SAT Subject Tests include more than 20 different tests
focusing on specific disciplines or subjects, such as English,
history and social sciences, mathematics, physical sciences, and
foreign languages. Each subject test lasts one hour and consists
entirely of multiple choice questions.
The SAT is largely a test of verbal and math skills. Although,
you need to know vocabulary and some formulas, it's primarily
designed to measure how well you read and think rather than what
you know.
SAT Subject Tests are different. These tests are designed to
measure what you know about specific disciplines. Sure, critical
reading and thinking skills play a part, but the main purpose of
the Subject tests is to determine exactly what you know about
math, history, chemistry, and so on.
How Are They Used?
Schools that require SATs feel that they're an important
indicator of your ability to succeed in college. Specifically,
they use your scores to help make admissions and placement
decisions. Like the SAT, the SAT Subject Tests provide schools
with a standard measure of academic performance, which they use
to compare you to applicants from different high schools and
different educational backgrounds. This information helps them to
decide whether you have the academic ability to handle their
curriculum.
Scores may also be used to decide what course of study is
appropriate for you once you've been admitted. A low score on the
Math Level I test, for example, may require you to take a
remedial Math course. Conversely, a high score on the Chemistry
test may exempt you from an introductory science course.
Which Tests Should I Take?
The simple answer: Take the ones that you'll do well on. High
scores, after all, can only help your chances for admission.
Unfortunately, many colleges demand that you take particular
tests, usually one of the math tests. Some schools give you some
choice in the matter, especially if they want you to take a total
of three subject tests. Before you register for any test, check
with the colleges in which you're interested to determine exactly
which test(s) they require. This will save time in the long
run.
Choices...Choices...Choices
Subject tests that are currently administered include:
- American History and Social Studies
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Chinese with Listening
- English Language Proficiency
- French
- French with Listening
- German
- German with Listening
- Italian
- Japanese with Listening
- Latin
- Literature
- Math Level I
- Math Level IC
- Math Level IIC
- Modern Hebrew
- Physics
- Spanish
- Spanish with Listening
- World History
