<p>I live in the UK but will move back to the US in a year. I need to know all info regarding what SAT subject tests I should try to prepare for, and when I should take them. I’m in the IB program, and would also like to know any thoughts on IB v. AP in terms of what top US colleges prefer. Also, I need to get study guides for SAT subject tests–Barrons? Other???</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Hey good luck moving here - I did the same three years ago. </p>
<p>Review book quality often varies with the subject that you are looking at. As a general guide the following seem to be consistently good: Barron’s, Princeton Review and Sparknotes (in order of detail). I have found that no review book can perfectly cover a SAT Subject Test and therefore I use at least two review books at a time. </p>
<p>The top tier colleges require 3 SAT Subject Tests in different disciplines so a Math, History and Science would be good. Collegeboard.com administers the exam and has all the testing dates. Most people take the exam in October/November or in May/June. There are testing dates in the winter. The best curves are generally in the Fall. If you are taking an IB course in the same subject as one of the subject tests - go for it! You should also note that some colleges require the SAT Reasoning and 3 SAT Subject Tests OR JUST the ACT. </p>
<p>I am not too familiar with IB courses - so I can’t really help you there. </p>
<p>I would stress that practice tests for the SAT IIs are very important. You need to make sure that there aren’t any gaps in your knowledge. When I first took the SSAT placement test for American High School I scored 19th percentile for math! The two education systems do have some differences but IBs should be fairly consistent in both countries. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>