About the SAT II Subject Tests

What are the SAT II Subject Tests?
When should I take an SAT II?
Why should I take an SAT II?
How can I prepare for an SAT II?

What are the SAT II Subject Tests?
The SAT II's or Subject Tests (formerly known as the Achievement tests) are one-hour subject-based tests, which cover a variety of topics in math, science, history, and language. These tests are administered on the same days as the SAT I (except for the March administration). Since they are each one hour long, you can take up to three of them in one day. There are SAT II exams in each of the following areas:
  • English (Literature and Writing)
  • History (U.S. History and World History)
  • Mathematics (Math Level 1C and Math Level IIC)
  • Science (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics)
  • Languages (Chinese with Listening, French, French with Listening, German, German with Listening, Modern Hebrew, Italian, Japanese with Listening, Korean with Listening, Latin, Spanish, Spanish with Listening, and English Language Proficiency)

For more indepth information regarding each of these tests, be sure to check out the College Board's SAT II Learning Center.

When should I take an SAT II Subject Test?
Most students take Subject Tests toward the end of their junior year or at the beginning of their senior year.

Take tests such as World History, Biology E/M, Chemistry, or Physics as soon as possible after completing the course in the subject, while the material is still fresh in your mind. You'll do better on other tests like Languages after at least two years of study.

Why should I take an SAT II Subject Test?
Many colleges require or recommend taking one or more of the Subject Tests for admission or placement. Used in combination with other background information, they provide a dependable measure of your academic achievement and are a good predictor of future college performance.

Before deciding which tests to take, make a list of the colleges you're considering. Then review school catalogs, College Search Engines, or College Handbooks to find out whether the schools require scores for admission and, if so, how many and which ones.

While many colleges nay not require Subject Test scores, they will still review them since they can give a fuller picture of your academic background.

How can I prepare for the SAT II's?

  1. Take the right tests at the right time.
    See which & when for help deciding. Look at the Subject Tests Calendar to see when each test is offered.
  2. Know what to expect.
    Review the types of questions on the test, what the answer sheet looks like, and test day procedures.
  3. Learn the directions now.
    For every five minutes spent reading directions, five fewer minutes are available to answer questions.
  4. Study sample questions.
    The more familiar you are with the sample questions, the more comfortable you'll feel when you see them on the actual test. For more preparation and practice, get a free copy of Taking the SAT II: Subject Tests from your counselor's office or check out the book Real SAT II: Subject Tests.

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