By Caroline Duda
(Examiner)ACT, AP, IB, SAT, and SAT Subject Tests – in an increasingly competitive college admissions world, there seems to be no shortage of exams that are designed to measure a student’s academic potential. Preparing for them can be difficult in and of itself, but the same can be said of choosing which test to use when. Take AP exams and SAT Subject Tests – given that both assessments are very specific in the content they review, and that they often overlap (as in the case of U.S. History), how do you decide which one to take? Here are three factors to keep in mind as you make this decision:
1. Your testing preferences
Before you opt for an AP exam or an SAT Subject Test, take a moment to consider your assessment strengths and weaknesses. SAT Subject Tests are 60 minutes in length, and they consist entirely of multiple-choice questions. AP exams are at leasttwo hours long, and they combine free-response problems with multiple-choice questions. If you’re wondering why these distinctions matter, think about your past experiences with tests. Did you tire easily? If so, an SAT Subject Test may be right for you. Do you shine on essays? An AP exam will require you to synthesize and connect information in your own words, which certain students love. Others loathe free-response and excel on multiple-choice items. For best results, select the test format that most closely matches your assessment preferences.
2. Your admissions timeline
While it is possible to take an AP exam without first completing the class that accompanies it, not all students choose this route. Instead, they devote several months to learning about the subject area, as well as to preparing for the end-of-year AP test. AP exams are only offered in May, which may or may not suit your particular admissions timeline. SAT Subject Tests, on the other hand, are often available on multiple dates between October and June. (Language exams with a listening component are only offered in November, however.) Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who wish to demonstrate their aptitude for advanced study may find the AP option more appealing, while seniors may prefer the immediacy of SAT Subject Tests – especially if they are hoping to strengthen their college applications at the last minute.
3. Your potential college’s preferences
At this moment, you may be seriously considering one college, or you may be in love with several. You may have already accepted an offer of admission. Wherever you are in the application process, be sure to investigate each prospective school’s exam policy. Certain colleges may require or strongly encourage you to submit SAT Subject Test scores. Other schools may offer advanced course placement or credit for high marks on one or both exams. If your dream school expresses a preference for either form of assessment, your best bet is to accommodate that preference, even if it isn’t a strict necessity. And in the event that you apply to several colleges, each requesting a different test, never fear – completing an AP class can help you study for an SAT Subject Test in the same field!
