SAT Subject Tests: Frequently Asked Questions

If you are getting ready to apply to colleges, you may also be getting ready for the SAT. If you have yet to take the test, you should register soon. When doing so, you will see that the SAT test comes in two different formats. There is the SAT Reasoning Test, commonly referred to as the traditional SAT and formally known as the SAT I. There are also the SAT Subject Tests. These were formally known as the SAT II tests.

When taking the SAT, most high school juniors and seniors opt for the SAT Reasoning Test, but a growing number are now taking the optional subject tests too. Before making a decision, you may have a few questions. Continue reading on to get answers to these questions.

Question: What are the SAT Subject Tests?
Answer: The SAT Subject tests are a wide range of focused tests. They test you on a specific school subject. The five main groupings for the SAT Subject tests are mathematics, English, languages, history, and science. Each category, with the exception of English, has multiple tests to choose from. For example, with mathematics, you can choose the level one and two tests. The science tests have biology E, biology M, physics, and chemistry.

Although some tests do have varying formats, most SAT Subject Tests are multiple choice questions and have a one-hour time limit.

Question: When can I take the SAT Subject Tests?
Answer: With the exception of March tests, the SAT Subject Tests are available on the same dates as the SAT Reasoning Test. Most students take the reasoning test in the morning and the optional subject tests in the afternoon. The only exception is with foreign language listening tests. These are only available in November.

Question: When should I take the SAT Subject Tests?
Answer: As previously stated, you can take the SAT Subject Tests on any test date, but that does not mean you should. These tests test your knowledge on a specific school subject. It is recommended that you take the test after learning the information in class. For example, if you are in your junior year of high school and taking U.S. or American History, schedule the test towards the end of the year. This gives you time to absorb all information in class. If you wait too long, like until the start of your senior year, you may forget most of the information learned.

Question: What are the SAT Subject Test Benefits?
Answer: There are many benefits. Although SAT Reasoning Test scores are used to determine admission eligibility, some colleges also use SAT Subject Test Scores. Moreover, if you gain acceptance, your subject test scores can be used to determine your course placement.

Question: Which SAT Subject Test should I take?
Answer: You can take as many SAT Subject Tests as you want, but choose your tests wisely. Remember, test after covering the subject in school. This alone gives you a better score. Since colleges use SAT Subject Test scores to determine enrollment eligibility and to determine class placement, only test on subjects you are interested in perusing in college. This saves you both time and money.

Question: How much do the SAT Subject Tests cost?
Answer: The fee for each test may change yearly. As of January 2009, the SAT Subject Tests had a basic registration fee of $20. There is an additional $9 fee for all tests with the exception of the listening language tests, which have an additional $20 fee. The Official SAT website, operated by the College Board, states fee waivers are available for students who need financial assistance. If you need financial assistance, speak to your school guidance counselor.