How important are the ACTs and the SAT subject tests???
951876
YES, I would most definitely take the SAT subject tests- take at least 3, because the top colleges look at your scores for at least 2 subject tests, I believe.  Well, I live in CA and all the UC's look at 2 of your subject tests.  If you are a junior now, wait until the spring to take these, because you'll know more about the subjects (such as US history, chemistry, and trigonometry).  \n\nAs for the ACT, I would take it anyway, because again, for UC's you can submit either your ACT or SAT score, but it is good to take both so you can compare your scores and pick the best one.  I just took the ACT and I found it much easier, suprisingly, than the SAT, so I think I'll submit that score instead.  So to be on the safe side, take both the SAT and ACT =) \n\nYou should also purchase a SAT review book, if you haven't already gotten one.  These are great for preparing you for the tests- they give you practice problems and explanations and strategies and everything.  My favorite is the Princeton Review, and you can get it at the local book store.  Good luck!!!
349166
An SAT course is worth taking if you take it enough time in advance of the test for it to be worth anything.  Also you have to be dedicated to learning when you get in there.  All too often you see students who do not take the classes seriously.\n\nIf you can't afford the classes or you're a little short on time, I recommend working on crossword puzzles to up your vocabulary skills.  And I don't mean the easy ones.  Try to work your way up to difficult/challenging as fast as possible.  The NY Times crosswords are an excellent source of SAT vocabulary.  And read.  Read anything and everything.  The newspaper, books, magazines - anything that uses full sentences with words longer than 2 syllables.\n\nAs for math, just pay attention to things around the house - like the geometry or a room or distances from point A to B and work the math in your head.\n\nMostly the SAT's test your ability to reason and articulate and deduct.  Memorization will only get you so far.\n\nGood luck!
17035
Colleges generally don't care which ones you take, you should take those that you think you'll do well in. However, if you're planning on majoring in a specific thing, you should plan on taking the SAT subject tests in them (such as math, physics, history, english lit, etc). If you're taking US History now, you should plan on taking the test in May or June, as is the same thing with any classes you're taking. Talk to your teachers and buy the help books.
885078
It really does depend, but I found that the CONTENT was not hard.  The challenge in taking SATs is staying calm and collected in a stressful environment.  Rather than study content for the test (which you can't really change) here are some suggestions:\nDon't stress because you will make silly mistakes.  This is where I get almost all of my points off\nMake sure you get enough sleep and eat breakfast (and drink water), to keep your focus.\nDon't over use your calculator, I didn't have to use mine at all.\nIf you are in higher level math, don't over think the questions, they only require you to know up to geometery.\nGOOD LUCK!!
627316
NO,\n\nI agree that standardized test should an important part of a student's life but not the main. Colleges also consider you normal grades, class rank, gpa, extracirricular activities, leadership, etc.
593955
SAT II's are the subject tests.  You can sign up to take up to 3 subjects in one testing day (not all schools require SAT II's) but when you sign up, oyu choose between all these different subjects such as math, literature, chemistry, us history, spanish, french, etc\n\nI recommend just taking all 3 in the same day, and choose your best subjects unless the school you are applying to requires certain ones (some schools require math and literature)
782025
I think that you'd be better off going to the library and get a study guide for the text that you'll be taking.  You can also buy these study guides.\n\nAlso, some testing organizations post study guides on their websites.  Check for those.  \n\nThe ETS does the SAT, GRE, and some others:\nhttp://www.ets.org/portal/site/ets/menuitem.3a88fea28f42ada7c6ce5a10c3921509/?vgnextoid=85b65784623f4010VgnVCM10000022f95190RCRD
358413
Get one of theose SAT prep books and read through it.  Then study the areas that seem foreign or new to you.  Then definitely get a good night's sleep and eat breakfast.  Good Luck!
822951
I never took either one. Have you transferred your credits from your Jr. college? This is what I did and I didn't need the tests. I have heard the SAT is easier. Most colleges should be able to set you up with the schedule, or I am sure there is something on line. Check the web site. There should be testing dates and locations there.\nBest wishes going back to school. I have started this too, but I am a few years older than you. But It Is better to do it while you are younger!
670152
All of your grades in high school are important, but they are going to look at your overall GPA as well. Also, you need to find out if the college you will be attending accepts ACT or SAT scores. As a general rule, most colleges in the South lean toward the ACT, while schools in the North lean toward the SAT. Your grades alone, paticularly just your sophomore year, are not the most important thing. Also, fit in a couple of extracurricular activities, as well as volunteering. Don't try to do too much, it will make you look overcommitted and that you don't spend enough time in each area. Limit yourself to 3 or 4 activities, and try to really excel in one of them.
599949
Well it is not the greatest but remember that colleges look for more than just ACT or SAT scores.  Not many schools even look at ACT--where are you planning to attend?  BYU?  In addition to SAT or ACT scores they also look at school participation in clubs, athletics, leadership, community involvement, church involvement, etc...  So if you are involved in other things you can still have a shot at a good university.
794183
Two year colleges don't require SAT or ACT testing?  I'd need to check that one myself.\n\nSue
838315
First of all: way to go!!! Those are very competitive scores; the question now is not whether you'll get accepted, but how much financial support will you receive based on your scores. You definitely need to consider re-taking the physics test if you can review a few key concepts. You should also look into re-taking the ACT, since it was "nicer" to you, to raise your English score and pick up a few more points on Science/Reading. I do NOT recommend re-taking the SATI unless you know one of your target schools does not accept the ACT. Consider getting a little help with your ACT either from a book, or a private tutor. Good luck and, once again, congratulations!
939484
SAT II test results are NOT added up. They are reviewed individually, as a tertiary filter after GPA/SAT I scores. Your Math 2c score is impressive, and youre Lit/Bio scores are quite decent. What's more important, though, is your ACT or SAT I score. Based on your test results I strongly recommend that you take the ACT; in my experience, people who are good at math/sciences do much better on the ACT than on the SAT I. Most schools will accept either, so take both if you aren't sure. Better yet, attend a free practice test at your local Kaplan center to see which test is "kinder" to you. \ngood luck!
766305
i personally think it matters because it doesnt matter how smart you are, if u do bad on your acts, even the top ivy league schools will reject you, no matter how hard you try. also ACT does matter because you need a minimum number to qualify for certain colleges, certain programs, and certain scholarships. schools do care
393517
It all depends on the college.  Some colleges are moving away from standardized testing in favor of essays and past performance in high school.  Some of the schools still put a major emphasis on SAT's.  The best thing to do is look into the colleges that you're interested in attending and talk to an admissions person. Also, if you have an idea of what you'd like to major in, then talk to the department chairperson. They'll be able to tell you much more than what you could get on here.
517789
Hi again, hope you don't mind. :) If you buy a college handbook, it will tell you which colleges need SATs, also, each one will say so on their website. There are also many websites (like collegeboard.com) that will give you stats and requirements of colleges. I believe there are a few innovative colleges out there that do NOT require SATs, but may require extra graded highschool essays, SAT IIs, or other information instead. \n\nThis site: http://www.collegenews.org/x5202.xml gives a list of colleges that have made SATs optional for admission. I hope it helps.\n\n"January, 2006- Drew University and Lawrence University recently joined a growing list of liberal arts colleges that have made the submission of standardized test scores optional.  According to the National Center for Fair and Open Testing, about a quarter of all colleges nationwide no longer require standardized tests.  Is it possible that standardized tests -- criticized for cultural bias and for favoring students who can afford to pay for expensive test preparation courses -- may become increasingly less relevant to the admissions process, even at very selective colleges and universities?"(From website)