Navigating the World of SAT Subject Tests

The SAT, a well-known and sometimes dreaded college admissions test, has a lesser-known counterpart: the SAT Subject Tests, previously known as the "Scholastic Achievement Tests" or SAT II. These tests were designed to measure a student’s readiness for college-level courses. In January 2021, the College Board announced that, effective immediately, no further SAT Subject Tests will be offered in the United States (and that SAT Subject Tests will only be offered internationally only through June 2021).

Understanding SAT Subject Tests

The SAT Subject Tests were a set of 20 multiple-choice, hour-long exams focusing on individual subjects across five general areas. They aimed to test an applicant’s understanding of the overall subject material learned throughout their academic career. These tests were not tied to any particular course on your transcript; they could be used instead to emphasize your abilities that are most relevant to your experiences and what you plan on studying in college. The SAT Subject Tests tested your knowledge of a particular subject rather than your reasoning skills.

Purpose and Scope

Unlike the general SAT, which measures general aptitude for academic studies, the SAT Subject 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.

Test Structure and Scoring

Each test was a one-hour timed test. 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.

The Discontinuation of SAT Subject Tests

In the past several years, many schools have dropped their Subject Test requirements, and by the time the College Board made their announcement, nearly no schools required them. With this news, no colleges will require Subject Tests, even from students who could have hypothetically taken the exams a few years ago. The College Board discontinued Subject Tests in 2021. 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.

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The Tests Themselves

Simply put, there were 20 different variations of tests to choose from. The other 12 Subject Tests covered nine different languages. Now, let's take a look at how many students take each SAT Subject Test, from most to least. As you can see, the tests based on core courses-i.e., literature, math, history, and science-tend to attract the largest number of students. You'll also notice a large variation in the average scores of SAT Subject Tests. A higher mean score does not necessarily mean that the test is easier; instead, it likely means that students who opt for that test know that subject really, really well.

Mathematics

Mathematics: Level 1- college preparatory including one year each of algebra and geometry. For Level 1, you'll need to have taken at least two years of algebra and one year of geometry. Both tests require you to use a graphing calculator, but Level 2 requires more complex use of the calculator. As is the case with the listening language tests, Math Level 2 has a higher mean score and lower standard deviation, meaning most students who take it score near the relatively high mean score of 703.

Biology

There are two options for the Biology Subject Test: Ecological Biology and Molecular Biology. While both tests share a core 60 questions, each also has an additional 20 questions with either an ecological or molecular focus.

Languages

The French, Spanish, and German language tests offered listening and non-listening options. If you had strong listening skills, the listening versions of the tests would be a great way to demonstrate fluency. They might also place you in a higher level once you get to college. If you didn't feel confident in your listening skills, on the other hand, your best bet would have been to take the non-listening option or another SAT Subject Test altogether.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Test

In order to decide which Subject Tests to take, you'll need to think about a variety of factors, from what kinds of tests colleges want to what subjects you're especially skilled at.

College Requirements and Expectations

First off, you need to know the testing requirements of the colleges you're applying to. How many Subject Tests does each of your schools want you to take? Is one a technology school that'll take a close look at your knowledge in math and science? Some colleges have adopted test-optional or test-flexible policies, which means you might be able to submit scores from Subject Tests in place of scores from the general SAT or ACT. College requirements and expectations play the biggest role in which SAT Subject Tests you decide to take.

Personal Strengths and Interests

For instance, if you love reading and analyzing books, you should probably take the Literature test. Not only will you be more likely to get a high score on it, but you'll also be indicating your personal interests to admissions officers. You know what captivates you or makes you fall asleep. You also know whether you learn best by seeing, listening, doing, or combining some of these methods.

Test-Taking Strategies and Preparation

The best way to avoid tactical errors is to ensure each of these decisions is informed by the results of practice tests. We recommend taking an initial diagnostic test-one hour per subject-no later than 5 weeks before the official date you are considering. Many students find that their academic coursework-particularly in AP and honors classes-is often sufficient as preparation for Subject Tests.

Timing

Another important consideration about SAT Subject Tests is when to take them-especially when you have to schedule them around the regular SAT/ACT and all your other activities. With just a few exceptions, you should take a particular Subject Test at the end of the school year when you have taken a corresponding class of appropriate rigor. May or June of 11th grade is thus the most popular window when the majority of Subject Tests are taken.

Retesting

The most typical retesting scenario would be to take a first stab on the May test date and then get right back on the horse for the June test date. Equestrian skills and test-taking skills tend to improve with experience, like most anything else. Also, there is not time to test in May, wait to receive your score 2-3 weeks later, and then register for the June test date.

Score Choice

Technically the College Board gives you “Score Choice” capability, allowing you the ability to selectively report your scores as you see fit. You could, for example, take the Math 2, Literature, and Chemistry exams on the same test date and then later choose to report only certain scores from this date to any particular college.

The Role of SAT Subject Tests in College Admissions

SAT Subject Tests can be an essential piece in your college application. SAT Subject Tests will measure a student’s readiness for college-level courses. The tests are designed to measure knowledge in specific areas, so colleges can decide if the applicant can be exempt from college requirements. Even if your perspective schools do not require them, you might want to consider taking the two to three tests. Some students might benefit from taking the Subject Tests like international students, multilingual or ESL students, and homeschooled students. Work the SAT Subject Tests to your advantage. Whether they are required or not, they can be a great asset on your transcript. The SAT Subject Tests are a chance for you to show where you have specialized knowledge.

SAT Subject Tests vs. AP Exams

Don’t confuse the SAT Subject Tests with Advanced Placement (AP) tests as they are very different tests. SAT Subject Tests are used as a baseline for a student’s understanding of the subject material from high school and do not count towards college credit. Think of them as cousins, but not siblings. They serve different roles. Subject Tests are designed to allow students to demonstrate achievement in a particular academic area, but the tests are not tied to specific curricula and are expressly intended to be used in admission decisions. AP exams are more directly tied to a particular set of academic specifications. While APs certainly serve a role in admission decisions as evidence of mastery of the highest level offering of a particular subject, their original and official purpose is reflected in their moniker: “Advanced Placement.” Many colleges still link course placement and course credit to performance on AP exams. So while your AP classes will help inform your Subject Test planning, APs do not replace Subject Tests in the admission process (with very rare exceptions, e.g.

Strategies for maximizing your score

Your best bet in scoring high on the test is to take it as close to course completion as possible. Note, however, that taking the subject tests and doing poorly on them could have the reverse effect. You could undermine solid grades by getting sub-par SAT Subject Test scores. If the colleges in which you are interested do not require SAT Subject Tests, and you don't think you'll do well on them, then you should consider skipping the tests. Only take those in which you think you can earn a score on par with your SAT. Additionally, if you are considering a specific career path that requires you to demonstrate an ability to excel in that discipline, taking the SAT Subject Test for that path will demonstrate to admissions officers that you are a qualified candidate.

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