I am going to be a junior next year. I have opted out of taking advanced biology courses next year as i plan to go into engineering and computers. The problem is that I am one of the best biology students in my grade and my Bio teacher feels that I should give the SAT 2 bio test. MY question is whether taking an unrelated test( to my planned major) will make a difference if i get a 700 to 750 score in it. I will also be taking subject tests for math, chem and physics in senior and junior year.
There are some other threads that touch on this question including this one. http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/harvard-university/1775398-sat-subject-tests.html#latest There are some college counselors who advise students applying to the most selective colleges to take more than the required or recommended 2 subject tests and submit them if the scores are good but there is no hard data to support that this is a worthwhile strategy like a page on the Common Data Set that shows the number of subject tests submitted by admitted students with their scores. Two examples of this: http://learnmore.acceptu.com/ivy-league-download/ http://www.■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■/sat-subject-tests-faq/ I have also heard mixed things about what scores you need to demonstrate mastery of a subject. Some people have said “over 700.” Others have said “over 750” and others have said “over 780.”
For this year? You are not in AP bio so you would need to study topics that have not been discussed in class. Many kids that take the SAT 2 in bio without taking the AP class have been tutored for months. If you cannot afford a tutor, you will need to get study guides and really prepare for it. I personally think three SAT 2 tests is enough but if you want to spend the time studying for it this year, and end up doing well, it gives you a cushion should you not do as well on one of the other three. Every school is different with respect to the SAT 2 requirements so after you make your list as a junior, you will have a better idea if you even need to take all three if you have already done well on bio.