What are the SAT II: Subject Tests?
- SAT II: Subject Tests are subject-specific standardized tests that are required by many colleges.
- Up until this year, he U.C. schools required two subject tests (in different subjects) for admissions. Although this is no longer a requirement for admission, most UCs (except Davis) will consider excellent SAT II scores as part of your admissions profile. The California State schools do not require SAT II: Subject Tests for admission.
- Many private schools still require SAT II: Subject Tests for admissions. Some Ivy League schools require three SAT II:Subject Tests while other schools may not require any. All schools post admissions requirements on their websites.
- There are tests for a variety of subjects including math, biology, chemistry, physics, foreign languages, history, and English.
When should students take the tests?
- June is the best time to take the SAT IIs if you are just finishing a relevant course (e.g. A.P. U.S. History students can take the U.S. History test).
- You should look for opportunities to take SAT II: Subject Tests at the end of your Sophomore and/or Junior years.
- You can take SAT II: Subject Tests as late as fall of your senior year and still have the results included in your college applications. This is not ideal because the subject information will not be fresh in your mind. However, if you are struggling to find a 2nd SAT II subject, you can prep over the summer for a fall test.
How do I choose subjects?
It is always important to research the colleges that interest you when selecting SAT II subjects. Each school has its own policy including the specific subjects that they accept and the number of tests required (if any). Here are a few guidelines:
- It is important to take the tests in your strongest subjects, preferably an AP or Honors course. The scores are curved and many students taking the tests will have completed an AP or Honors course in the particular subject.
- The University of California requires two subject tests in different areas (e.g. US History and World History are considered the same “subject.”). The UC’s only accept the Math 2C test, the harder of two SAT II Math subject tests that are currently offered.
- The College Board puts out the “Real SAT II: Subject Tests” book. This is a must purchase for anyone considering the SAT II: Subject Tests because the practice tests will help you identify your best subjects. You should look at the tests after you have taken your “regular” SAT exam so you don’t get even more stressed out before the SAT.
What if I’m not an AP or Honors student?
Here’s a brief story to illustrate this situation: Johnny Junior didn’t think about the SAT II’s until late April of his junior year. Johnny is not in any AP or Honors classes and hates math. Fortunately, Johnny is strong in English so he is going to take the SAT II Literature test in June (after some preparation). Johnny does not have an obvious 2nd subject today but he absolutely loved Biology as a freshman and aced the class. Johnny has decided to do a ton of Biology prep over the summer and take the SAT II: Biology test in October.
Here are a few SAT II: Subject Test alternatives for you to consider:
- Math IIC — Appropriate for “A” students who are beyond the Honors Alg 2/Trig level (in Lamorinda) or have completed Honors PreCalc/Trig (in the San Ramon Valley school district).
- Literature — Avid readers with excellent literary and reading comprehension skills. This test is very difficult.
- Physics or Biology — Students who earned strong “A’s” in the regular classes and will prep extensively for a fall test over the summer. Again, this is important to consider if you’re not on the Honors or AP track.
- U.S. History — Students who just finished this class and will prep over the summer for a fall test. This is one of the best alternatives, especially if you did well in “regular” U.S. History.
Which schools require the SAT II: Subject Tests for Admission?
- Many schools require the SAT II’s and admission policies change from time to time. Almost every school will provide you with this information on their website. It is important to obtain current information because many schools changed their policies after the SAT test was expanded to include the writing and grammar section.
- Again, the University of California no longer requires SAT II:Subject Tests for admission. Still, high SAT II test scores will bolster your admission profile at most UCs.
- California State schools do not require the SAT II’s.
We offer Private Tutoring for the SAT II: Subject Tests. Feel free to contact us with any additional questions.
