The Ins and Outs of SAT Subject Tests

Standardized testing doesn’t necessarily end with the general SAT or ACT.  Many colleges include SAT subject tests in their recommendations or requirements, and, as a result, students should understand whether they will need to take these tests and, if so, which ones they should take.

College Board (maker of the general SAT test and AP exams) also makes SAT subject tests that focus on specific subjects including math, science (biology, chemistry, and physics), history (of the world and of the US), English Literature, and foreign languages.  Each subject test takes one hour, and students can sit for multiple subject tests on a single testing day.  The maximum score on each test is 800.  For test dates and registration deadlines, visit https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat-subject-tests/register/test-dates-deadlines

Because requirements vary widely, the world of SAT subject tests gets confusing quickly.  Some colleges require SAT subject tests with all applications.  Some colleges “strongly recommend”, or “recommend”, or “consider” subject tests.  Some colleges require SAT subject tests only if an applicant takes the general SAT and not the ACT.  Additionally, colleges change requirements frequently, so students need to look at the admissions pages of their goal schools frequently for the most recent information.  A Google search for “which colleges require SAT subject tests” offers many articles and lists with outdated information.  Case in point: Cornell quite recently dropped its subject-test requirements, yet it still shows up in many lists as a school with subject-test requirements. 

Students who need to take SAT subject tests should choose the test or tests that parallel their current coursework.  For example, if a student takes AP World as a sophomore, s/he should take the World History subject test in the spring of his/her sophomore year while that knowledge is fresh.  Note, however, that the AP exam and the subject test are not identical, so students should prep for the subject test separately.

As with the general SAT and ACT tests, a “good score” depends entirely upon the school and the specific program to which the student applies.  Students should use two criteria when assessing subject-test scores: how they compare to their general SAT/ACT scores and how they compare to the scores of other applicants at that school.  SAT subject tests can enhance a student’s application if those scores parallel or best his/her general SAT/ACT score.  Most colleges with subject-test requirements already have high SAT/ACT requirements, thus students should aim for scores above 700 (or potentially above 750) to remain competitive with other applicants.  If a college does not absolutely require subject tests (for instance, if it “recommends” or “considers” test scores, but does not require them), students should consider submitting subject-test scores only if they truly add to their applications.  For SAT Subject test percentile ranks, visit https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/sat/pdf/sat-subject-tests-percentile-ranks.pdf