SAT Subject Tests

The SAT Subject Tests is the collective name for 20 multiple choice standardized tests given on individual subjects. A student typically chooses which tests to take depending upon college entrance requirements for the schools in which he or she is planning to apply. Until 1994, the SAT Subject Tests were known as Achievement Tests; until January 2005, they were known as SAT IIs; they are still well known by this name. 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. Most SAT subject tests are offered on the same dates as the regular SAT, except for the March administration. 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 (here).

Administration
When a student is seated for the SAT subject test, he/she receives a large booklet containing all of the subject tests available on that date along with an answer sheet. The student has the option of taking the tests in whatever order he/she prefers. Students receive a five-minute break between the first and second tests and a one-minute 'stretch break' between the second and third tests, and are not permitted to look at any review material or discuss questions during these breaks.

Previously offered tests

 * Writing
 * English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT)

These were discontinued after January 2005 when the SAT II in Writing was incorporated into the SAT.

Scoring and admissions
Each individual test is scored on a scale of 200 to 800; however, some of the tests are scored on a generous curves so that it is impossible to get a 200; for example, on the Mathematics Level 2 test if someone gets every question wrong, one gets about 310 depending on the version of the test. . 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, such as Harvard University and Princeton University, still require three Subject tests in addition to the three sections of the SAT. It is important to consult the school's website to find out more information about Subject test requirements.

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.

The College Board will send all scores on all SAT tests taken, including Subject Tests, whenever a student requests scores be sent to a school; the student cannot select which Subject Tests to send to a given institution.

Answer sheet
The answer sheet has room for 115 answers. 1-100 are Standard Multiple choice questions and 101-115 for 'relationship analysis questions'. No test has more than 95 questions. The chemistry test is the only test to use the relationship analysis section. The biology test is the only test to use 96-100; questions 1-60 are common to both the E and M tests, the E uses 61-80, and the M uses 81-100.