Adapted from College Board
SAT Subject Tests, or SAT IIs, are hour-long, content-based tests run through College Board that allow you to showcase achievement in specific subject areas where you excel. These are the only national admission tests where you choose the tests that best showcase your achievements and interests.
Should I Take SAT Subject Tests?
It depends! Some colleges require for SAT Subject Tests for their application (they will say it on their website), some only encourage them, some use them for placement in college courses, and some do not ask for them at all. However, even if a school does not require them for application, SAT Subject Tests can allow you to differentiate yourself in the college admission process or send a strong message regarding your readiness to study specific majors or programs in college. With your other admission credentials (your high school record, SAT scores, teacher recommendations, etc.), they can provide a more complete picture of your academic background and interests.
What do they Test?
There are 20 SAT Subject Tests in five general subject areas: English, history, languages, mathematics, and science. For a full listing of SAT Subject Tests, check out the College Board website.
How Much do they Cost?
To sign up for one SAT Subject Test is $26. You can take up to three different tests in a single day though, and each additional test costs money. Check here for more information. However, there are fee waivers available for students to use. Eligible students may receive two fee waivers to take SAT Subject Tests across two sittings. Students may take up to three SAT Subject Tests in each sitting (so, in total, you could take 6 SAT Subject Tests for free). These are in addition to the fee waivers given for the SAT. Learn more about fee waivers.
When should I take them?
In general, you’ll want to take SAT Subject Tests right after you’ve completed a class on the subject because the material will still be fresh in your mind. In some cases, this may mean spring of your freshmen or sophomore year. For the language tests, however, you should consider taking these tests after you’ve studied the language for at least two years.
When are the SAT Subject Tests Offered?
SAT Subject Tests are generally offered six times in any given school year. However, not all 20 tests are offered on every test date. Visit College Board for dates when specific Subject Tests are offered. (For example, that the Language with Listening tests are only offered during the November test date.)
Check out Compass Prep for additional information on SAT Subject Tests and about different schools' requirements.
