What is an SAT Subject test?

Shelly Humbach • Nov 17, 2019

SAT Subject tests are based on curriculum you have in class. It's an opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of a particular subject. According to the College Board,

"The SAT Subject Tests offer you an additional opportunity to show colleges what you know and what you know you can do. Many colleges use the SAT Subject Tests for admission, for course placement, and to advise students about course selection. Some colleges specify the SAT Subject Tests that they require for admission or placement; others allow applicants to choose which tests to take.”

Only a handful of colleges require SAT subject tests from students, but many will use SAT Subject test scores as a part of your admissions profile or for placement purposes (especially in foreign language).

What subject tests can I take?

There are 20 subject tests to choose from. A majority of the tests are in foreign languages, with English, History, Math and Science thrown in too. The subject tests are broken down as follows:


Subject

Test

English

·Literature

Math

·Math 1

·Math 2

History

·US History

·World History

Science

·Biology - Ecological

·Biology - Molecular

·Chemistry

·Physics

Languages

·Chinese with listening

·French

·French with listening

·German

·German with listening

·Modern Hebrew

·Italian

·Japanese with listening

·Korean with listening

·Latin

·Spanish

·Spanish with listening

Are the subject tests the same as the AP tests?

No. There are more AP tests than there are subject tests. For example, there are five Arts AP tests, and no Arts Subject tests.

What about the ACT?

The ACT does not offer Subject tests. They are only offered by the SAT/College Board.

When should I take the Subject tests?

The best time to take a subject test is right after you finish the class. It is also good to take the subject test at the same time you are taking an AP or other subject exam. Schedule subject tests in May of your sophomore or junior year, and November of your senior year.

How long is a subject test?

Most subject tests are 1 hour in length.

How many Subject tests can I take at a time?

You can schedule and take up to 3 tests in one sitting. Most colleges will use your best two scores. Some colleges will use 3 subject tests for admissions. Check college website for testing requirements.

When are the subject tests offered?

They are offered 6 times each year: August, October, November, December, May and June. Subject tests are NOT offered in March. Only the SAT is offered then.

Are all subject tests offered six times a year?

No. Not every subject test is offered six times a year. Plan carefully when you want to take any of the following tests:


Subject

Dates Offered

World History

Aug, Dec, Jun.

French

Not offered in Nov.

German

Jun.

Spanish

Not offered in Nov.

Modern Hebrew

Jun.

Italian

Jun.

Latin

Dec, Jun.

Listening (French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean)

Nov.

Which tests can I take on any date?

The following seven tests are offered every time a Subject test is offered


Subjects

Dates Offered:


Aug, Oct, Nov, Dec, May, Jun.

Literature

Biology E/M

Chemistry

Physics

US History

Math 1

Math 2



Can I see my scores before I send them to a college?

Yes. You can use score choice to see your scores and decide which scores to send to colleges. Remember to check college policies. Some colleges require you to send ALL your test scores.

What is the latest date I can take the subject scores in my senior year?

The latest you should schedule subject tests in your senior year is December. If you are applying to any of your colleges early (Early Action or Early Decision) you should schedule them for October or November.

Do all colleges require the SAT Subject tests?

No. Many colleges do not consider Subject tests for admission purposes. Check the college website carefully for each college's policy on Subject tests.

Do I need to take specific Subject tests for my major?

Sometimes. Many colleges have specific subject test requirements for specific majors. Engineering, science and math majors often require or highly recommend subject tests. This is particularly true if you are applying to any of the University of California campuses. UC's don’t require a subject test, but if it is highly recommended for your major, you will be more competitive if you take the recommended subject test.

How can I prepare to take the SAT Subject tests?

You can prepare for the subject tests in many ways. The CollegeBoard website has subject test prep. Check for local SAT Test Preparation options. Check online. Check with friends and create your own subject study groups.

The Common App and AXS Companion: Deadlines, Dates, Resources and FAQs

By Shelly Humbach • 23 Oct, 2023
"The Common Application, often referred to as The Common App is an online platform that facilitates the college application process for students."

Harnessing the Power of AXS Companion: Take on the Common App with Ease

By Shelly Humbach • 23 Oct, 2023
"The AXS Companion provides step-by-step guidance, tips, and expert advice to help you tackle every section of the Common App with confidence."

What Should My High Schooler Be Doing Over the Summer? The Answer Might Surprise You

By Shelly Humbach • 31 May, 2023
What should your high school student be doing with their precious summer? Wait for it……they should be having fun. That’s the answer, the whole answer. Below you’ll find just a few ideas on how to “constructively” spend your Summer before College that prioritizes fun and exploration for your high schooler.
understanding financial aid: everything you need to know

Financial Aid 101: Understanding the Basics

By Shelly Humbach • 27 Apr, 2023
Navigating Financial Aid can be a confusing process. Make sure you understand the financial terminology before entering the lengthy process of applying for scholarships and financial aid. Learn more in this comprehensive guide.

You’ve Been Deferred. Now What?

By Shelly Humbach • 24 Feb, 2023
In the Spirit of - More College Admissions Fun - Let’s talk about Deferrals
3 Items Icons

3 Priority Action Items For Every Parent of a College-Bound High School Senior

By Shelly Humbach • 07 Dec, 2022
Incredibly, another year has come and gone; another year of navigating life in the midst of Covid and now flu and RSV. Such fun. Thankfully, many high school seniors are still college bound. Here are three priority action items every parent or guardian should take long before their student launches. FAFSA and Net Price Calculators Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) . Even if you know or suspect your family will not qualify for federal aid, you should file the FAFSA. Why? ~In case circumstances change. Hello, pandemic. ~Just because parents weren’t eligible to receive financial aid one year doesn’t mean that they wouldn’t be eligible in a subsequent year, if their financial situation has changed. ~If you think you may require financial aid at any point in your child’s education. ~Anyone who expects to have more than one child in college simultaneously. Filing the FAFSA opens the door for all kinds of aid. Federal grants do not need to be repaid, federal student loans have low interest rates and work-study programs can be a convenient way to simultaneously fund an education and build a résumé. Complete the Net Price Calculator for each school on your student’s list. This calculator is found on every college website (search it). By providing personalized estimates, net price calculators offer a more informed way of deciding which colleges you can afford. Knowing your net price gives you the best idea of what you’ll pay for a particular college; makes comparing colleges easier; and widens your choice of colleges so you can focus on fit instead of price. Mental Health Care in College Make plans to have proper, sufficient and accessible mental health care support in place for your student before they leave for college. Let’s face it, the launch is just around the corner. Take advantage of the luxury of time and plan to have support firmly in place. Do not assume that colleges have the mental health care support your child may need. They are literally buckling under the weight of demand and negligible funding. Many times, care and support must be secured off-campus. Support Your Student Applying to college in 2022 is beastly and requires serious stamina and perseverance. College admissions deadlines are voluminous and fluid. The pandemic has wreaked all kinds of havoc on the process, requiring more diligence and follow through than ever before.

The Power of Paying Attention

By Shelly Humbach • 26 Oct, 2022
When my first child was born, in 1991, the circumstances were not as I imagined. Born at 29 weeks, she spent the first six weeks of her life in the NICU. One of the blessings that came from this experience was the pediatrician that we were referred to - one that specialized in the care of premature babies. Dr. Gordon Blakeman saved my little family in many ways and perhaps the most profound was that at every appointment, he asked a series of questions, and listened to the answers. Do you have dinner together, as a family, and not in front of the TV (today that would include and without devices?) Do you read to your child? And later, does your child read to you? These questions may seem basic and the answers may seem obvious. But are they? I urge you to get real with yourself. The world has become exceedingly digital (you know it’s true) and indeed this is good in many respects. But I will argue till I’m dead (and then I shall be the voice in my children’s head) that the act of paying attention, full, uninterrupted attention, to your child is the most powerful and everlasting gift you can give them. And as this article below highlights, parenting teens is tough and when you lay a solid foundation and regularly practice focused communication it becomes bearable. The crowning jewel is when your adult children seek your company and time. The reciprocation is divine. How to Have a Better Relationship With Your Teenager

AXS Companion for the Common App

By Shelly Humbach • 19 Sep, 2022
Talk about a brilliant collaboration! The Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), in conjunction with Oregon State University have created a fantastic new tool - the AXS Companion.

The Legal Documents You Need Before Your Kid Leaves For College

By Shelly Humbach • 03 Jul, 2022
The Legal Documents You Need Before Your Kid Leaves For College

Straight Talk on Transparency

By Shelly Humbach • 24 Apr, 2022
Ron Lieber (He/Daddy/Abb ) nails it again with straight talk on transparency regarding the cost of college which at most institutions of higher learning continues to be coated in mud. Kudos to #muhlengerg , #whitman and #wooster for cost transparency and their pricing or merit-aid pre-read. I ask/cajole/push/pressure (call it what you want) parents to commit to asking the tough questions up front.  Are you planning to purchase something (a degree) that may cost upwards of $80,000 per year? And don't you think it makes sense to know, to the extent you can, exactly how much this thing is going to cost? And isn’t it insane that colleges expect you to commit to purchasing this thing, without KNOWING HOW MUCH IT IS GOING TO COST? It is beyond time to demand that colleges use plain language, with clear definitions when it comes to college costs. To quote one of my favorite lines from a movie, Denzel Washington's character in the film, Philadelphia repeatedly says, "Explain this to me like I'm a 4-year-old".
More Posts
Share by: