My school does not offer AP Chemistry, Biology, OR Physics. Am I screwed??

Test Preparation
1

<p>I’ve read that these are the classes needed to do well on the subject tests. Considering some of the schools I’m applying to REQUIRE them, I feel pretty angry right now. Would an admissions director be able to waive the requirement if I told them my predicament?</p>

2

<p>self study. it’s manageable</p>

3

<p>Call the schools and ask them. Are you sure they are required. Many of the tippy top schools “highly recommend” taking the subject test</p>

4

<p>You should self study.</p>

<p>There are a lot of resources available online to help you. Take MOOCs (That’s how I got 5s on all my APs).</p>

<p>AP Chemistry, Biology, and Physics 1 are available on <a href=“https://www.edx.org/”>https://www.edx.org/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>The admissions director honestly doesn’t give a damn about whether or not you’re “prepared” to do well on the test.</p>

<p>Just strap up on your own.</p>

5

<p>AP classes are not necessarily needed - it just helps because some of the content might not be covered in other classes. DD took Chem subject test sophomore year after taking honors chem. There were definitely some questions on the test she simply couldn’t answer, but she still did extremely well on the test and was able to send that score to colleges. Obviously they know from her transcript that she didn’t have the advantage of taking AP Chem prior to the subject test. </p>

<p>While additional self study or an online class might help - I think you have to weigh the pros/cons of investing the time into a subject test relative to other endeavors. That said - DD is at a rigorous high school and her honors chem class covered the bulk of the curriculum required for the test. If you have concerns about the rigor of your high school science classes, then perhaps you will need some additional prep beyond just practice tests. </p>

6

<p>@TV4caster I’m pretty sure “them” in OP’s sentence refers to subject tests - I’ve also never heard of a college that requires AP tests. Also I don’t think any college will require all three science subject tests either (many might require one science subject test, for example).</p>

<p>You don’t necessarily need the corresponding AP class to do well on the subject test either, but it can help. So I wouldn’t call it a “predicament,” and your subject test requirement likely won’t be waived assuming you actually have the opportunity to take it. Find an AP or SAT subject test book on the subject you are self-studying, and go for it.</p>