are basics, and I really can do without the bother.
However, the only good suggestion is to take each test when you’re ready for it. If you want to take Math II and Physics SAT 2 tests, take them as soon as you can. Same for the SATI.
P.S Wait you start a new year in a month; are you in the southern hemisphere? Australia? New Zealand? That makes things a tiny bit different for admissions process, I think.
Um, no, I’m not doing A-levels (or IB, or anything).
I’ll probably take Math, Physics and German, I guess.
I’m in tenth grade as of now, in India. I start 11th grade in April. Does that help?
Not really. I don’t think it’ll matter, since your school doesn’t offer AP or IB. I wouldn’t worry about AP tests. As for SAT subjects, those would be self study. A lot of international students take SAT II tests in 11th and 12th grade, so that’s not really much of a problem. You will definitely find much more knowledgeable answers on the international forum though.