The SAT Subject Test is a one hour long test that is required by some schools and colleges for admission as a measure of your expertise in a particular subject area. It is scored in a range of 200-800, as opposed to the 400-1600 composite score on the SAT. See Which Colleges Require SAT Subject Tests by searching for a particular college by using ctrl + F keys.
Usually, two of the SAT Subject Tests are required by colleges; one in Math and one in Science (Physics or Chemistry or Biology (E/M)) for engineering courses. The College Board provides standardised testing in 20 different topic areas via the SAT Subject Test, often known as the SAT 2. Students planning to apply to US universities take the SAT Subject Test to bolster their application materials. There are 20 multiple-choice questions on various topics (Math, Science, English, History, Languages). In June 2021, the SAT subject test exam was cancelled everywhere except the United States. The SAT Subject Test may no longer be offered, but students may still benefit from familiarity with the test to better prepare for future examinations and increase their chances of being admitted to institutions in the United States.
The Subject Test cannot be given on every SAT date, but on specific test dates . The SAT and SAT Subject Test cannot be taken on one date. Although, you are allowed to take up to 3 SAT Subject Tests in a day.
The registration fee is $26 which covers one test date, at which you can take up to 3 Subject Tests, and $22 for each SAT Subject Test (except Language Tests with Listening). An additional fee of $49 is levied for students in South and Central Asia, where we belong to, which makes me wonder why this is the most expensive region to take the test (Seriously why?). Coming back to the topic of concern, you are allowed to send you scores to up to 4 colleges for free. Additional score report request would take $12 per institution.
Table of Contents |
SAT Subject Test Tabular Details
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Parameters |
SAT Subject Test |
|---|---|
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Purpose |
Course placement and some program admissions |
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Duration |
1 hour |
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Test Frequency |
Offered 6 times a year |
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Test Availability |
There are a variety of subjects accessible. However, not all subjects are offered on any given day. |
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Number of Subjects |
20 subjects, one per test |
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Scoring Scale |
200-800 scale |
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Penalty for Wrong Answers |
A fractional deduction is applied for incorrect responses |
Suggested: How to Take a Practice SAT
What are SAT Specialised Exams?
SAT Math Test
There are two levels of mathematics to choose from on the menu bar. Each Subject Test includes 50 multiple-choice questions but tests distinct concepts.
Algebra and geometry at the college preparatory level are covered in Math Level 1.
Most of the material from Math Level 1 is carried over into Math Level 2, and precalculus and trigonometry are added for good measure. The material covered in the Math 1 exam is investigated in further detail in Math 2. Level 1 algebra, for instance, is primarily comprised of fundamental algebraic equations, whereas Level 2 algebra can incorporate logarithmic and trigonometric problems.
The decision between these examinations is simple. You are prepared for Math Level 2 if you have taken precalculus, trigonometry, or both and had a grade of B or better. You should take Math Level 1 if you are not confident with precalculus or trigonometry.
The SAT Science Subject Test
In addition to Chemistry and Physics, the Science Subject Tests include Biology-M (Molecular) and Biology-E (Ecological), respectively. The tests have between 75 and 85 multiple-choice questions.
We look at biological communities in Biology E. The cycles of energy and nourishment are mentioned more often than other subjects. Topics in biological chemistry, such as cellular respiration and photosynthesis, receive more attention in Biology-M.
The chemical Subject Test is designed to evaluate university-level chemical comprehension. The ability to evaluate laboratory data and atomic and molecular structure is explored. One of the abilities examined is algebra, along with graph interpretation. Students should finish a year of fundamental chemistry, including lab experience, and a year of algebra before taking the Chemistry SAT Subject Test.
Your knowledge of chemistry at the college level is assessed by the Chemistry Subject Test. It addresses atomic structure, molecular structure, and your capacity for deciphering the results of laboratory tests. A basic understanding of mathematics and the ability to analyse graphs are required for the test. Before sitting for the SAT Subject Test in Chemistry, students must finish one year of introductory chemistry, including some hands-on lab experience.
The Physics Subject Test has a total of 75 multiple-choice questions that assess fundamental concepts in physics, including key areas such as thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, kinematics, and gravity. It is recommended that you complete a one-year college-preparatory level physics course in addition to studies in algebra and trigonometry before you attempt the Physics SAT Subject Test.
Significant topics in physics, including thermodynamics, magnetism and electricity, kinematics, and gravity, are covered on the 75 multiple-choice questions that make up the Physics Subject Test. Before taking the Physics SAT Subject Test, it is suggested that test-takers complete a year-long college preparatory physics course in addition to trigonometry and algebra.
SAT English Test
The English SAT Subject Test is an examination that assesses a student's knowledge and understanding of the English language. The SAT Subject Test assesses one's comprehension of significant literary works within the English canon. The course includes a variety of American and British writers from the 17th to the 20th century. Several submissions by foreign authors are included in the exam; nonetheless, it is a prerequisite for the material to have been initially written in English in order to be included. The examination includes writing and poetry, maybe theatre or another form.
The examination consists of a total of 60 multiple-choice questions, which are further divided into six to eight parts, each including passages for analysis. Every component of the study is concentrated on a solitary extract, thereafter accompanied by inquiries pertaining to its grammatical structure, historical significance, or interpretation.
Engaging with literary works from the 17th to the 20th century as part of your English homework would provide a robust basis for familiarising oneself with the topic of the examination.
SAT History Test
The History SAT Subject Tests are standardised exams that assess a student's knowledge and understanding of historical events, concepts, and themes. These tests are administered by the College Board and are often used by colleges and universities because the U.S. History Subject Test includes the historical period of pre-Columbian America up to the contemporary day. The primary emphasis is examining political and social history throughout these specific periods, with the cultivation of critical thinking skills. To adequately prepare, students should direct their attention towards the subject matter that is often addressed in history courses designed to equip them for college-level education. Engaging in extracurricular reading focused on significant dates in U.S. history may effectively address any areas of deficiency.
The World History Subject Test includes studying many cultures from prehistoric times to the year 1,900 CE. The examination divides this temporal interval into four distinct segments: prehistory to 500 CE, 500 to 1500 CE, 1500 to 1900 CE, and post-1900 CE. Each temporal division accounted for around 25% of the overall material—several examination questions require interpreting original source material, such as an antiquated book. Including interpretation questions is about 7% of the total 95 exam questions.
The SAT Subject Tests for U.S. History and World History need a solid understanding of fundamental concepts such as graph interpretation, data analysis, and geography. Enrol in college-preparatory history classes and engage in extensive supplementary reading to achieve academic success. While not explicitly connected, AP World History and AP U.S. History courses would effectively provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills.
SAT World Language Test
The World Language SAT Subject Tests are standardised assessments evaluating a student's proficiency in a foreign language. These tests are designed to measure a student's ability to comprehend and communicate effectively in the target language, as well as their knowledge of the languages.
Among the list of SAT Subject Tests, the language category has the highest degree of test diversity. Many versions of languages exist, such as Korean, Latin, Modern Hebrew, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, French, Spanish, and German. The tests are structured similarly, with about 1/3rd of the total 60 questions dedicated to vocabulary, structure (grammar), and reading comprehension queries.
Listening and Non-Listening are two possible formats for some global language assessments. Spanish, French, and German are included in this particular group. The hearing assessment requires pupils to respond to pre-recorded inquiries via audio. The decision to choose either the listening or non-listening versions is determined by individual student preferences. The Chinese, Japanese, and Korean Subject Tests require a compulsory hearing component, but the Italian, Latin, and Modern Hebrew Subject Tests have no listening component. The language selection would be contingent upon the specific academic program or curriculum in question.
When to Take SAT Subject Test?
The SAT Subject Test should be taken in October or November of your senior year (12th grade) since most of the topics in the curriculum of the tests are covered by then. It also gives you the opportunity to apply early decision or early action. It is advised that you check with the colleges in your mind for the deadlines.
How to Prepare for SAT Subject Test?
To prepare for the Subject Tests, you need to thoroughly go through the school coursework on topics which are recommended to be studied on each subject page . For example, the Math Level 1 comprises of 50 Multiple Choice Questions that test skills such as numbers and operations, algebra and functions, geometry and measurement, data analysis, statistics, and probability in the constricted time of 60 minutes. These topics are usually covered by grade 11 and 12. Other popular Subject Tests include Mathematics Level 2, Physics , Chemistry, and Biology E/M . The E and M in Biology stand for Ecological and Molecular, respectively.
How to Register for SAT Subject Test?
You can Register for the SAT Subject Test after checking with the application deadlines of colleges and the test dates offered by College Board.
Register for only those subjects which are needed for admission to your desired major at the universities/colleges of your interest. Even so, it is an appreciable opportunity to prove your calibre to the admissions committees and a chance for you to show your grasp at the subjects of your interest. Colleges might give you credit for it and allow you to do away with the introduction course of the respective subject as a result, given that you perform well on this test. You should check with the college websites regarding this.
Conclusion
In the end, SAT Subject Tests let you show what you know in different subjects. Colleges can see better how good you are at school stuff. Doing well in these tests can really help you get into the college you want. Remember, if you study hard and know why each test matters, you can make colleges like you.
Good Luck!
