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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
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.
Should I take SAT Subject Tests?
Many colleges require the SAT Subject Tests for admission and placement. Some will require specific tests, 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 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.
What Subject Tests are available?
There are a variety of subject tests available:
- Literature
- History (US or World)
- Mathematics (Level 1 or 2)
- Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics)
- Foreign Languages (French, Italian, Spanish, etc.)
For a full list of available tests, go to the College Board test listing page.
How long are the tests?
Every SAT Subject test is one hour long. Extended time students will have an hour and a half.
Registration Questions
When are the SAT Subject Tests given?
The SAT Subject Test dates and registration dates can be found on the College Board website. SAT Subject Tests are generally given six times in a school year, on the same days and in the same test centers as the SAT, but not all 20 tests are offered on every SAT date. You can take 1, 2, or 3 Subject Tests on any test date, but you cannot take both the SAT and an SAT Subject Test on the same date.
How do I register for the SAT Subject Tests?
There are three ways you can register for the SAT Subject Tests:
- Register online. Visit the College Board website. Follow all the described steps. The process is very simple and clear.
- Register by mail. Go see your school guidance counselor or principal and obtain 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 the College Board phone number: 866-756-7346. Phone registration is only available if you have previously registered for the SAT or an SAT Subject Test, and an additional fee of $15 will be applied.
How much does it cost to register for the SAT Subject Tests?
Registration for the SAT Subject Tests costs $26, with an additional $26 fee for Foreign Language tests with Listening. If you choose to take more than one subject test on the same day, there is a fee of $21 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 of $29.
How 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 Accommodations page.
Score 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. Language Tests with Listening include sub scores on a scale of 20 to 80.
The scaled score is based on the raw score for the test. The raw score for a test is calculated by adding one point for each correct answer and subtracting a fractional point for each incorrect answer (1/4 point for five-choice questions, 1/3 point for four-choice questions, and 1/2 point for three-choice questions). No points are added or subtracted for unanswered questions. If the resulting score is a fraction, it is rounded to the nearest whole number. This score will then be compared to those of other test takers to obtain the scaled score.
What is the average SAT Subject Test score?
Average scores and percentile ranks based on the most recent scores of all students of a particular graduating class are included in your score report.
Please note that the average scores vary across the tests because different sets of students take the different tests. Therefore, you should not compare the scores for different tests.
When will I get my scores back?
October, November, December, and May scores will be released online about two weeks after test day. You will receive an email when your scores are ready, and your scores will be sent to the colleges you requested within 10 days after they’re available to you. June and August scores will take longer and may not be available until six weeks after test day. Students who register online and wish to receive a score report by mail, in addition to the online score report, must request it when they register.
Test Day Questions
What should I bring to the test?
There are several things you MUST bring with you to the test:
- Your Admission Ticket (see how to print it)
- Acceptable photo identification
- Two No. 2 pencils with erasers
- If you’re taking a Subject Test in Mathematics: an approved calculator
- If you’re taking a Language with Listening Test: an approved CD player with headphones
- Epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPens) are permitted without the need for accommodations. They must be placed in a clear bag and stored under the student’s desk during testing. For policies on other medications and medical devices, contact Services for Students with Disabilities.
In addition to these required items, you should also bring:
- 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
What should I NOT bring to the test?
The following items are not allowed, and should be left in the car or at home:
- Cellphones
- Any devices, including digital watches, that can be used to record, transmit, receive, or play back audio, photographic, text, or video content (with the exception of CD players used for Language with Listening Subject Tests only)
- Audio players/recorders, tablets, laptops, notebooks, Google Glass, or any other personal computing devices
- Any texting device
- Cameras or any other photographic equipment
- Separate timers of any type
- Your school counselor can share a complete list of prohibited devices — just ask to see the Official Student Guide.
The Do-Not-Bring list is serious: Your scores will be canceled if you’re caught using them, even during breaks. This includes cellphones.