| Information about the SAT Subject Tests | |
SAT Subject Tests are required by many of the more competitive schools for admission purposes, but a large number of colleges and universities do not require any of these tests. At some colleges, the scores from these exams are used to place entering students in particular freshman courses. Students should check with individual colleges to see which tests are required, if any, and speak to their guidance counselor to design a testing timetable | |
| English | |
| The SAT Subject Tests in English include Literature. The test in Literature is 60 minutes of multiple-choice questions based on English, American and other literature written in English from the Renaissance and 17th century to the 20th century. The test focuses on skills necessary to read poetry, prose and drama from different periods and cultures. To ensure maximum experience in text analysis, students should take it as late as application deadlines allow. Tests are administered six times during an academic year. | |
| Mathematics | |
| The SAT Subject Test in Math includes Math Level 1 (formerly Math IC) and Math Level 2 (formerly Math IIC). Both tests require the use of a scientific or graphing calculator. With few exceptions, the earliest a student should take a math Subject Test would be the end of the junior year. Most colleges accept either Math Level 1 or Math Level 2. The Math Level 1 test contains questions about algebra, geometry, basic trigonometry, algebraic functions, elementary statistics and other miscellaneous topics. The Math Level 2 contains fewer questions on algebra, none on plane geometry, but many questions on solid and coordinate geometry, trigonometric functions, statistics and other miscellaneous topics. | |
| Sciences | |
| The SAT Subject Tests in science include Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Additional preparation is often necessary for all students taking the Subject Tests in science. Consultation with the student's science teacher is recommended when deciding which test to take. The test in Biology may be taken at the end of Honors or Level I Biology in June of the sophomore year. The test in Chemistry may be taken at the end of the year in which the student takes Honors or Level 1 Chemistry. The test in Physics may be taken at the end of the Honors or Level I Physics course. | |
| World Languages | |
| The SAT Subject Tests in world languages include French, French with Listening, Spanish, Spanish with Listening, Latin, Chinese with Listening, German, German with Listening, Modern Hebrew, Italian, and Japanese with Listening. The tests in French and Spanish demand extensive vocabulary, advanced reading skills, and knowledge of fine (sometimes subtle) points of grammar. Because of these demands, students should take a language test at the latest possible time in their studies. Students may take a French, Spanish, Chinese or Japanese Subject Test which includes a listening component. These exams are given only in November. The registration deadline for the listening exams is October 1. The Latin Subject Test is given only in December and June. Students should plan to take this test at the last possible time. |
