The SAT Subject Tests

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Thebrsubject matter of the SAT and SAT Subject Tests couldn't be more different.

The SATbrcovers basic math, vocabulary and some general reading ability, while the SATbrSubject Tests are designed to measure specific knowledge in a particularbracademic area like biology or world history. Typically, only very selectivebrschools ask for SAT Subject Tests. Most of these colleges will ask you to takebrtwo or three tests. Find out which (if any) are required by your prospectivebrschools far enough in advance that you have time to take them.

ThebrBasics

Each test isbran hour long, and you can take anywhere from one to three in one day. Tests arebravailable in the following subjects: Literature, Chinese with Listening, MathbrLevel 1, French and French with Listening, Math Level 2, German and German withbrListening, United States History, Modern Hebrew, World History, Italian,brBiology, Japanese with Listening, Chemistry, Korean with Listening, Physics,brLatin, Spanish and Spanish with Listening and English Language Proficiency.

Scoring

All SATbrSubject Tests are scored on a scale of 200 to 800; the exception to this rulebris the English Language Proficiency Test, which is scored on a scale of 901 tobr999. Tests that do not involve written responses are graded by a computer. Thebrcomputer simply adds up the number of questions you answered correctly and thenbrsubtracts one-quarter of the number of questions you answered incorrectly (itbrdoesn't count questions you skip). This determines your raw test score, whichbris then converted to a scaled score.

So what's abrgood score? That depends on the school to which you are applying. Many collegesbrare happy with scores of 650 or above, but highly selective schools may want tobrsee a 700 or 750—or even higher in the case of Math Level 2.

Timing

SAT SubjectbrTests are administered in October, November, December, January, May and June.brNot all of the tests are offered at each location, so it's imperative you checkbrthe dates and details on the CollegebrBoard website carefully. It's important to take the test when the subject isbrfresh in your mind. So if your chemistry course ends in May, you should sit forbreither the May or the June exam. If you do well in your 9th grade biologybrclass, you should take that Subject Test at the end of freshman year.

ThebrSilver Lining

The greatbrthing about the SAT Subject Tests is that you can take any one in which youbrthink you might excel. So if you're a history buff or you speak Latin like Caesar,brthen this is your chance to shine. It is also a great opportunity tobrdemonstrate your knowledge in the field you plan to pursue in college. Forbrexample, if you are applying to the premed program, it may be a good idea tobrtake the biology test. At some colleges, a high score enables you to place outbrof certain required courses.

Onebrimportant note: ETS allows you to change your mind about which test you'd likebrto take on test day. If you aren't sure which test you'll feel more confidentbrtaking, you can study up until d-day and then decide at the last moment.

Ready tobrstart studying for the SAT Subject Tests? The Princeton Review offers guidebooks, classroom courses and privatebrtutoring.

About ThebrPrinceton Review

The Princeton Review is a leading test preparation and college admissionbrservices company. Every year it helps millions of students achieve theirbreducation and career goals through its test preparation, tutoring, andbradmissions services, its online resources, and its more than 150 print andbrdigital books published by Random House LLC. The Company also partners directlybrwith school districts and non-governmental organizations to provide studentsbrwith college readiness services including college selection, test preparation,brfinancial aid advice, and admissions support. For more information, visit www.princetonreview.com  and www.facebook.com/ThePrincetonReview. Follow the Company's Twitter feedbr@ThePrincetonRev.

*Test names are trademarks of their respective owners, whobrare not affiliated with The Princeton Review.​

About The Princeton Review

 is a leading test preparation and college admission services company. Every year it helps millions of students achieve their education and career goals through its test preparation, tutoring, and admissions services, its online resources, and its more than 150 print and digital books published by Random House LLC. The Company also partners directly with school districts and non-governmental organizations to provide students with college readiness services including college selection, test preparation, financial aid advice, and admissions support. For more information, visit www.princetonreview.com andwww.facebook.com/ThePrincetonReview. Follow the Company's Twitter feed @ThePrincetonRev.

The SAT is a registered trademark of the College Board.