Why You Should Take The SAT Subject Tests

When Applying To College, It Can Seem Like Your World Is Swirling With Differing Advice Regarding The College Application Process…

Someone is telling you to take as many standardized tests as possible while another source insists that you only need to pay attention to your essays. Another keeps harping on GPA, while your counselor insists your SAT scores are more important.

Ultimately, the thing that makes applying to college as hard as it is is the fact that there isn’t one right answer to every question. College admissions isn’t black and white, and neither is the application process.

Specifically, when it comes time to get ready for your SATs, you may hear about the SAT Subject Tests, unique tests given in addition to the SAT that focus on specific subjects. Whether your target schools require SAT Subject Tests or not, they’re well worth considering, especially if you’re planning on studying a field like Math or Science. Some colleges do require it, but even if they don’t, having high scores from SAT Subject Tests can make your application stand out in the college admissions process.

WHAT YOU’LL FIND IN THIS ARTICLE:

• What are the SAT Subject Tests?
• What is a Good Score on the SAT Subject Tests?
• Why You Should Consider Taking the SAT Subject Tests
• The Bottom Line

What Are The SAT Subject Tests?

The SAT Subject Tests are small “off-shoots” of the SAT. They are smaller tests specifically meant to hone in on one particular subject. There are five categories, and many of them have several sub-categories.

There are multiple subjects for students to choose from because the Subject Tests are designed to help students show colleges their strengths in a specific field. Below is a list of the 18 SAT Subject Tests:

• English: Literature
• History: U.S. History, World History
• Languages: Spanish, French, Italian, German, Latin, Hebrew, Chinese, Korean, Japanese
• Mathematics: Level 1 - Algebra and Geometry, Level 2 - Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Calculus
• Sciences: Biology (either Ecological or Microbiological), Chemistry, Physics

Note: some of the SAT Subject Language Tests have an additional listening section. Be sure that if you’re taking an SAT Subject Test for a Language, that you are aware which tests have listening portions or not.

You’re allowed to take three subject tests in one sitting, however, College Board highly recommends that you spread out the test dates for upper-level subjects like Level 2 Mathematics or any of the Science tests. There are some specific parameters for some tests as well. For example, if you’re taking either of the Biology Subject Tests, you may only take one of them per test date.

SHOULD I TAKE AN SAT SUBJECT TEST?

A students’ reasons for taking the SAT Subject Test can range from necessity to supplemental. For instance, one of the colleges you’re applying to may strongly recommend that you take a certain Subject Test. This is especially true if you’re planning on studying a major in Science or Engineering.

Additionally, you may need to demonstrate your skills in a specific subject in order to be considered for admission. Some colleges that strongly recommend taking the SAT Subject Test include:

• Duke University
• Harvard University
• Notre Dame University
• Princeton University
• Tufts University
• University of California

You might also want to take the SAT Subject Test if you feel you weren’t able to show your true academic level in the standard SAT. That’s the beauty of these tests: the SAT Subject Test gives you a chance to show your prospective college more of what you can do.

What Is A Good Score On The SAT Subject Tests?

Scoring for SAT Subject Tests is extremely different from the general SAT scoring system, making a “good score” far from straight-forward. This is because, instead of a simple scoring ladder where a perfect score is 1600 like on the general SAT, achieving a good score on a Subject Test depends on the test you’re taking and how many other students are taking the same test.

On the SAT Subject Tests, you can score anywhere from 200 to 800 points. However, because each test has its own level of difficulty, a “good” score varies from subject to subject. For example, a 700 might be a great score for the Literature test, but on the Math Level 2 test, a 700 could be below average.

In addition to receiving a score between 200 and 800, you’ll also be notified of where you ranked by percentile next to every other student that took the same SAT Subject Test. If you scored in the 90th percentile, that means that you scored 90% higher than other students.

The average scores on the SAT Subject Tests in 2019 were:

• Literature: 614
• U.S. History: 647
• Math Level I: 610
• Math Level II: 698
• Spanish: 645

A higher average score doesn’t necessarily mean that an SAT Subject Test is easier, however. For example, if a student speaks fluent Spanish and takes the Spanish SAT Subject Test, they are probably going to do very well. However, there are probably 300 other students who don’t speak the language fluently; instead, they’ve studied it for four years.

When you see high scores on the Spanish test, don’t automatically assume that it’s easy. Research each subject test for yourself, and decide whether or not it would be a good time investment for you to study for it and then take it.

Why You Should Consider Taking The SAT Subject Tests

You may want to take one of the SAT Subject Tests for a number of reasons. However, it’s vital that you’re confident about the time you will dedicate to your SAT Subject Test in addition to your general SAT and other classes.

The whole purpose of the SAT Subject Tests is to showcase your strengths and boost your application. So, if taking on an SAT Subject Test throws off your busy schedule and makes it harder for you to keep up with all of your college applications and your normal schoolwork, you may want to think twice about how important it is.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what your priorities are when it comes to the SAT Subject Test.

PLAY TO YOUR STRENGTHS

You should choose an SAT Subject Test that allows you to demonstrate your best abilities. If Math isn’t your best subject, don’t take the Math Subject Test. If you excel in English class, consider taking the Literature test. This may be your best opportunity to show off your gift with reading and writing, something the general SAT Test didn’t give you.

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE

The only way to ensure that you’re well-equipped for test day is to study your chosen subject and utilize College Board’s Practice Tests.

Additionally, the SAT Subject Tests are a great way to prepare yourself for whatever area of study you plan to focus on in college. For instance, if you excelled in Math in highschool, but plan to study Biology in college, taking the Biology Subject Test could be a good choice.Not only will the study sessions prepare you for your college classes, but it might also facilitate your admission into the college.

MAKE UP FOR LOW SCORES

Another reason for taking one of the SAT Subject Tests is to give yourself a second chance with the SAT in general. You may not have performed as well as you wanted on one of the sections of the general SAT. In that case, instead of taking the whole SAT over again just to make up for one section, you can make up for it through the SAT Subject Tests.

Let’s say for example that you scored high on the Reading and Writing section of your SAT. You studied hard for Math, but for some reason, the score wasn’t as high as you were hoping it would be. Taking the Math Level I subject test would be a great way to show off your skills in Math, without retaking the whole SAT Test.

College admission officers will see the boost in your score and appreciate the time and effort you dedicated to achieving a high score.

RISE ABOVE THE COMPETITION

It’s no secret that students willing to study for an extra test amid the rigors of college applications and their regular schoolwork are serious about getting into college.. This is why submitting a score from an SAT Subject Test immediately helps you stand out among other students, especially if you’re applying to schools with a particularly strong focus in a specific field.

In an admissions situation, if it comes down to admitting you or another student of equal academic level, having an SAT Subject Test will likely be the deciding factor that helps you get accepted.

The Bottom Line

The SAT Subject Tests are a gift to students. The tests give them a unique opportunity to showcase their strengths and in turn, show colleges what they’re capable of.

Of course, before you register for one of the SAT Subject Tests, make sure you’re aware of all its requirements. Choose a test that is closest to your strongest subject or your chosen major, and use College Board’s Resources to study, take practice tests, and stay up to date on the average scores of other students.

Overall, the SAT Subject Tests are great resources for students to get ahead in the college admissions process. However, you may still be intimidated by these tests. If you’re unsure how to prepare for the SAT Subject Tests or you don’t know which tests to take, reach out to WeAdmit. We’d love to help you develop a practical plan to tackle the SAT Subject Tests!

After All, The SAT Subject Tests Might Be The Key To Showing Off Your Best Self To Your Dream College!