Ask 3 Questions to Decide Between AP Exams, SAT Subject Tests
As high school students start preparing their college application portfolios, many are confronted with the decision of whether to take Advanced Placement exams or SAT subject tests.
These two assessments can be easy to confuse, as they are both a means of highlighting the precise knowledge that can boost a student's application. The two types of tests, however, are quite different in a number of key ways. Students should consider several factors, including the following, before deciding which type of exam to take.
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1. Which exam will your prospective colleges accept -- or, in some instances, require? While certain colleges and universities require students to submit SAT subject test scores, others do not. However, most schools will review them if you choose to include them in your application. AP exams are not required by colleges and universities, but your scores can influence the admissions process and, in the case of a 3, 4 or 5, potentially earn you college credit.
Both SAT subject tests and AP exams can demonstrate that you have challenged yourself academically. If your school schedule only allows for one of these options, and no college on your short list requires SAT subject tests, choose the exam that is emphasized more heavily in your top schools' admissions materials and website.
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2. What is your testing goal? If your primary goal is to earn college credit, both AP exams and SAT subject tests can help, though AP exams are a more common means to this end. Many schools will grant you course credit for an AP score of 3 or above, but some selective institutions only award credit for scores of 4, or perhaps even 5, in certain areas.
While AP exams are related to specific classes, SAT subject tests do not assess your mastery of a set curriculum. Instead, they test your general knowledge of a given topic. If you wish to demonstrate your expertise and initiative in an academic subject that your school does not offer, SAT subject tests can be a great way to do so.
3. How successful were you in any corresponding courses? The knowledge required to do well on AP exams and SAT subject tests is largely derived from related high school courses, so be sure to weigh your previous performance in the subject.
Though students generally do not take AP exams without first taking the corresponding AP course, this is not always the case -- if you have extensive knowledge of a subject, but your school does not offer an AP class in that area, consider the option of preparing on your own and taking the exam.
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If you are less confident in your abilities, or you are on a shorter time frame, the general scope of SAT subject tests can make them seem easier for some students. You can also often take an SAT subject test more than once, since most are offered multiple times throughout the year. AP exams, on the other hand, are not.
You may be tempted to take as many exams as you can, but the best advice is to take on an appropriate level of challenge. Focus on putting your best foot forward in the areas in which you feel you have the most strength -- without spreading yourself too thin.
Bradford Holmes is a professional SAT and Latin tutor with Varsity Tutors. He earned his B.A. from Harvard University and his master's degree from the University of Southern California.
