About the SAT Subject Tests

SAT Subject Tests are an hour long and consist entirely of multiple-choice questions. Previously the Subject Tests were known as SAT II: Subject Tests or more simply SAT IIs. The "II" has been eliminated.

Why Take Them?

Most selective colleges require one to three SAT Subject Tests.

Question Types

Exclusively multiple-choice. Some language tests involve a listening component. Find more info below about what each test covers.

When Should You Take Them?

You can take an SAT Subject Test at any point in your high school career. Many take math Subject Tests in the fall of their senior year. Other tests, like sciences and languages, should be taken right after finishing related subjects in school.

How Are They Scored?

One score per test, scale of 200-800.

How Long Are They?

One hour per test.

How To Register

Visit www.collegeboard.com

More About Each Test

Literature    

Tests how well you can read and interpret literature. Questions focus on issues of theme, argument, tone, etc.

Math Level 1

Tests: Algebra, geometry, basic trigonometry, Algebraic functions, elementary statistics, logic, elementary number theory, and arithmetic and geometric sequences.

Math Level 2

Tests: Algebra, three-dimensional and coordinate geometry, Trigonometry, functions, probability, permutations, combinations, logic, proofs, elementary number theory, sequences, and limits.

History 

Tests, among other concepts: a student's knowledge of events that have shaped history, as well as a student's ability to determine concepts important for historical analysis. Also examines the ability to interpret maps, tables and cartoons.

Sciences  

Concepts tested include: knowledge of major concepts in a specific scientific discipline, the ability to analyze and organize scientific results and familiarity with the metric system of units.

Foreign Languages 

Tests a student's reading ability in a specific language. "Language with Listening" tests examine reading and listening skills.