SAT Subject Tests vs. CLEP tests?

Question

I am going to be a senior in high school this year. I messed by waiting to take my first SAT in May. I now want to take the SAT again but also wanted to take SAT Subject Tests.

The College Level Examination Program is a testing program in which you take a college level test. Each school has a minimum grade that you must get. If you get the minimum grade, you earn college credits.

What would look better on a college application? I really want to make my application stand out for selective colleges.

Answer 1

That CLEP stuff--don't even bother with it.  Seriously.  It's typically for non-traditional students, and there are a ton of colleges out there that don't recognize them for credit.  I'm pretty sure that mine didn't, and you could say that it's "selective."  

The SAT Subject Tests are a different story, though.  A lot of schools recommend or even require a certain number of them.  Check with the schools that you're planning on applying to (their websites are a good place to start).  Three is a good number to aim for, which you could do on one testing administration date.

Answer 2

Most colleges do not recognize CLEP scores as a substitute for the SAT II: Subject Tests; however, if you actively seek out the admissions officers from your dream/top choice schools and present your dilemma to them, they may make an exception for you.

As a side note:

Is your SAT score really not acceptable? If you MUST take the SAT again then I suggest that you take the SAT again!

My tip to you if your school really REQUIRES two subject tests: Remember that SAT I and SAT II go together and the ACT w/ Writing can substitute for SAT I and SAT IIs in most colleges. Why don't you try the ACT, it is a fairly easy test.

If you decide to take the ACT, then I recommend the Real ACT Prep Guide and the Barron's ACT.

Bonam Fortunam. (Good Luck)