SAT Subject Tests FAQ
Many students wait to find out about the SAT Subject Tests only after they have started the application process. By that point, you may have already forgotten material you'll need to know.
Which schools require the SAT Subject Tests?
It is always a good idea to check with the individual schools, because requirements change with time and can differ depending upon the program to which you are applying.
How important are the SAT Subject Tests?
Typically, the schools that require the SAT Subject Tests put a good deal of emphasis on them. The most competitive schools receive a large number of applications from students with extremely high SAT Reasoning Test scores and GPA's, so they find that the Subject Tests are good ways of comparing the achievement levels of different students.
What subjects are offered as SAT Subject Tests?
SAT Subject Tests are offered in the following subjects: Math Level 1, Math Level 2, Literature, US History, World History, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The following languages have Subject Tests that are offered in a reading only format (no audio component): Spanish, French, German, Modern Hebrew, Italian, Latin. The following languages are offered in a reading and listening format: Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and English Proficiency. Check with the schools to which you are applying about their subject requirements.
When should I take the SAT Subject Tests?
Timing of the SAT Subject Tests is more important than that of the SAT Reasoning Test, because the Subject Tests require in-depth knowledge in an academic area. If you are finishing Biology in your sophomore year, for example, it doesn't make sense to wait until your junior or senior year to take the Biology Subject Test. The June test date is the ideal time to take Subject Tests, because that is typically when you will be finishing up with a subject in school.
Should I take the Math Level 1 or the Math Level 2 Subject Test?
Many students are confused by the distinction between the Math Level 1 and the Math Level 2. In general, the Math Level 2 focuses on more advanced concepts and tests those concepts in greater depth than the Math Level 1. To adjust for the difficulty of the material, however, the Math Level 2 is scaled more leniently than the Math Level 1. In theory, a 600 on the Math Level 1 represents the same level of achievement as a 600 on the Math Level 2. Part of the decision about which test to take depends on what your math preparation in school has been. If you are currently enrolled or have received at least a B in a pre-calculus course, then you are probably qualified to take the Math Level 2. If you are applying to a math or engineering program, you should definitely plan on taking the Math Level 2.
If math is not your specialty or you are not currently taking a math course, then you will probably feel more comfortable with the Math Level 1 exam. The content on the Math Level 1 now overlaps with that of the new SAT. As a result, many colleges will no longer accept scores from the Math Level 1 exam. The UC's, for example, will not take the Math Level 1 test as part of a student's application for admissions. When deciding whether to take the Math Level Subject Test, you should check to make sure that the schools to which you are applying will accept your scores from this test.