The myths and misinformation about how colleges use the College Board’s AP Test and SAT Subject Test scores can be overwhelming, especially in light of the pandemic’s effects on these tests. Should your child take AP’s and Subject Tests to be more competitive in admissions this year? The answer is that it depends on the college, the major, and your child’s high school.
THE COLLEGE
When I worked in admissions for Caltech, we required two SAT Subject Tests — the Math II Subject Test and one of the science Subject Tests — to be considered for admission. But when I worked at UCLA and Scripps College, we did not require any Subject Tests. And none of the colleges and universities I worked for required any AP Test scores for admission.
Did we want to see the test scores if the student had taken the test? Yes. But if they did not send them in or did not take them, there was no issue.
When I was processing hundreds or thousands of applications as an admissions officer, and came across a student, especially one pursuing science, math or engineering, it helped to see the student’s test abilities in a broader context. In some instances, colleges can forgive a student’s area weakness in the ACT or SAT if they have a stronger score in the same area for the Subject Test or AP test. But not always.
THE MAJOR
Many Engineering programs strongly recommend or require the Math II Subject Test because there is so much math knowledge required for success in Engineering. That said, many do not require these Subject Tests, and will make admission decisions on the Math score alone (within the ACT or SAT tests).
Students pursuing humanities or arts majors definitely do not need to take Subject Tests to be considered competitive. However, if a student has taken AP Art and gets a 5 on the AP test, the class, the test and the score can only help. In addition, taking the AP Art class will prepare the student for the portfolio supplement required for art school applications.
THE HIGH SCHOOL
In a broad sense, students do not necessarily need to take AP classes or AP tests to be competitive in admissions unless their high school offers a selection of AP courses. Taking a few AP courses junior and senior year when offered, and earning A’s and B’s in these classes, will show admissions officers more rigor in the classroom. When your child can handle more rigor, they should challenge themselves within the context of their high school.
To discuss whether your child should take AP courses, AP tests or SAT Subject Tests, click HERE to schedule a free phone consultation.
For more information on College Board’s AP Courses click HERE.
For more information on College Board’s SAT Subject Tests, click HERE.
