Subject Tests in Language
Deciding Whether to Take a Language Subject Test
You may take only one listening test per test date. Learn more about Language Tests with Listening.
French
When should you take the French test?
You should have at least two years of strong preparation in the language, but the more preparation you have, the better you will do on the test. For seniors studying French: if French is a strong subject for you, be sure it's one of the SAT Subject Tests you take in time for college applications. If you're only taking the test for placement purposes and not as part of your application for admission, wait until you're as far along in your course as possible.
What's the difference between the Subject Test in French and the Subject Test in French with Listening?
The Subject Test in French includes reading only—you read in French and answer multiple-choice questions. The Subject Test in French with Listening, however, in addition to the reading portion, also includes a listening portion—you listen in French and answer multiple-choice questions. Colleges say the French with Listening test gives them a fuller picture of your ability and is more useful for placement purposes. In any case, remember that you won't have to write or speak in French on either of these tests.
Which French is used on the French test?
The language used on the test is taken from real things written and spoken by real French speakers. There are no words or phrases that are particular to only one country. If you've had at least two years of strong preparation in the language, then you should be able to understand most of the French on the test.
I hear a lot of French in my home and with my family. Can I still take the French test?
Yes. However you acquired your knowledge of French, it's important to show colleges what you know. Your score counts the same as that of someone who learned French in the classroom. If you've been exposed to a lot of spoken French, then you should definitely take the listening test.
German
When should you take the German test?
You should have at least two years of strong preparation in the language, but the more preparation you have, the better you will do on the test. If German is a strong subject for you, be sure it's one of the SAT Subject Tests you take in time for college applications. If you're only taking it for placement purposes, and not as part of your application for admission, wait until you're as far along in your course as possible.
What's the difference between the Subject Tests in German and the Subject Tests in German with Listening?
The Subject Test in German includes reading only—you read in German and answer multiple-choice questions. The Subject Test in German with Listening, however, in addition to the reading portion, also includes a listening portion—you listen in German and answer multiple-choice questions. Colleges say the German with Listening test gives them a fuller picture of your ability and is more useful for placement purposes. In any case, remember that you won't have to write or speak in German on either of these tests.
Which German is used on the German test?
The language used on the test is taken from real things written and said by real German speakers. There are no words or phrases that are particular to only one country. If you've had at least two years of strong preparation in the language, then you'll be able to understand the German on the test.
I hear a lot of German in my home and with my family. Can I still take the German test?
Yes. However you acquired your knowledge of German, it's important to show colleges what you know. Your score counts the same as that of someone who learned German in the classroom. If you've been exposed to a lot of spoken German, then you should definitely take the listening test.
Spanish
When should you take the Spanish test?
You should have at least two years of strong preparation in the language, but the more preparation you have, the better you will do on the test. If Spanish is a strong subject for you, be sure it's one of the SAT Subject Tests you take in time for college applications. If you're only taking it for placement purposes, and not as part of your application for admission, wait until you're as far along in your course as possible.
What's the difference between the Subject Test in Spanish and the Subject Test in Spanish with Listening?
The Subject Test in Spanish includes reading only—you read in Spanish and answer multiple-choice questions. The Subject Test in Spanish with Listening, however, in addition to the reading portion, also includes a listening portion—you listen in Spanish and answer multiple-choice questions. Colleges say the Spanish with Listening test gives them a fuller picture of your ability and is more useful for placement purposes. In any case, remember that you won't have to write or speak in Spanish on either of these tests.
Which Spanish is used on the Spanish test?
The language used on the test is taken from real things written and said by real Spanish speakers. There aren't any words or sayings that are used in only one place, for instance, only in Mexico or only in Spain. If you've had at least two years of strong preparation in the language, then you'll be able to understand the Spanish on the test.
I hear a lot of Spanish in my home and with my family. Can I still take the Spanish test?
Yes. However you acquired your knowledge of Spanish, it's important to show colleges what you know. Your score counts the same as that of someone who learned Spanish in the classroom. If you've been exposed to a lot of spoken Spanish, then you should definitely take the listening test.
Get Ready for SAT Subject Tests in Languages
Go to the Subject Tests Preparation Center to get ready for these language Subject Tests:
