SAT Subject Tests
We can help you to raise your scores on your SAT II Subject Tests. For more details or to schedule your first session, please call 781-652-9649 or click here to send us an email.
SAT Subject Tests
Overview
The best time to take an SAT II Subject Test is right after you’ve finished a year-long class in that subject. If, for example, you take U.S. History in eleventh grade, then you should take the SAT II U.S. History near the end of that year, when the material is still fresh in your mind. (This rule does not apply for the Writing, Literature, and Foreign Language SAT II tests; it’s best to take those after you’ve had as much study in the area as possible.)
Every student can use an ace in the hole when submitting college applications. If you’re satisfied with your high school course work, SAT Reasoning Test™ score, college essays, and resume, you’re nearly finished – nearly. Your top-choice school is also likely to require SAT Subject Test™ scores to be considered for admission. All SAT Subject Tests (formerly known as SAT II Tests) are hour-long multiple choice tests that allow students to demonstrate their abilities in any one of 20 subject areas.
ETS usually sets testing dates for SAT Subject tests in October, November, December, January, May, and June. However, not every subject test is administered in each of these months. To check when the test you want to take is being offered, visit the College Board website at www.collegeboard.com or do some research in your school’s guidance office. Unless the colleges you’re applying to use the SAT Subject tests for placement purposes, there is no point in taking any SAT Subject tests after November of your senior year, since you won’t get your scores back from ETS until after the college application deadline has passed. Go with what you know. If history is your field, a strong score on the American History test will impress admissions officers far more than a bold but mediocre effort on the Physics test. Try to show breadth. Scoring well on similar subject tests such as Math, Biology, and Chemistry will not be as impressive as good scores in more diverse subjects, such as Math, World History, and Biology.
Most selective colleges require a minimum of two SAT Subject Tests; some schools require three or even specify what tests must be taken. Our SAT Subject Test™ prep programs can help you master subject-specific content, strengthen your testing skills, and learn proven score-boosting techniques from tutors who scored impressively high in their offered subject areas.
Performing well on SAT Subject tests will demonstrate your ability to handle college-level coursework, which could help you stand out later in the admissions process when colleges are separating acceptance letters from waitlist notices.
You can register to take SAT Subject Tests at the College Board website.
History (World History, U.S. History)
History Subject Tests focus on the student's knowledge of entities, people, and events that have shaped history as well as the skills of historical analysis. Students will be required to utilize data, concepts, cause and effect relationships, geography, and the ability to interpret charts, maps, and other visual media.
English (Literature)
Mathematics (Level 1 & 2)
The Level 1 Mathematics Subject Test (formerly known as the IC test) includes algebra, geometry, basic trigonometry, algebraic functions, elementary statistics, logic, elementary number theory, and arithmetic and geometric sequences. The Level 2 Mathematics Subject Test (formerly known as the IIC test) requires a knowledge of three-dimensional and coordinate geometry, trigonometry, functions, probability, permutations, combinations, logic, proofs, elementary number theory, sequences, and limits. Graphing and scientific calculators are permitted. As you choose between the two tests, keep in mind the specific colleges you’re applying to. Colleges with a strong focus on math, such as MIT and Cal Tech, require the Level 2 Math test. Most other colleges have no such requirement, but some may prefer that you take the Level 2 Math test.
The Level 2 Math test is scored on a much more liberal curve: you can miss six or seven questions and still achieve a score of 800. On the Level 1 Math test, however, you would probably need to answer all the questions correctly to get a perfect score. If you wanted to score a 600 on either test, you would need around 20 correct answers on the Level 2 Math test and 33 on the Level 1 test. Some students with strong math backgrounds think that they can get a marvelous score on the less difficult Math Level 1 while their score on the Math Level 2 will only be average. But if you get tripped up by just one or two questions on the Math Level 1, your score will not be as impressive as you might expect.
Science (Ecological Biology, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
The Science Subject Tests measure knowledge of key concepts in specific scientific disciplines as well as more general skills such as the ability to analyze and organize scientific results and familiarity with the metric system of units. Both Biology Subject Tests, Ecological and Molecular, have identical multiple choice questions except for the final section which is unique to the specific test being taken. Graphing and scientific calculators are NOT permitted. For more information about Biology E and M click here.
Language (Spanish/Spanish with Listening, French/French with Listening, Modern Hebrew)
Language Subject Tests examine a student's reading ability in a specific language, including vocabulary, verb conjugation and sentence structure. Most Language Subject Tests are offered several times throughout the year, but “Language with Listening" tests offered every November provide an added audio component to measure a student’s aural comprehension of language elements. A CD player is required to complete a “Language with Listening" test.
SAT Subject Test™ requirements for selected New England colleges/universities
Amherst College (MA)
2 SAT Subject Tests required with SAT Reasoning Test
Babson College (MA)
Recommended (Math Level 1 or 2 preferred)
Bates College (ME)
Optional, will be considered if submitted
Boston College (MA)
2 SAT Subject Tests required with SAT Reasoning Test
Boston University (MA)
2 SAT Subject Tests required with SAT Reasoning Test
Bowdoin College (ME)
Optional, will be considered if submitted
Brandeis University (MA)
2 SAT Subject Tests required with SAT Reasoning Test
Brown University (RI)
2 SAT Subject Tests required with SAT Reasoning Test
Colby College (ME)
Optional, will be considered if submitted
College of the Holy Cross (MA)
Optional, will be considered if submitted
Connecticut College (CT)
Optional, will be considered if submitted
Dartmouth College (NH)
2 SAT Subject Tests required with SAT Reasoning Test
Fairfield University (CT)
Optional, will be considered if submitted
Franklin Olin College of Engineering (MA)
2 SAT Subject Tests required (Math Level 2 & a Science)
Hampshire College (MA)
Optional, will be considered if submitted
Harvard University (MA)
3 SAT Subject Tests required
Northeastern University (MA)
Optional, will be considered if submitted
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA)
2 SAT Subject Tests required (one each, Math & Science)
Middlebury College (VT)
3 SAT Subject Tests required or SAT Reasoning Test
Smith College (MA)
Optional, will be considered if submitted
Trinity College (CT)
2 SAT Subject Tests required or SAT Reasoning Test
Tufts University (MA)
2 SAT Subject Tests required with SAT Reasoning Test
Wellesley College (MA)
2 SAT Subject Tests required with SAT Reasoning Test
Wesleyan University (CT)
2 SAT Subject Tests required with SAT Reasoning Test
Williams College (MA)
2 SAT Subject Tests required with SAT Reasoning Test
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (MA)
Optional, will be considered if submitted
Yale University (CT)
2 SAT Subject Tests required with SAT Reasoning Test
