The Princeton Review - Cracking the SAT Subject Test in World History, 2nd Edition: Everything You Need to Help Score a Perfect 800

The SAT Subject Tests are a series of one-hour exams that are part of the SAT Program of the College Board. Unlike the SAT, the SAT Subject Tests aredesigned to measure knowledge in specific subjects such as biology, history, French, and math. They are scored separately on a 200800 scale.

How Are SAT Subject Tests Used by College Admissions?

Because the tests are given in specific areas, colleges use them as another piece of admissions information and, in some cases, to decide whether applicants can be exemptedfrom college requirements. For example, a certain score may excuse you from a basic English class or a foreign language requirement.

Should I Take the SAT Subject Tests?

Schools have varying policies when it comes to Subject Tests; they may be required or recommended for admission or certain majors and programs of study. Your first order ofbusiness is to start reading those college catalogs and websites. College guidebooks, admission offices, and school counselors should have the information you need to keep up withthe changes.

As to which tests you should take, the answer is simple. Take the SAT Subject Tests

on which you will do well

that may be required by the colleges to which you are applying

The best possible situation, of course, is when you can achieve both goals with the same Subject Test.

Some colleges have specific requirements; others do not. Again, start asking questions before you start taking tests. Once you find out whichtests, if any, are required or recommended, determine which will showcase your particular strengths. Colleges that require specific tests generally recommend that you take twosubject tests from the following five groups: laboratory science, history, foreign language, math, and English.