SAT Subject Testing

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SAT Subject Testing

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Even though we've placed a lot of emphasis on the SAT Reasoning test, you should be aware that there are other SAT tests available for you to take. Specifically, these are known as SAT Subject tests. These tests cover a wide variety of material that is not on the SAT Reasoning test, including science, history, literature, and advanced mathematics. In general, Subject tests cover your knowledge of material while the Reasoning test scores you based on your intellect (ability to reason).

In the past few years, SAT Subject testing has become increasingly popular with college admissions officers. Many schools now require you to take a certain number of Subject tests for admission to the college; some even require you to take certain tests. The scoring of Subject tests should be familiar to you - each test is graded and scored on an 800-point scale, much like the Reasoning test. In addition, the test is curved, meaning that you can miss quite a few while still earning a perfect "800."

The tests are all one hour in length and roughly 60-100 questions, depending on the test. You can take up to three SAT Subject tests in one testing session but you may not take a Subject and a Reasoning test in the same session due to timing constraints. You may also register for additional Subject tests at the test center, which is unique to the Subject tests (you typically cannot register for the Reasoning test at the center).

Many of the same strategies that you may employ on the SAT Reasoning Test hold true to the SAT Subject tests. For example, there is a guessing penalty, so you should not "Christmas Tree" the test. Also, the test is timed, so time management is very important. However, study habits for the two tests differ in that the Subject tests are relatively less comprehensive and easier to prepare for than their Reasoning counterparts. Take advantage of this and excel on Subject Tests!

Here are some benefits of Subject testing:

Some colleges require Subject testing for admission
Many college classes require certain Subject test scores as prerequisites to admission
Good Subject test scores can be used to "klep" classes
Subject test scores look good on future resumes