SAT II Subject Tests

The SAT Subject Tests, formerly known as the SAT II, are standardized multiply choice college entrance exams. There are twenty different subject tests available and each is one hour in length. The subjects focus on anything from math to literature to language. No test is greater than 100 questions. Most tests are given on similar dates and you can take up to three in one day.

There are several key differences in the SAT I and II exams. The SAT I (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is a four and a half hour assessment of your overall knowledge focusing on critical reading, math, and writing. Each section is worth up to 800 points for a total possible score of anywhere between 600-2400. The SAT I is required for entrance into most colleges; however, some schools allow the SAT I to be substituted with the ACT examination.

The SAT Subject Tests are not required for most colleges so check the application and school's website carefully to see which exams are necessary for entrance. A college requiring subject tests will generally ask 2-3 different subjects tests be taken.

Available SAT Subject Tests

The list of available tests are: Literature, United States History, World History, Biology E/M, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics Level 1, and Mathematics Level 2. The language tests available are: Spanish, Spanish with listening, Japanese with listening, Korean with listening, Latin, Italian, Modern Hebrew, French, French with listening, German, German with listening, and Chinese with listening. The language tests that also involve a listening portion are generally given once a year.

Visit this College Board website for test and registration dates as well as fees.

Scoring

The tests are scored anywhere between 200-800 points. Many tests give curves based on how other students taking that particular test faired. This ensures your score reflects how you compared to other students and not how difficult the test may be. Starting in March 2009, students will have the choice of whether or not to send their test results to colleges. This allows students who feel they performed poorly on their test to try again without colleges knowing the results of the previous tries.

For an idea of what score is necessary for each test to put you in the percentile you desire visit this website provided by College Board.

"Test Dates and Registration Deadlines" - College Board

"SAT Subject Test Percentile Ranks" - College Board