Q: What are the difference between AP exams and SAT Subject Tests? Which should I take?

A: We get this question a lot! They are both tests administered by ETS that assess your knowledge in a single subject. But beyond that, they are very different.

Some colleges require SAT subject tests as an admission requirement (although the number that do is dwindling). That being said, even if they don't require them, most colleges will consider them as a part of your application if you submit them. And while SAT subject tests are given in particular areas of study such as Chemistry, US History or Latin, they do not directly correspond to one specific course curriculum. Our advice: good test scores never hurt a student. Take a practice exam and see how you do. If you do well, take the test, even if the colleges to which you will be applying do not require them. Having two solid SAT subject test scores in your testing portfolio gives the student the most options! 

AP exams are also subject specific, but they are tied to a specific curriculum. AP exams scores are never required for college admission because there are many high schools that either offer the International Baccalaureate curriculum or have decided to sidestep the AP curriculum altogether. That being said, one does not need to be enrolled in an AP class to take an AP exam. We have had many students earn college credit via their AP scores, even in courses that were not classified as AP. The main purpose of taking AP exams is to earn college credit, which usually requires that a student score a 4 or 5 out of the maximum score of 5. 

So which should you take? If qualified, take both. The subject tests to show readiness for college-level work and AP exams to exhibit mastery of a subject.