SAT Subject Tests

SAT Subject Tests, sometimes called SAT IIs, are one-hour long standardized tests in 20 different subjects. Certain colleges might require or recommend SAT Subject Tests. Some colleges use SAT Subject Tests to place students in courses that are the most appropriate for them. Students who do well on the SAT Subject Tests may place out of introductory level classes.

You should ask colleges that you’re applying to if they take SAT Subject Test scores into consideration when placing students in classes. If they do, you may want to consider taking them during your senior year, if you haven’t taken any previously.

SAT Subject Tests Offered by the College Board

Literature	German
U.S. History	German with Listening
World History	Spanish
Math Level 1	Spanish with Listening
Math Level 2	Modern Hebrew
Biology/EM	Italian
Chemistry	Latin
Physics	Chinese with Listening
French	Japanese with Listening
French with Listening	Korean with Listening

Please see the College Board website for specific information about each SAT Subject Test.

When should I take SAT Subject Tests?

You can take SAT Subject Tests anytime during your high school career. Students often take a specific test after taking a high school class that covers the information tested.

For instance, if you are taking a Chemistry class and decide that you want to take the Chemistry Subject Test, you should probably wait until after you have finished the class. You should take the SAT Subject Test while the information is still fresh in your mind, but you should also make sure that you have enough time available to study.

As with the SAT and ACT, you should get familiar with the structure of each test before you take it. See all of our SAT Subject Test books in our bookstore.