Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Age or Ability Specific Forums High School SAT subject tests before HS

Have any kids here taken subject test from the collegeboard before officially starting HS?

We might.... But it will be this time next year, so I don't know yet.

We're ramping up to it though -- DS is taking the ACT next weekend, the SAT in October or November (probably November), and if both of those go well I'll seriously consider the Biology subject test next June when we've finished Biology. I have a prep book and it looks reasonable... one or two things the curriculum doesn't cover as thoroughly, but nothing we can't pick up on the side.

Is there any benefit to taking SAT II tests before high school? I would guess that it would not officially "count", similar to the SAT I test, right? From my observation, many colleges are using these tests as additional information for college admission, although this seems to vary widely...

Maybe it would help evaluate how well the kid learned the subject. It would be nice if they didn't have to take it twice.

Scores do dissapear unless you request them to be kept on file.

The best approach, in my opinion, is to take the test when relevant material has been mastered.

DS took the test this past Saturday and I have a specific question to parents whose kids were in this situation.

I am interested in this too if anyone has information.

I'm not worried about using the scores for college admission - just as substantiation for "mommy grades" if I'm claiming that next year's Biology is high school level. Given his age, it's a claim that would need backing up with some data... But I expect before college he'd take Biology again, either AP with that test or with an outside teacher (or both), so that would be what made it onto his transcript for college. This would be more like if we put him in school, being able to advocate for an appropriate science class placement... (And actually I like that it doesn't count because you know - he could completely crash-and-burn, and it's nice to know it won't come back to haunt him!! )

My son took a subject test this past w/e. I don't know much about it, but I am here if you want to ask your question!

Lorel: is your son not in HS yet?

I did many years ago. It can be an asset if a younger teen wants to take college classes, especially advanced college classes, or do research at a university either during middle/high school or instead of middle/high school.

Ania-

He's going into 8th.