Why take the SAT Subject Tests?

Most selective colleges require 1 - 3 SAT Subject Tests.


When should you take it?

You can take an SAT Subject Test at any point during your senior secondary (10+2 in India). Many take math Subject Tests in the fall of their twelfth standard. Other tests, like sciences and languages, should be taken right after finishing related subjects in school.


How is it scored?

One score per test, scale of 200-800.


How long is it?

One hour per test.


What does each test type cover?

English

Literature: It measures how well you can read and interpret literature. The questions asked in this section mainly focus on issues of theme, argument, tone, etc.


Mathematics

Mathematics Level 1: This section tests your knowledge of algebra, geometry, basic trigonometry, algebraic functions, elementary statistics, logic, elementary number theory, and arithmetic and geometric sequences.

Mathematics Level 2: This tests your understanding of algebra, three-dimensional and coordinate geometry, trigonometry, functions, probability, permutations, combinations, logic, proofs, elementary number theory, sequences, and limits.


History

Tests a student's knowledge of events that have shaped history. It also tests a student's ability to determine concepts important for analyzing history. It examines the ability to interpret maps, tables and cartoons.


Sciences

Tests your knowledge of major concepts in a specific scientific discipline, the ability to analyze and organize scientific results and calls for familiarity with the metric system of units.


Foreign Languages

This paper Tests your ability to reader in a specific language. "Language with Listening" tests examine reading and listening skills.


Which Subject Tests should you take?

Before deciding which tests to take, make a list of the colleges you're considering. Then review school catalogs, College Search Engines, or College Handbooks to find out whether the schools require scores for admission and, if so, how many tests and in which subjects. Use your list of colleges and their admission requirements to help plan your high school course schedule. You may want to adjust your schedule in light of colleges' requirements. For example, a college may require a score from a Subject Test in a language for admission, or the college might exempt you from a freshman course requirement if you do well on a language Subject Test. Many colleges that don't require Subject Test scores will still review them since they can give a fuller picture of your academic background