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What are the SAT Subject Tests?

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What are the SAT Subject Tests?

The SAT Subject Tests (or SAT IIs) are standardized tests that supplement the SAT Reasoning Test (or SAT I). These tests are used by some selective US universities and colleges to assist them in their admissions decisions.  They may also be used to help place students in classes at the appropriate level.

The SAT Subject Tests are offered in a number of academic categories: English Literature, World History, U.S. History, Mathematics Level 1 and Level 2, Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Ecology or Molecular Biology), a range of foreign languages (including Japanese, Korean and Chinese) with listening or without such as French, Spanish, Modern Hebrew, Latin, Italian and German. With regards to which SAT Subject Test to take, an applicant should check each college program requirement and prepare for the subject tests carefully. For example, Engineering programs typically require Physics or Chemistry and prefer Math Level 2.

SAT Subject Tests are offered throughout the SAT calendar year from October to June. Only the Language with Listening tests are scheduled for November of each year and only one listening test can be taken on each test date. Although test takers may take up to three SAT Subject Tests on a single test date, they are not allowed to take them on the same date as the SAT Reasoning Test. It is therefore prudent to plan the SAT Subject Test dates carefully. When registering for the Subject Tests, the applicant must indicate which subject he/she is going to take; however, on test day, he/she can change subjects (except for the Language with Listening tests). More information about the SAT Subject Tests can be found on the College Board website at www.collegeboard.org.

Please see our online calendar this fall for help with SAT Subject tests in the following areas: Literature, French, Math I and Math II.

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