The Princeton Review
The SAT Subject Tests are one-hour multiple-choice tests administered on each SAT test date except in March. Tests are available in the following subjects: English Literature, History (U.S. or World), Language (Chinese, French, Hebrew, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Spanish, or German), Math (Level 1 or Level 2), and Science (Biology-Ecological, Biology-Molecular, Chemistry, or Physics).
Language tests can be written only or written with listening. The dates on which you can take a particular language test may vary.
You may take up to three Subject Tests in one sitting, although you should spread them out if you can. On test day, you are allowed to change the number of tests or subject you take with no penalty — except for Language with Listening tests. Also, only one Biology test can be taken per test date (The first 60 questions of the Biology test are the same whether you take Biology-Ecological or Biology-Molecular. Thus, you can take only one or the other.).
How are SAT Subject Tests scored?
Each Subject Test is scored on a 200–800 scale. You get one point for each correct answer, and ¼ point is deducted for each question you answer incorrectly. That means you shouldn't necessarily answer every question, but guessing is always a good idea if you can eliminate two or three of the options.
Even though they're scored on the same 200–800 scale, SAT Subject Test scores can't be compared to general SAT® scores because the Subject Tests are taken by a higher percentage of high-achieving students. For example, a 750 on the math section of the SAT would put you in the 99th percentile, but a 750 on the SAT Math Level 2 Subject Test would place you only in the 79th percentile. Likewise, for the SAT Chemistry Subject Test, a 750 only ranks at the 82nd percentile.
So what's a good score? That depends on the school to which you are applying. Many colleges are happy with scores of 650 or above, but highly selective schools may want to see a 700 or 750 — or even higher in the case of Math Level 2.
Which SAT Subject Tests should I take?
Some schools require specific Subject Tests for general admission or for admission to a particular program. Most schools, however, do not express a preference. In that case, you should take whichever test(s) will showcase your academic strengths. If you are doing well in U.S. History, take the U.S. History test. If you are rocking AP Biology, take the Subject Test in Biology, and so on. However, it is important to check with each school to find out if it prefers to see Subject Tests from a variety of disciplines (i.e., not all science or social studies).
When should I take SAT Subject Tests?
Generally, the best time to take Subject Tests is right after you finish the corresponding academic course in school, when the material is still fresh in your mind. This means in May or June. However, you might want to individualize this timeline based on your academic performance, college goals, schedule, and test-taking ability. Here are some things to keep in mind:
The typical testing timeline
Most juniors take the SAT in March or the ACT in April. If you follow this timeline, you should take your SAT Subject Test(s) in June while you're also preparing for finals.
If you're planning to take both the AP Exam and Subject Test for the same course, we suggest sitting for the Subject Test as close to the AP Exam date as possible (either before or after).
If you're thinking of taking the June ACT, keep in mind that the SAT Subject Tests and ACT test dates are only one week apart. Preparing for two standardized tests and school finals at the same time can be quite challenging even for students with terrific time-management skills.
Are you a freshman or a sophomore? June is the best time for SAT Subject Tests.
Your level of expertise
If you consider yourself an expert in the subject you're taking — perhaps you speak French fluently — you can take the Subject Test on any SAT test date except in March. This means you can get it out of the way early or save it for senior year (if you're sure you won't need to take the SAT again then).
On the other hand, if you're not fully prepared to take a particular Subject Test in May or June, you can prepare over the summer and take it in the fall.
College applications due dates
Early decision/action applications are typically due at the beginning of November. This means you need to be done with your admissions exams by September (ACT) or October (SAT and SAT Subject Tests).
Regular decision applications are typically due at the end of the year or in early January, which means you can take advantage of the November (ACT) and December (SAT) test dates. But do you really want to juggle standardized tests, schoolwork, and your college applications at the same time? Try to complete all of your testing as early as possible in the fall!