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SAT Subject Tests FAQs
Back to the General FAQs
Questions about the Test
- What are the SAT Subject Tests?
- Should I take SAT Subject Tests?
- What Subject Tests are available?
- How long are the tests?
Registration Questions
- When are the SAT Subject Tests given?
- How do I register for the SAT Subject Tests?
- How much does it cost to register for the SAT Subject Tests?
- How can I get extended time on the SAT Subject Tests?
Score Questions
- How are the SAT Subject Tests scored?
- What is the average SAT Subject Test score?
- When will I get my scores back?
Test Day Questions
Questions about the Test
- Literature
- History (US or World)
- Mathematics (Level 1 or 2)
- Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics)
- Foreign Languages (French, Italian, Spanish, etc.)
What are the SAT Subject Tests?
From the SAT website: The SAT Subject Tests measure your knowledge and skills in particular subject areas and your ability to apply that knowledge. The SAT Subject Tests are the only national admissions tests that give you the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of content in specific subjects, such as English, history, mathematics, science, and various foreign languages. These tests give you and colleges a very reliable measure of how prepared you are for college-level work in particular subjects. Used in combination with other background information (your high school record, SAT scores, teacher recommendations, etc.), they provide a dependable measure of your academic achievement and are a good predictor of future college performance in specific subject areas.
Back to the TopShould I take SAT Subject Tests?
Many colleges require the SAT Subject Tests for admission and or placement. Some will require specific tests be taken, while others give the student the option of which test(s) to take, although a Math test is almost universally recommended. If the test is required at a college the student is applying to, then it is recommended they have the tests done by June of their junior year.
Even if the student is not required by the colleges to take the a Subject Tests, taking them can still be beneficial because colleges can look at the student's scores in order to see how well they mastered their schoolwork.
If in doubt, ask your high school counselor.
Back to the TopWhat Subject Tests are available?
There are a variety of subject tests available:
For a full list of available tests, click here.
Back to the TopHow long are the tests?
Every SAT Subject test is one hour long. Extended time students will have an hour and a half.
Back to the TopRegistration Questions
- Visit the College Board website and click Register Now. Follow all the steps that are described to you. The process is very simple and clear.
- Register by mail. Go see your school Guidance Counselor or principal and abtain a copy of the application that you can fill out and send in. Fill it out as instructed and mail the application and check to the posted address. (Never send paper money in the mail.)
- Register by calling their phone number: 1-609-771-7600
When are the SAT Subject Tests given?
The SAT Subject Test dates and registration dates for the 2009-2010 school year are:
| 2008-2009 Test Dates | Test | Registration Deadline | Late Registration (fee applies) |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 10, 2009 | SAT & Subject Tests | September 9, 2009 | September 25, 2009 |
| November 7, 2009 | SAT & Subject Tests | October 1, 2009 | October 15, 2009 |
| December 5, 2009 | SAT & Subject Tests | October 31, 2009 | November 13, 2009 |
| January 23, 2010 | SAT & Subject Tests | December 15, 2009 | December 30, 2009 |
| May 1, 2010 | SAT & Subject Tests | March 25, 2010 | April 8, 2010 |
| June 5, 2010 | SAT & Subject Tests | April 29, 2010 | May 13, 2010 |
How do I register for the SAT Subject Tests?
There are three ways you can register for the SAT Subject Tests:
How much does it cost to register for the SAT Subject Tests?
Registration for the SAT Subject Tests costs $20. There is an additional $20 fee for Foreign Language tests wih listening, and if you choose to take more that one subject test on the same day, there is a fee of $9 for each test beyond the first. If you miss the registration date for the test, you can still register before the Late Registration deadline, but you will be charged an additional late fee.
Back to the TopHow can I get extended time on the SAT Subject Tests?
Obtaining extended time for the SAT Subject Tests is a multi-step process. If you want extended time, you should begin by talking to your school counselor. Additional information can be found on the College Board SAT Accomodations page.
Back to the TopScore Questions
How are the SAT Subject Tests scored?
For each test, the student will be given a score from 200 to 800. This score is known as the scaled score.
The scaled score is based on the raw score for the test. The raw score for a test is calculated by taking the number of correct answers and subtracting one quarter of the number of incorrect answers. This score will then be compared to those of other test takers to obtain the scaled score.
Back to the TopWhat is the average SAT Subject Test score?
Up-to-date information on this year's average SAT scores can be found on this website.
Please note that the average scores vary across the tests because different sets of students takt the different tests. Therefore, you should not compare the scores for different tests.
Back to the TopWhen will I get my scores back?
You should receive them in the mail in about 4 to 6 weeks.
Back to the TopTest Day Questions
- Your admission ticket
- Acceptable photo identification (more information here)
- Two No. 2 pencils and a soft eraser (pens and mechanical pencils are not permitted)
- An acceptable calculator (for Math Subject Tests)
- An acceptable CD player and headphones (for Forein Language tests with listening)
- A watch without an audible alarm (or one that is set to silent)
- A snack and a bottle of water (for breaks ONLY)
- Extra batteries for your calculator and, if possible, a backup calculator
- Extra batteries for your CD player and, if possible, a backup CD player and headphones
- A bag or backpack to carry all of these things in
- Cell phones, pagers, and other personal electronic devices (except for watches)
- Scratch paper (there is plenty of room on the test for your scratch work)
- Any notes or books
- A compass, protractor, ruler, or other measuring or drafting device
- Highlighters, pens, mechanical pencils, and colored pencils
- Portable listening or recording devices (unless taking a Language test with listening)
- Cameras or video cameras
- Stop watches, clocks, or watches with audible alarms
What should I bring to the test?
There are several things you MUST bring with you to the test:
In addition to these required items, you should also bring:
What should I NOT bring to the test?
The following items are not allowed, and should be left in the car or at home:
