Are you considering taking one or more Subject Tests?
- August 26, 2017
- Posted by: Kalpana Dang
- Category: TESTING
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Are you considering taking one or more Subject Tests?
Before you do, read this.
- Subject Tests are content-specific one hour tests administered by the College Board. They are available in 21 different subject matters, and are offered on the same dates as the SATs except for the March test date.
- These tests are scored between a 200 and 800, similar to the individual sections on the SAT.
- Subject Tests are often required or recommended at a number of highly selective colleges. Typically, students need two Subject Tests, and on rare occasions, three.
- A student can take up to three Subject Tests on one date, but it is recommended taking no more than two on one date. If you end up taking a third test at a later date, colleges will use your highest two scores for admissions purposes if only two tests are needed.
- That being said, you want to take the tests you feel you would perform best. Ideally, though, you also want to take the tests that match up with what you want to pursue in college. Hopefully these two factors coincide. That’s usually a good indication to take a certain Subject Test—that you’re not only good at the subject matter, but you also want to pursue it in college.
- These are short tests—running only an hour long. Make sure to take practice tests to see how you would fare before deciding which tests to take. You want to be smart about which Subject Tests to take.
A few recommendations to guide you as you choose which tests to register for:
| Subject Test | Recommended For | Recommended Test Date | Warning |
| Literature | Best for students who want to major in English, Comparative Literature, or other Humanities-related majors. This is a test that you’re either perfect for or should avoid. Very strong readers and writers tend to do well on this test. They usually identify themselves as Humanities students. | The second half of junior year (class 11) or early fall of senior year (class 12). | Not ideal for non-native English speakers. |
| World History | Ideal for students who took AP World History. | In June of the year, the student took AP World History | If you didn’t take the AP course, you will need to do extensive preparation for this test. |
| Math Level 1 | Students should have two years of algebra and one year of geometry before taking this test. | Anytime after the student completes the recommended coursework. | This test is almost obsolete. It is not nearly as respected as the companion test, Math Level 2. Not recommended for a student who wants to major in science, math, business, or engineering. But this can be a good choice for a student who does very well in math and is struggling to find another Subject Test to take. |
| Math Level 2 | Strong math students who have completed two years of algebra, one year of geometry, trigonometry and precalculus. Particularly important for students who want to major in science, math, business, or engineering. | Anytime after the student completes the recommended coursework. | Not recommended for students who struggle in math. |
| Biology (Ecological) | Strong biology students who plan to pursue biological communities, populations and energy flow. | In June after extensive preparation. | Not recommended for students who struggle in science. |
| Biology (Molecular) | Strong biology students who plan to pursue biochemistry, cellular structure and processes in college. | In June after extensive preparation. | Not recommended for students who didn’t take the most challenging curriculum in biology and/or struggled in biology. |
| Chemistry | Strong chemistry students | In June after extensive preparation. | Not recommended for students who didn’t take the most challenging curriculum in chemistry and/or struggled in chemistry. |
| Physics | Strong physics students. Colleges like to see this score for students who plan to major in physics or engineering. | In June after extensive preparation. | Not recommended for any student unless they are exceptionally talented in physics AND plan to major in physics or engineering in college. |
| French | Strong French students who speak French at home and/or spent a considerable amount of time living in a French-speaking environment. | At the height of the student’s language ability. For example, right after spending a summer abroad where they spoke the language. | Requires extensive preparation. Also, keep in mind that native French speakers will be expected to score near or at the 800 level at highly selective colleges. |
| French with Listening | Ideal for more advanced French speakers. | At the height of the student’s language ability. | This is a more challenging test than the French Subject Test. Also, keep in mind that native French speakers will be expected to score near or at the 800 level at highly selective colleges. |
| Spanish | Strong Spanish students who speak Spanish at home and/or spent a considerable amount of time living in a Spanish-speaking environment. | At the height of the student’s language ability. | Requires extensive preparation. Also keep in mind that native Spanish speakers will be expected to score near or at the 800 level at, highly selective colleges. |
| Spanish with Listening | Ideal for more advanced Spanish speakers. | At the height of the student’s language ability. | This is a more challenging test than the Spanish Subject Test. Also keep in mind that native Spanish speakers will be expected to score near or at the 800 level at highly selective colleges. |