Meet SAT Subject Tests
A Chance to Demonstrate Advanced Knowledge
SAT Subject Tests are one-hour multiple-choice tests that, like the SAT®, are designed to assess your child’s academic readiness for college. SAT Subject Tests focus on very specific subject areas.
They show your child's knowledge, and ability to apply that knowledge. By showcasing these skills, SAT Subject Tests offer students an opportunity to differentiate themselves in the college admission process.
The Subjects
SAT Subject Tests fall into five general subject areas:
- English — Literature
- History — United States History, World History
- Mathematics — Mathematics Level 1 and Mathematics Level 2
- Science — Biology E/M, Chemistry, 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
How Colleges Use Them
Colleges can use SAT Subject Test scores to help them:
- Make admission decisions.
- Determine how well prepared your child is for different college programs.
- Place your child in appropriate-level courses.
- Advise your child on subject course selection.
Taking SAT Subject Tests
Although most students take SAT Subject Tests beginning in their junior year, there are some tests that your child should take as soon as possible after taking the subject, including World History, Biology E/M, Chemistry and Physics. Your child will do better in other subjects, such as languages, after at least two years of study.
You and your child can learn more about the individual subjects and get practice questions for SAT Subject Tests.
