It’s time for students to start taking the SAT in preparation for the upcoming college application season. On top of the usual stress of studying, some students have something else to worry about- the SAT Subject Tests. Not every school requires it, but some of the top-ranking schools ask for the scores from at least 2 of the tests.
Subject tests are designed to measure a student’s understanding of a specific subject like math, science, or a foreign language. You can choose which test to take, but choose wisely, as the score will reflect how much you know about the given subject.
Some students and parents question the need for subject tests. Colleges already have the SAT scores, which should accurately show a student’s aptitude for higher education, especially with the new SAT reforms.
1) When do I start preparing for the SAT Subject Test?
Rather than cramming for the test the night before, students should consider their everyday high school courses as prep for the subject test. It’s best to review when the material is still fresh, so try to study with notecards throughout the year to remember all the concepts. If it’s a course like Chemistry, look for practice problems online and keep your notes to look over. Most high school juniors and seniors will take the PSAT and SAT. One or two years is a long time, but it’s much easier to study overtime than learn it all over again.
2) Is it required to take the SAT subject test?
Certain universities will require the Subject Test, but it varies from school to school. Make sure to check on each application for whether or not your school of choice needs the scores. Ivy leagues and liberal arts colleges tend to ask applicants for the SAT Subject Test scores.
In some cases, it’s good to take the subject test even if it’s not required. The Common Application (used for most State schools), has a section to enter up to six scores in SAT Subject Test. If you excel in one subject and think it could influence your chances of getting in, take the test.
For specialized schools and high ranked schools like MIT, taking Chemistry or Physics Subject Test will influence the likelihood of being accepted.
3) When do I take the subject test?
Subject tests are offered all year round, so if you plan on taking it multiple times, start early. Some students take the test after their junior year (in May or June) or in November/December. We recommend that students take the test at the end of the academic quarter/semester - when the subject matter is still fresh in their minds.
4) What subjects are in SAT Subject Test?
- Literature – American literature, English literature, Other literature, Renaissance and 17th century, 18th-19th centuries, 20th century, p
- U.S. History – Pre-Columbian history to 1789, 1790-1898, 1899 to the present.
- World History – Prehistory and civilizations to 500 Common Era, 500-1500 C.E., 1500-1900 C.E., Post-1900 C.E., Cross-chronological. (Europe, Africa, S. Asia, S.E. Asia, E. Asia, The Americas).
- Mathematics Level 1 – Number and Operations, Algebra and Functions, Geometry and Measurement, Data Analysis.
- Mathematics Level 2 – Algeba II, Functions, Geometry, Statistics, Basic Trigonometry, Calculus.
- Biology – Cellular and molecular biology, Ecology, Genetics, Organismal biology, Evolution and diversity.
- Chemistry – Structure and states of matter, Reaction types, Stoichiometry, Equilibrium and reaction rates, Thermochemistry, Descriptive chemistry, Laboratory.
- Physics – Mechanics, Electricity and magnetism, Waves and optics, Heat and thermodynamics, Modern physics.
- French / French with Listening
- German / German with Listening
- Spanish / Spanish with Listening
- Modern Hebrew
- Italian
- Latin
- Chinese with Listening
- Japanese with Listening
- Korean with Listening
5) What’s the SAT Subject Test Testing schedule for 2015?
Please refer to schedule below when preparing for your tests.
6) Where can I find free SAT / AP / HS resources?
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Partnering with UC Berkeley tutors and experienced high school teachers, we have created many courses in subjects including SAT, AP, Biology, Chemistry, Algebra, Functions, and more. Our specially made ‘learning lens’ courses combine 3D technology with the lightboard to deliver unique, dynamic, and interactive online content. These courses add another layer of depth and understanding into the course material and enable students to immerse themselves in their learning.
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