The SAT Subject Tests
Many colleges recommend or require students take subject tests, often in the subject from their intended major. For example, MIT requires students to take either of the Math SAT Subjects tests, along with either biology, chemistry, or physics. The best way to see what the school requires for standardized testing is to check their website. Here is a helpful list of certain school's requirements: https://blog.prepscholar.com/complete-list-of-colleges-that-require-sat-subject-tests.
The subject tests also range in content. Often students go to take the subject tests only to find that the content on the exam is one that they covered sophomore year in, for example. precalculus. In order to avoid this scenario, I have compiled a list of all subject tests as well as when you should ideally take them. I have also organized them by category depending on whether you specialize in math, science, history, or a language.
The subject tests also range in content. Often students go to take the subject tests only to find that the content on the exam is one that they covered sophomore year in, for example. precalculus. In order to avoid this scenario, I have compiled a list of all subject tests as well as when you should ideally take them. I have also organized them by category depending on whether you specialize in math, science, history, or a language.
MAth
Test: When to Take it:
Math Level I Upon completing Geometry Honors and Algebra II Honors
Math Level II Upon completing Precalculus
In terms of picking which exam to take, math level II has more advanced topics covered compared to math I, as indicated by the prerequisites above. This does not mean math II is more difficult but rather that students should be sure that they have enough math experience before deciding to take Math II. For a complete list of differences between the tests and how to decide which one to take, read this excellent article: https://blog.prepscholar.com/sat-subject-test-math-1-vs-math-2
Math Level I Upon completing Geometry Honors and Algebra II Honors
Math Level II Upon completing Precalculus
In terms of picking which exam to take, math level II has more advanced topics covered compared to math I, as indicated by the prerequisites above. This does not mean math II is more difficult but rather that students should be sure that they have enough math experience before deciding to take Math II. For a complete list of differences between the tests and how to decide which one to take, read this excellent article: https://blog.prepscholar.com/sat-subject-test-math-1-vs-math-2
Science
Test: When to Take it:
Chemistry Upon completing Chemistry Honors or AP Chemistry
Biology Upon completing Biology Honors or AP Biology
Physics Upon completing Physics Honors
Chemistry Upon completing Chemistry Honors or AP Chemistry
Biology Upon completing Biology Honors or AP Biology
Physics Upon completing Physics Honors
History
Test: When to Take it:
U.S. History Upon completing AP United States History*
World History Upon completing AP World History*
*Due to the depth covered, AP is recommended for these two but an honors class may suffice
U.S. History Upon completing AP United States History*
World History Upon completing AP World History*
*Due to the depth covered, AP is recommended for these two but an honors class may suffice
Language
Test: When to Take it:
English Literature Upon completing English 11-Honors
*Spanish Upon completing Spanish V or highest level
*French Upon completing French V or highest level
Italian Upon completing highest level of Italian
*German Upon completing highest level of German
Chinese w/ Listening Upon completing highest level of Chinese
*Modern Hebrew Upon completing highest level of Hebrew
Latin Upon completing highest level of Latin
Japense w/ Listening Upon completing highest level of Japanese
Korean w/ Listening Upon completing highest level of Korean
*Test with listening is available
English Literature Upon completing English 11-Honors
*Spanish Upon completing Spanish V or highest level
*French Upon completing French V or highest level
Italian Upon completing highest level of Italian
*German Upon completing highest level of German
Chinese w/ Listening Upon completing highest level of Chinese
*Modern Hebrew Upon completing highest level of Hebrew
Latin Upon completing highest level of Latin
Japense w/ Listening Upon completing highest level of Japanese
Korean w/ Listening Upon completing highest level of Korean
*Test with listening is available
How the Tests Are Scored
Unlike the regular SAT, there is not a universal percentile and scoring procedure among all twenty tests. In other words, a 680 on Chemistry is not the same percentile as a 680 on Math Level II. Below is a chart of scores on each test and their respective percentiles, courtesy of PrepScholar, as of the 2017-18 testing cycle:
As you can see, percentiles vary across each test. In general, students who are seeking admissions to a selective college should aim for scores above 700 and hopefully a score that corresponds to an above average percentile. For example, according to PrepScholar, Princeton's SAT subject test range is 710-790. Also, as of 2017-18, you lose a 1/4 of a point for wrong answers on SAT subject tests, which differs from the regular SAT where getting a question wrong does not cause a subtraction of points.
Lastly, here are some links to help you study:
Lastly, here are some links to help you study:
- Click on any of the tests listed above and navigate to "Start practicing"
- Google Books Preview for the respective studying books
- If you want to purchase the whole book, Amazon has a large variety of study books. Barron's or The Princeton Review work well.