The SAT Subject Tests are taken by US-bound university applicants, as required by certain institutions, to demonstrate their program interest and showcase their academic strength in specific subjects. Prospective applicants can write up to three Subject Tests, from which selective universities can request the scores of two to determine the placement of the applicant in an appropriate field of study. With 20 SAT Subject Tests available across the academic areas of Math, Science, English, Languages and History, students should identify their desired universities or colleges and explore the program admissions requirements before they decide whether it is necessary or beneficial for them to write the tests.
At any one SAT Test date from October to June, students can write only the SAT Subject Tests or the SAT I Verbal Reasoning Test, but not both. The SAT Subject Tests are each an hour long and focus on one subject topic. They usually are written in the spring months of Grade 11 and the fall of a student’s Grade 12 year.
Here are some reasons to write the SAT Subject Tests:
1) If your school does not offer college-prep courses, such as Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB), the SAT Subject Tests allow you to demonstrate your understanding and strength in particular subjects to a high level. If you’re not sure which Subject Test to write, take inventory of your best senior subjects and align them to the subject areas that are required for college entry. Take practice tests in those subject areas to see how you would perform, and if you score well into the 600s (out of 800), you probably should consider writing those subject tests. You can also re-take the subject test so you can present your best score.
2) Taking an SAT Subject Test also increases the competitiveness of your application and shows your preparedness to pursue a certain program major. For example, you can take a subject test in a foreign language to demonstrate your skill mastery in that language or simply your multi-linguistic ability. It would help the colleges to see your performance so they can better place you in the most appropriate class level for your intended program area.
3) You can write a Subject Test to upgrade your performance in a particular subject taken at school. Taking an SAT Subject Test in a particular area can be a viable option and opportunity for you to show a further understanding in the content topic and even an improvement on a previously attained mark in a course.
For further details on taking and registering for the SAT Subject Tests, please go to: www.collegeboard.org.
Preparation for writing the SAT Subject Tests starts now. If you require help with planning for your SAT Subject Tests, contact us at info@options-wp.chhdev.com or (604) 922-8456 for more information.
