Subject tests -- when to take them?

BusyMei
Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:58:41 +0000

Some considerations


Take the subject test toward the end of the class so it is fresh in your mind. For example, take US History in May or June of the junior year. If you finish trig/pre-calc sophomore year, take Math II in sohpomore year. Otherwise, you will have to spend much more time reviewing.
If you are taking an AP test, take the subject test around the same time. Even though the test formats are different, they are based on the same material. So just need to study once.
Take it earlier rather than later if you have the choice in case you want to re-take. Any test you take in fall of senior year, you might not have time to re-take even if you want to. The fall test dates are Oct, Nov and Dec. Depending on the college deadline, Nov and Dec test scores might or might not be soon enough. Keep in mind that scores are not available until about 3 weeks after the test and it takes time to send them to the colleges. Also if you are applying rolling, the earlier you complete the app, the better.