What are they?

Subject Tests, one-hour, mostly multiple-choice tests, measure how much students know about a particular academic subject and how well they can apply that knowledge.

SAT2 Subject Tests cover many areas:

English
Literature
History
U.S. History (formerly American History and Social Studies)
World History
Mathematics
Mathematics Level 1 (formerly Mathematics IC)
Mathematics Level 2 (formerly Mathematics IIC)
Science
Biology E/M
Chemistry
Physics
Languages
Chinese with Listening
French
French with Listening
German
German with Listening
Spanish
Spanish with Listening
Modern Hebrew
Italian
Latin
Japanese with Listening
Korean with Listening

All SAT Subject Tests are one-hour, multiple-choice tests. However, some of these tests have unique formats:

• The SAT Subject Test in Biology E/M contains a common core of 60 general-knowledge multiple-choice questions, followed by 20 multiple-choice questions that emphasize either ecological (Biology E) or molecular (Biology M) subject matter. Before testing begins, you must choose which test you will take, either the ecological or molecular. Students are not allowed to take both tests in one sitting. If you do, your scores may be canceled.
• The SAT Subject Tests in Mathematics (Level 1 and Level 2) have some questions that require the use of at least a scientific or graphing calculator. Mathematics Subject Tests are developed with the expectation that most students will use a graphing calculator.
• The SAT Subject Tests in Languages with Listening (Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish) consist of a listening section and a reading section. Students taking these tests are required to bring an acceptable CD player with earphones to the test center.

Who takes them?

Students can take SAT2 tests whenever they wish. A good rule of thumb is to take the test at the point in your studies when you are most informed about the topic. Juniors often take the U. S. History SAT2 in the spring of junior year, for example, because they have been studying the subject all year. Students may choose to take a subject test as early as 9th grade if that is when the topic is covered at their school.

When are they administered?

SAT2 Subject Tests are offered several times throughout the year. See the testing schedule for this year.

Where can you take them?

SAT2 Subject Tests are offered at many sites in the Seattle area. See the College Board website for a list of test sites near you.

Can you choose which scores to report?

You have the option to report only those SAT2 Subject Test scores you want.   Some schools will nevertheless require you to report all of them.   Check the application instructions for each of your colleges to find out which scores to submit to which colleges.

Do all colleges require SAT2 Subject Tests?

Many colleges require or recommend one or more of the Subject Tests for admission or placement. Used in combination with other background information (your high school record, scores from other tests like the SAT1, teacher recommendations, etc.), they can provide a measure of your academic achievement and are a good predictor of future performance. In general, the more selective the college, the more likely it is to require SAT2 testing.

Check out the Compass site for information about SAT2 tests colleges may require.

How can you prepare?

Check out the College Board Subject Test Preparation Center for information about what is covered on the tests. They provide sample test questions for you to try. You can also purchase the College Board's Real SAT2 Subject Tests book for examples of actual tests.

How do you pay?

You can register online with a credit card. When you sign up you can designate several colleges to receive the scores for free. Do not pay to send scores until ALL testing has been completed. Click to go to registration.

Fair Test: 
Test-Optional Colleges

ACT vs. SAT

Compass --
SAT2 Requirements

SAT2 - FAQ

The College Board

ACT Site

Kaplan's ACT / SAT Quiz Banks

Princeton Review's Word of the Day

Worksheet:
(ACT) or (SAT1 + SAT2)?

Smart Parent Critiques AP

Counselors' Corner: Should Students Take Both ACT and SAT?