The SAT Subject Tests: General Information

The SAT Subject Tests are one-hour multiple-choice exams used for college admissions.
The tests gauge knowledge of literature, history, mathematics, science, or language; please scroll down this page to see our Subject Test Programs for specific subjects. In general, students pursue tests in their academic strengths.
Some colleges recommend that an applicant provide two or three Subject Test scores, often in areas of the student's own choosing. Other colleges require no Subject Test scores at all.
Because admissions criteria vary, applicants should carefully check Subject Test requirements at the particular colleges or programs under consideration.

Test Calendar

Usually, students can take Subject Tests on any of the six official SAT Subject Test dates: October, November, December, January, May, and June.
A few subjects offer more limited options for test dates. For example, World History and Latin are both offered only in December and in June. All Language Tests with Listening are offered only in November.
On a particular test date, a student may take up to three tests in whatever order he or she prefers (the only stipulation is that students taking a Listening test must take that test before any others). Students may take either SAT Subject Tests or an SAT on a test date—never both.
Because Subject Test content often overlaps with school coursework, many students opt for test dates—particularly May and June—offered near the end of the overlapping school courses.

Test Format

Subject Test formats vary according to each test's particular field and emphasis. All are multiple-choice. To see specific formats, please select one of our Subject Test Programs listed below.

Test Scoring

All SAT Subject Tests are scored on a range from 200 to 800. Percentiles are also provided with the official score.
Students have the option to cancel a test result in writing by the first Wednesday after taking the test.
Unless it is canceled, a Subject Test result will appear on the student’s permanent score record, along with any SAT results.
Students who cancel a test administration must cancel all Subject Tests taken on that date; it is not possible to cancel some scores and keep others from a single test date.

Our Approach

Content of Program

Students usually begin their Subject Test preparation by taking a diagnostic test in the appropriate area. If a student is considering which Subject Tests to pursue, taking diagnostics in several areas may be appropriate because the results can help inform the student's decision.
Tutors use the diagnostic test and the student's familiarity with the subject, along with other factors, to determine the ideal content, order, and mode of instruction.
Through theory and practice, we teach students the considerable range of relevant material. Subject Tests tend to draw from at least as much material as a standard full-year high school class would cover.
Meetings, homework, and timed practice tests all provide opportunities to absorb the information while exercising and refining the skills emphasized during tutoring sessions.

Length of Program

Students typically start studying for a Subject Test several months before they intend to take it.
Tutoring sessions can begin at any point during the academic year or over the summer.
Diagnostic test results and other considerations allow us to design an appropriate program for the individual student.

Subject Test Programs

We offer programs to prepare for the following Subject Tests*:

*Please note that not all Subject Tests are available at every location or at all times of the year.

Please be in touch with us if you seek information about the remaining Subject Tests listed below; we can provide instruction or advice on these areas at some locations.

German
Italian
Hebrew
Chinese
Japanese
Korean

Further Information

For additional information about preparing and registering for SAT Subject Tests, follow the link below to the College Board’s website:
http://www.collegeboard.com.