SAT Subject Test: U.S. History

The U.S. History Subject Test expects students to interpret information within specific eras and to make generalizations across time periods.
A one-year academic course in American History is helpful, and many students find Subject Test preparation will reinforce what they are learning in school.
However, our program can sufficiently prepare a student for the U.S. History test without classroom study.

Test Calendar

Students can take the U.S. History Subject Test on any of the six official SAT Subject Test dates: October, November, December, January, May, and June.
Usually, students are concurrently enrolled in an American History course at school and take the official test in May or June, near the end of that course. We recommend that approach, although we can tailor the program to any appropriate schedule.

Test Format

Content	Time Periods Tested	Number of Questions	Time
Politics Society Economics Military history Culture Intellectual history	Early colonization through the Reagan administration Most commonly tested period is 1800-1900 Occasional questions on Native Americans prior to Columbus’ arrival Occasional questions on the period of the Clinton presidency	90-95 Multiple Choice	1 Hour

Please see our general information about the SAT Subject Tests for details about test scoring and other topics.

Our Approach

Content of Program

Tutors use the diagnostic test as a gauge to identify gaps in the student’s history background and to determine what time periods need the most reinforcement. Because most questions test a student’s grasp of particular facts and concepts, tutors impart an understanding of the major events and overall characteristics of each era in U.S. history, along with the relationships among those events.

Students also learn how to recognize and respond to specific question types that require them to identify the exception, to interpret charts, maps, and cartoons, to evaluate primary source quotations, and to anticipate social trends across eras. Meetings, homework, and timed practice tests all provide opportunities for the exercise and refinement of the skills emphasized during tutoring sessions.

Further Information

Please see our general information about the SAT Subject Tests for details about the length of the program and other topics.

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