SAT Subject Tests
What Is The Difference Between the Subject Tests and the SAT?
The SAT is intended to measure how well you analyze and solve problems. It covers basic math, vocabulary, and some general reading ability. SAT scores are used for college admission purposes.
The Subject Tests (formerly called the SAT II: Subject Tests) are a collection of tests designed to measure your knowledge and skills in particular subject areas. The Tests fall into 5 general subject areas: English, History and Social Studies, Mathematics, Science and Languages. Many colleges use the Subject Tests for admission, for course placement, and to advise students about course selection.
Each Subject Test is an hour long and you can take anywhere from one to three in one day.
Do I need to take the Subject Tests?
Students take the Subject Tests to demonstrate to colleges their mastery of specific subjects like English, history, mathematics, science, and language.
Used in combination with other background information (your high school record, scores from other tests like the SAT, teacher recommendations, etc.), they provide a measure of your academic achievement.
Some colleges specify the Subject Tests they require for admission or placement; others allow applicants to choose which tests to take.
However, the majority of colleges don’t require you to take an SAT Subject Test and don’t really use them as a factor in admissions. Usually only the very best schools use your Subject Test scores as an evaluative tool in the admissions process. So if you have the ambition of going to the Ivy League, then it’s important to do well on these tests. If you plan on applying to less competitive colleges, then the Subject Tests is not as important.
Of the colleges that require you to take the SAT Subject Tests, most ask for you to take two or three. The good thing about taking a Subject Test is that you can take any test you think you might excel in. It also allow youto show your knowledge in the field you plan to pursue in college.
What Subject Tests are there to take?
There are altogether 20 Subject Tests for you to choose from.
| Subject Area | Subject Test |
| English | Literature |
| History and Social Studies | U.S. History World History |
| Mathematics | Mathematics Level 1 Mathematics Level 2 |
| Science | Biology E/M Chemistry Physics |
| Languages | Chinese with Listening French French with Listening German German with Listening Spanish Spanish with Listening Modern Hebrew Italian Latin Japanese with Listening Korean with Listening |
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