SAT vs. SAT Subject Tests: Key Differences and Strategies

For many students, the SAT test is the focus of an enormous amount of effort, including prep classes, study books, and online tutorials. However, some students don’t realize that there is more than one type of SAT test. SAT Subject Tests (formerly known as SAT IIs) are also the subject of much effort and sometimes equally as much confusion. While both kinds of SAT are administered by the College Board, they each have a unique purpose, and their format and content are significantly different. This article outlines the primary differences between the SAT and SAT Subject Tests, along with how each is used by admissions committees and how students should plan for each.

Understanding the SAT

The SAT is a general assessment of your college readiness. It contains sections that test your skills in math, both with and without a calculator, along with reading, writing, and language, and an optional essay section. The skills assessed by the SAT are broad ones. Essentially, it intends to gauge your readiness for college-level work by assessing your critical and analytical thinking skills and your ability to apply knowledge across multiple disciplines. The SAT does not assess specific content knowledge but will sometimes ask you to apply your knowledge in new or different ways.

The SAT consists of three parts: a critical reading section that tests skills such as vocabulary and reading comprehension, a mathematics section that tests algebra, geometry, and other math concepts, and a writing section that assesses grammar, usage, and word choice.

SAT Sections in Detail

Critical Reading: This section includes sentence completion questions and reading comprehension passages.
Mathematics: This section has questions on algebra, geometry, and other math concepts. There are only a handful of intermediate algebra questions on the SAT. Even if you make a few mistakes, there are so few of them that your score will barely be affected.
Writing: This section includes an essay and multiple-choice questions on grammar, usage, and word choice. The essay will require students to read an 80-word subject prompt that makes a statement or claim. Students then need to develop a position and back it up with examples from schoolwork, literature, history, or their own experience. The essay doesn’t test writing ability as much as it does other skills, such as organization, idea development, or supporting an argument. You’ll be presented with a sentence that may or may not have a grammatical or syntactical error in it. You’ll be asked to identify the error or indicate if there is no error. Students will be asked to look at a sentence and try to improve it without changing its meaning. These are just like the Improving Sentence questions except…you guessed it…you’ll be looking at and improving paragraphs.

SAT Scoring and Reporting

The SAT is scored on a scale from 400-1600, with a separate score given for the optional essay. It is not scored on a curve, and points are not deducted for wrong answers. It is your responsibility to have your scores forwarded to colleges. You can do this at the time you take the test or after you receive the results. Often, the cost of score reporting is included as an option when you register for the SAT. You may Register Online on the College Board Web site.

Diving into SAT Subject Tests

SAT Subject Tests fill in where the regular SAT does not. It, in essence, sheds light onto your specific content area knowledge and measures your achievement in a particular subject area. Unlike the SAT, each of the SAT Subject Tests assesses only your knowledge within that content area. There were 20 different tests in 2020, the last year in which subject tests were offered, 12 of them in foreign languages.

Read also: SAT Math Level 2: A Guide

Discontinuation of SAT Subject Tests

On January 19, 2021, the College Board discontinued Subject Tests. As students and colleges adapted to new realities and changes to the college admissions process, College Board stopped offering Subject Tests to reduce demands on students. Students can still get and send Subject Test scores from previous administrations, just as they do for the SAT. Students who didn’t get a chance to take Subject Tests can stand out on college applications by taking the SAT.

Purpose and Use of SAT Subject Tests

Colleges use the SAT Subject Test scores for several reasons, usually to place students in classes and/or as criteria for admissions. Some schools do not require students to take SAT Subject Tests at all. Check with the admissions office at the colleges you are considering finding out their requirements, or looking in the admissions section of their Web sites. If our clients decide to take SAT Subject tests, we usually recommend that they take as many tests as possible, assuming they are prepared to excel in those subjects. In some cases, SAT Subject Tests are only recommended by certain departments or majors within the school. The precise requirements of each of these schools will be somewhat different and are subject to change without notice. The moral of the story is this: check the requirements yourself, for every college on your list. Always, always check for yourself, unless you have a dedicated professional handling it for you. Do not rely on a list from the web that might be outdated or flat-out wrong.

Available SAT Subject Tests

The SAT Subject Tests are a collection of 20 different tests within five specific areas: English, history, languages, mathematics, and science. These tests cover a wide range of subjects, allowing you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in various academic areas.

Some of the available SAT Subject Tests include:

Mathematics Level 1 and Level 2: These tests assess your mathematical abilities, covering topics such as algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. If you excel in math and plan to pursue a math-related field, these tests may be a good fit for you.

Read also: Why the Physics SAT Subject Test Was Removed
Biology: This test evaluates your understanding of biological concepts and principles. It covers topics such as cellular and molecular biology, ecology, genetics, and evolution. If you have a passion for life sciences or even medicine, this field is for you. Just be sure to check if there are any biology Subject Test requirements for your admissions.
Chemistry: The chemistry test measures your knowledge of chemical concepts and principles. It covers topics such as atomic structure, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, and thermodynamics.
Physics: This test assesses your understanding of physics concepts and principles, covering topics such as mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves, and optics.
Literature: The literature test evaluates your ability to analyze and interpret literary texts. It assesses your understanding of various literary genres, authors, and literary devices. If you have a love for literature and enjoy analyzing written works, this test is the perfect fit for you.
history, including political, economic, social, and cultural aspects. It covers topics from early colonization to the present day.

Read also: SAT Strategies

Historical Context

SAT Subject Tests were a set of multiple-choice standardized tests given by The College Board on individual topics, typically taken to improve a student's credentials for college admissions in the United States. For most of their existence, from their introduction in 1937 until 1994, the SAT Subject Tests were known as Achievement Tests, and until January 2005, they were known as SAT II: Subject Tests. They are still often remembered by these names. Unlike the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) that the College Board offers, which are intended to measure general aptitude for academic studies, the Achievement Tests were intended to measure the level of knowledge and understanding in a variety of specific subjects.

Many colleges used the SAT Subject Tests for admission, course placement, and to advise students about course selection. Achievement tests were generally only required by the most selective of colleges. Some of those colleges named one or more specific Achievement Tests that they required for admission, while others allowed applicants to choose which tests to take. Fewer students took achievement tests compared to the SAT. In 1976, for instance, there were 300,000 taking one or more achievement tests, while 1.4 million took the SAT. Rates of taking the tests varied by geography; in 1974, for instance, a half of students taking the SAT in New England also took one or more achievement tests, while nationwide only a quarter did. The number of achievement tests offered varied over time. Subjects were dropped or added based on educational changes and demand.

Test Format and Scoring (Historical)

Every test was a one-hour timed test. Historically, the exception to the one-hour time was the writing test, which was divided into a 20-minute essay question and a 40-minute multiple-choice section. Each test was scored on a scale of 200 to 800; however, on some tests, it was impossible to get a 200. For example, if someone got every question wrong on the Mathematics Level 2 test, they could receive a score of 310, depending on the test-specific curve. An exception was the ELPT, which was scored on a scale of 901 to 999.

Key Differences Between SAT and SAT Subject Tests

Here's a breakdown of the key differences between the SAT and SAT Subject Tests:

Focus

SAT: Measures broad skills and general college readiness. It assesses your critical and analytical thinking skills along with your ability to apply what you know.
SAT Subject Tests: Measure your skills and content-specific knowledge within specific subject areas.

Content

SAT: Tests math, reading comprehension, and language aptitude, with an optional essay.
SAT Subject Tests: Test a student’s content mastery of one given topic, like history, chemistry, or French.

Timing

SAT: Takes about half a day to complete. If you are taking the optional essay section, your testing time will be just under four hours. If you choose not to compete the essay, your testing time will be closer to three hours.
SAT Subject Tests: Take much less time to complete. They generally last only a little more than an hour.

Frequency

SAT: Offered seven times per year.
SAT Subject Tests: Available on the same days and at the same testing centers as the regular SAT, with a few exceptions. While the SAT is offered seven times per year, SAT Subject Tests are only available on six of those dates. In addition, it’s important to know that not all SAT Subject Tests are available on every date.

Scoring

SAT: Scored on a scale from 400-1600 with a separate score given for the optional essay. It is not scored on a curve, and points are not deducted for wrong answers.
SAT Subject Tests: Like the SAT, they are not scored on a curve, but unlike the SAT, a fraction of a point is deducted for each wrong answer on multiple-choice questions.

Weight in Admissions

SAT: More heavily weighted in admissions decisions than are SAT Subject Tests. SATs are accepted by every four-year college across the country and are, in fact, one of two tests required by many. They are often regarded as a major component of your application.
SAT Subject Tests: The weight given to SAT Subject Tests varies widely. Often, SAT Subject Test scores are weighted similarly to other application components like AP classes and scores, and honors level work. Sometimes, though, if you apply to a specific program or specialty, your SAT Subject Test might take on more weight.

Requirement

SAT: Almost every college or university will require an SAT or ACT score in order for a student to be considered for admission, so this choice is less open-ended for students.
SAT Subject Tests: Very few schools still ask for subject tests, with only the most selective schools, like Harvard and Rice, actually requiring them on the application. If, however, your school of choice recommends, but does not require, subject tests-as is the case with some selective schools-it is suggested that you treat this as an expectation.

Preparing for the SAT and SAT Subject Tests

SAT Preparation

Because the SAT is a very unique test that evaluates skills you may have never been tested in before, you need to prepare specifically for it. That often means joining SAT study groups, taking online tutorials, completing multiple practice tests, and sometimes even using an SAT tutor to help brush up on your strategy.

SAT Subject Tests Preparation

SAT Subject Tests are still unique tests, so your preparations might be fairly similar to the SAT, but you will also need to brush up on your content-level knowledge, too. Overall, while you’ll still take practice tests and work on test strategy, you’ll also need to spend a lot of time studying the subject-specific knowledge that you’re likely to find on the test.

The College Board says that "the best way to prepare is to take the relevant courses and work hard in them." While this is indeed true, it's not the whole truth. The best way to absorb the content is to take an AP class, and to schedule your SAT Subject Test date for just after you finish that AP class, when the material is still fresh in your mind -in early June, for example. Even then, however, you should take some practice tests from one of the books we recommend below. Likewise, various test-prep companies like Barron's and Princeton Review sell decent SAT Subject Test preparation books. When you choose one, make sure of two things: first, that it contains full-length practice tests (this is the main reason to buy one of these books).

Strategies for SAT Subject Tests

Think ahead about which SAT Subject Tests you want to take and know which dates they’re offered on. As you make your SAT calendar, consider these dates reserved for Subject Tests so that you don’t find yourself double-booked.
Whenever possible, try to take the SAT Subject Test close to the time you’re completing the related high school class. For many students, this means taking the Chemistry or Calculus SAT Subject Test during the spring of your junior year. For cumulative subjects like foreign languages, try to take them in the fall of your senior year when you’ll have the most instructional hours under your belt.
Remember that different SAT Subject Tests have different formats and know what to expect going into each one. To learn more about the formats specific to each, check out the CollegeBoard’s Subject Areas overview.

Choosing the Right SAT Subject Tests

When it comes to choosing the right SAT Subject Tests, there are several factors to consider. First, it's important to think about your academic strengths and interests, as well as future college plans. Ask yourself questions like, "What subject do I thrive in?" "What field can I succeed in?" "Does my school support my chosen field?" This way, you can make an informed decision that will showcase your abilities and align with your goals. Also, you should reflect on the areas in which you excel and feel confident in. These subjects may be good starting points for selecting your SAT Subject Tests. By choosing tests that align with your areas of academic expertise, you can maximize your chances of achieving high scores and impressing college admissions officers. Along with your strongest subjects, think about the subjects you enjoy the most. Passion and interest can play a significant role in your motivation and performance on the tests. When you genuinely enjoy a subject, studying and preparing for the test can feel less like a chore and more like a moment to sharpen your knowledge. So, take a moment to reflect on the subjects that truly captivate your curiosity and ignite your enthusiasm.

Benefits of SAT Subject Tests (Even if Not Required)

As a high schooler, you might be wondering what the point is. With your plate full of homework, applications, and exams, it's easy to lose sight of what it's all for, and we definitely don't want that. Here are several benefits to taking SAT Subject Tests:

Demonstrate subject proficiency
Showcase your knowledge and skills in specific subject areas
Leave a long-lasting impression on the admissions committee
Demonstrate your expertise in a particular subject
Stay ahead of the game
Highlight academic strengths
Enhance your college applications and increase your chances of being admitted to your preferred college or university.
Demonstrate genuine interest in a field of study
Prepares you for what college exams may look like
Keep your mind sharp

Please note: benefits of SAT Subject Tests may vary depending on the specific college or university and their requirements. Be sure to research the admission policies of your chosen schools to determine the significance of these tests in their application process.

General Tips for Studying

Understanding the test format is key. Familiarize yourself with the structure and content of the SAT. Understand the sections (Reading, Writing and Language, Math) and the types of questions that will be on the test. This will help you create your study plan.
Create a study schedule and stick to it! The key word here is discipline, and if you follow a study schedule that fits within your school/life balance, you will only be that much more prepared for test day.
Utilize available official study materials. The College Board usually provides official study materials, including practice tests and sample questions. These resources are valuable for understanding the test format and practicing with authentic questions.
Practice regularly. Practice is key to improving your SAT performance. Solve practice questions and complete full-length practice tests to build familiarity with the test format, improve time management, and enhance your problem-solving skills.
Review mistakes: Go over your mistakes and review the explanations for correct answers. This review will help you with areas that require more focus.
Seek additional resources: Consider using other study resources like prep books, online courses, or tutoring services to further the study prep.
Focus on test-taking strategies: Familiarize yourself with effective test-taking strategies, such as time management, process of elimination, and educated guessing. These strategies can help you approach questions more efficiently and increase your chances of answering correctly.
Take care of yourself: Although we want you to succeed, don't forget to take care of yourself. Get ample amounts of rest, exercise, and maintain a healthy diet during your SAT preparation.
Take practice tests: Yes, we admit, but taking practice tests under test-like timed conditions will help you build endurance, manage time more effectively, and get used to the test environment.

Whatever your study plan looks like, remember that consistency and focus are the keys to success on the SAT. Follow these tips or customize them to match your study approach, and see how far it'll take you. The goal is to strengthen your academic weaknesses so you can improve your performance and feel more confident on test day.

The ACT as an Alternative

The ACT (American College Test) is another entrance examination used by schools throughout the country in addition to, or instead of, the SAT tests. Like the SAT, the ACT is offered several times throughout the year and is typically taken in the spring of the junior year.

SAT vs ACT

Let's take a quick moment to discuss the difference between the SAT and ACT. The SAT and ACT are both standardized tests commonly used for college admissions in the United States. While they both serve similar purposes, they have some key differences that are worth knowing.

Test Structure: The SAT consists of two main sections: evidence-based reading and writing and math. The ACT includes four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section.
Scoring: The SAT is scored on a scale of 400-1600, with separate scores for the Reading/Writing and Math sections. The ACT is scored on a scale of 1-36, with an overall composite score and separate scores for each section. Note: Both tests have optional essay sections; both are scored separately.
Content Emphasis: The SAT places a strong emphasis on vocabulary, critical reading, and problem-solving skills. The ACT focuses on grammar, punctuation, and scientific reasoning.
Time Allocation: The SAT allows more time per question compared to the ACT.
Regional Differences: The SAT exam is used more on the East and West coasts. The ACT exam is used more in the Midwest and southern regions of the United States. However, both tests are accepted by most colleges and universities nationwide. Now, not all colleges and universities require both SAT and ACT test scores as an admissions requirement. We recommend that students research the schools they are applying to to determine whether they prefer the SAT or ACT or if they accept both. Some students may choose to take both tests to see which one they perform better on, but the decision to take the SAT and ACT, or both, should be based on preferences, goals, and the requirements of the colleges being considered.

Score Choice

The College Board, the organization that creates the SAT Subject Tests, has a program called Score Choice, which allows you to designate which of your scores will be sent to each college. Some schools, such as Yale, do not participate in this program for the regular SAT exam (i.e.

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