I think the best thing to do is to take a subject test together with an AP test so you can minimize the extra efforts needed to prepare them.
D17 took Math2 after Calc BC and Chem with AP Chem. She got 800 on both but efforts spent were very different, she had to review a lot of pre-calc. And I heard it is generally easier to get 800 on Math2 than Chem.
S20 took Math2 last year after pre-calc (based on D’s experience), I’d say that was a good move. So we want to continue the pattern, and have him take Physics with AP physics c, and then, either Bio with AP Bio or US History ( this stem kid loves history 
)
Chem is designed to be taken after general chem, and Math2 is designed to be taken after pre Calc. But I think the curve has been skewed by so many now taking after AP tests.
I agree with @whataboutcollege. Since he’s studying so much for APs just take the subject tests soon thereafter. At least that’s his strategy.
My DS chooses his schedule in consultation with his teachers and input from older students. He’s in a Science/Tech HS so I don’t think it’s an unusual schedule although I admit I’m concerned that it may be overwhelming. My DS16 only took 3-4 APs throughout HS and he’s doing just fine in college. They are very different though. DS 20 is quite focused and is clear he wants to become a PhD in his chosen field. We shall see. We’re here to support their passions (within reason).
It becomes a conundrum between letting them lead even when I feel it may be hard but allowing them to stretch themselves. I intervened once about cutting back and he said by now I should see that he’s proven his time management skills. Ooooh Kayyy. He was right, he does handle it well. I listen, ask questions, and advise where possible.
Thank God for CC and other parents. I also read prep scholar blogs. I did research Common Data Sets for the colleges on his list and a few recommend/require SAT Subject tests.
Isn’t there only a few colleges who require subject tests? It seems for most AP scores would be more important.
@Nicki20 There are some colleges that require subject tests, but not a lot. Many of them are the highly selective schools such as Ivies. There are also a small number of schools where they are required for specific programs or majors, such as engineering or an accelerated 7 year BS/MD program.
Then there’s a group of schools where they are “recommended” or “considered” – a quick google search will show the lists.
There’s also some schools that will accept an ACT with writing in lieu of subject tests ( @ShrimpBurrito - McGill pops into mind for me, am I remembering correctly? DD17 briefly considered McGill).
@stencils Our school doesn’t weight GPAs either but allows those individuals who are ready into APs as early as freshman year. DS has preferred them to the regular classes/honors but it they are “worth” the same technically to his regular level classes.
My D20 is taking the AP Chem test today but based on a discussion with her last night, she will take the subject test in August after a bit of prep as she says they are different. She’s at boarding school so it’s a bit challenging to schedule all this stuff. She will also prep for the early September ACT – and my style of tutoring taking practices tests all.summer.long…
Lol!! @MAandMEmom I like your style!
I’ve read some advice to take standardized tests during the SY. (Like spring of Junior year.). I just don’t understand that. They are busy enough during that time with class demands and ECs. Having the summer to study and practice makes a ton of sense to me.
1847. I understand your logic but in terms of EC's but is there ever going to be a good time? I think the Spring of Junior year idea is that you have learned everything you are going to need to know. In my D20 case I wish you could divide thing with ACT or even SAT. She just took the PSAT 10 in April and her math score number was a lower number than her PSAT 8/9 last year. On the other hand her ERW? score was higher than last year. Her PSAT 8/9 math score was 50 higher in math but for PSAT 10 it was 30 point lower than ERW. She admitted she had forgotten stuff in math she learned in junior high.
O. has junior year’s schedule figured out:
AP English (Lang)
AP French
Honors Trig/Pre-Calc
Physics
Creative Writing
English Seminar
Just got PSAT 10 back…improved upon PSAT 8/9 by 100 pts and is signed up for prep class this summer. I know many students are self motivated to prep for the tests but O asked to do organized prep because, “O could think of a million things to do instead of prepping but wants to do as well as possible on tests”. We will see how it goes
We’ve also started to put together an initial college list (mom, dad and O). Looks like the list will be concentrated in the mid to south Atlantic region of the US, with a couple of choices on the West Coast (weather has been the number 1 criteria for O). Fit and price are most important for us parents. We are going to do a major college touring trip next May and hopefully be able to have a final list ready by mid summer 2019 so that applications can be (fingers crossed) 90% complete before the start of senior year.
We received our PSAT results long time ago. Why you guys are only receiving it now?
Took ours April 10. I don’t know when D20 got it but casually mentioned it since I don’t have access to the account. She then told me she got it. Although she was upset by her score so I’m guessing that was the reason.
Ours were April 10th as well, scores were released to our school’s portal late last week. I don’t check the school portal all that often so when O told me scores were out, that’s when I found out. :)>-
If I recall correctly D20 took the PSAT 10 in the fall and got results within a month or two? Did not study for it and only did slightly better than the SAT she took in 8th grade. Don’t know if I should be worried or not as they are different tests but still?? btw- Some of her friends studeied for PSAT 10 but I don’t really see the point, as a junior yes, but as a sophomore, I’m not sure about that…
It depends on school whether they administer the regular PSAT for the sophomores or make them wait until April and take the PSAT10
IN illinois PSAT 10 for sophomores and SAT for juniors is April 10
It seems the PSAT in the Fall is just PSAT. There is also a PSAT 10 which is administered in Spring
Hello all. How’re those end of year tests going? My DS has been stressing a bit. Usually so calm but it’s also concert season and he’s got 2 major concerts coming up and a recital. These are also his first AP exams. He thinks Chem went well, Calc BC is tomorrow. He just asked me would it be the end of the world if he got a 4. I said absolutely not -just do your best. He was somewhat kidding but I still wanted to let him know that no test defines him. I think it’s become pretty heavy test-wise - Jeesh I only took the ACT once maybe some practice tests at school but no one I knew took prep classes. Ok, ranting done. Good luck to your students as they close out the first half of HS.
Daughter has BC tomorrow too. Also has a test in her chemistry class 8th period. Don’t think any other sophomores take BC. Testing for AP is 1-6. Finals are the 23-25 so school is almost over.
DS thought the Calc test was pretty easy. Hope he is right 