SAT Subject Tests is the name for 20 multiple-choice standardized tests given on individual subjects, usually taken to improve a student's credentials for admission to colleges in the United States. Students typically choose which tests to take depending upon college entrance requirements for the schools to which they are planning to apply. Until 1994, the SAT Subject Tests were known as Achievement Tests, and until January 2005, they were known as SAT IIs; they are still commonly known by these names. Every test is now a one-hour timed test. Historically, the exception to the one-hour time was the writing test, which was divided into a 20-minute essay question and a 40-minute multiple-choice section; it was discontinued after January 2005.
A student may take up to three SAT Subject Tests on any given date at a flat rate $22 (+$28 for international test takers) and $11 per test (unless it includes a listening portion, then it is $21 plus $21 per test). Most SAT subject tests are offered on the same day as the regular SAT. The language tests with listening are generally available only once a year, in November. A calendar of test dates and registration deadlines can be found on The College Board's official website.[1]
Contents |
| Test | Subject | Mean score[2] | Standard deviation[2] | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Subject Test in Literature | Literature | 583 | 111 | |
| SAT Subject Test in United States History | U.S. History | 601 | 116 | Formerly American History and Social Studies |
| SAT Subject Test in World History | World History | 585 | 115 | |
| SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 1 | Mathematics | 593 | 102 | Formerly Math I or IC. Consists of algebra, geometry, basic trigonometry, algebraic functions, elementary statistics and a few miscellaneous topics.[3] |
| SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2 | Mathematics | 644 | 105 | Formerly Math II or IIC. Consists of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, functions, statistics and a few miscellaneous topics.[4] |
| SAT Subject Test in Biology E/M | Biology | E-591 M-630 |
104 103 |
Students have a choice of taking either an ecological ("E") or molecular ("M") biology oriented test. |
| SAT Subject Test in Chemistry | Chemistry | 629 | 110 | |
| SAT Subject Test in Physics | Physics | 643 | 107 | |
| SAT Subject Test in Chinese with Listening | Chinese | 764 | 61 | |
| SAT Subject Test in French | French | 612 | 119 | |
| SAT Subject Test in French with Listening | French | 621 | 116 | |
| SAT Subject Test in German | German | 610 | 131 | |
| SAT Subject Test in German with Listening | German | 596 | 131 | |
| SAT Subject Test in Modern Hebrew | Modern Hebrew | 628 | 129 | |
| SAT Subject Test in Italian | Italian | 654 | 122 | |
| SAT Subject Test in Japanese with Listening | Japanese | 696 | 134 | |
| SAT Subject Test in Korean with Listening | Korean | 754 | 68 | |
| SAT Subject Test in Latin | Latin | 613 | 107 | |
| SAT Subject Test in Spanish | Spanish | 634 | 124 | |
| SAT Subject Test in Spanish with Listening | Spanish | 638 | 115 |
These were discontinued after January 2005 when the SAT II in Writing was incorporated into the SAT.
Each individual test is scored on a scale of 200 to 800; however, some of the tests are scored on such generous curves that it is impossible to get a 200; for example, if someone gets every question wrong on the Mathematics Level 2 test, he/she might receive a score of 310; it all depends on the version of the test.[5] The one and only exception was the ELPT, which was scored on a scale of 901 to 999.
Prior to the first administration of the new SAT (which includes the writing section) in March 2005, some highly selective colleges required applicants to take three SAT Subject tests, including the writing test and two other tests of the applicant's choosing, in addition to the SAT. However, with writing now a standard component of the SAT I, most selective colleges recommend applicants to submit scores for any two SAT Subject tests. Engineering schools typically require Chemistry or Physics and prefer Math Level 2. A handful of the most competitive schools still require three Subject tests in addition to the three sections of the SAT, while schools such as Georgetown and Harvard, which earlier required 3 tests, now 'strongly recommend' taking three Subject tests.[6];
Schools also vary with regard to their SAT Subject test requirements of students submitting scores for the ACT in place of the SAT: some schools consider the ACT an alternative to both the SAT and some SAT Subject tests, whereas others accept the ACT but require SAT Subject tests as well. Information about a school's specific test requirements can typically be found on its official website.
In October 2002, the College Board decided to drop the "score choice" option for exams. They figured that it benefited wealthier students taking the exam who could afford to take it multiple times. Score choice means that scores are not released to colleges until the student approves the score (after seeing it).[7]
As of the March 2009 test, test takers now have the ability to choose whether or not to send scores thus reinstating the "score choice" option.[8]
The answer sheet has room for 115 answers; however, no test has more than 95 questions. 1-100 are standard multiple-choice bubbles and 101-115 are for 'relationship analysis questions', which are only used for the Chemistry exam. The Biology test is the only test to use answers 96-100; questions 1-60 are common to both the E and M tests, in addition, the E uses 61-80, and the M uses 81-100.