Tag SAT Subject Tests

Testing Updates

As a senior, it’s unlikely that you were planning to take the SAT or the ACT but coronavirus cancelations may still impact your spring test schedule.  You may have AP or IB exams, or possibly SAT Subject tests on your calendar however, testing organizations are working swiftly to reschedule or revise most of these exams.  With updates coming in on a rolling basis from testing organizations and colleges, it’s important to stay informed.  Check your email regularly, create a system for organizing important information, and stay in touch with your counselor.    

SAT Updates  

  • The May 2, 2020 SAT and SAT Subject Test administration has been canceled.   
  • The June 6, 2020 SAT and SAT Subject Test administration is still scheduled.  However, CollegeBoard will continue to assess health and safety recommendations and provide updates to registered students as soon as possible in case of changes.   
  • Refunds will be issued to students who are registered for canceled test dates.  
  • College Board will provide future additional SAT testing opportunities for students as soon as possible in place of canceled administrations. 

AP Exam Updates 

  • Traditional face-to-face exam administrations will not take place. Students will take a 45-minute online free-response exam at home.  
  • Some students may want to take the exam sooner rather than later, while the content is still fresh. Other students may want more time to practice. For each AP subject, there will be 2 different testing dates. 
  • The full exam schedule, specific free-response question types that will be on each AP Exam, and additional testing details will be available by April 3. We’ll also unlock any relevant free-response questions in AP Classroom for digital use so students can access all practice questions of the type that will appear on the exam. 

IB Exam Updates 

  • The May 2020 examinations scheduled between April 30 and May 22 for Diploma Programme and Career-related Programme candidates have been canceled and will not be rescheduled. 
  • Depending on what they registered for, students will be awarded a Diploma or a Course Certificate which reflects their standard of work. This is based on student’s coursework and the established assessment expertise, rigor and quality control already built into the programmes. 

ACT Updates 

  • ACT has rescheduled its April 4 national test date to June 13 across the U.S.  All students registered for the April 4 test date will receive an email from ACT in the next few days informing them of the postponement and instructions for free rescheduling to June 13 or a future national test date. 

Special Note for Seniors 

The coronavirus pandemic has been hard on students everywhere but it can feel especially egregious for seniors.  This was your year!  Suddenly things like senior trips, senior prom, graduation, the “last time I get to…” are being snatched away.  We are heartbroken with you that your high school experience is ending this way.  

But this is still your year and there’s a lot of it left!  Communities around the world have come together in the midst of unprecedented circumstances.  You – Generation Z, more than any generation – have the tools, ability, and creativity to make something extraordinary out of these strange circumstances.  We hear you and we feel your hurt – but we are also excited to see you soar!  You were made for this!     

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SAT Subject Tests

SAT Subject tests are based on curriculum you have in class.  It’s an opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of a particular subject.  According to the College Board, 

“The SAT Subject Tests offer you an additional opportunity to show colleges what you know and what you know you can do.  Many colleges use the SAT Subject Tests for admission, for course placement, and to advise students about course selection.  Some colleges specify the SAT Subject Tests that they require for admission or placement; others allow applicants to choose which tests to take.” 

Only a handful of colleges require SAT subject tests from students, but many will use SAT Subject test scores as a part of your admissions profile or for placement purposes (especially in foreign language). 

What subject tests can I take? 

There are 20 subject tests to choose from.  A majority of the tests are in foreign languages, with English, History, Math and Science thrown in too.  The subject tests are broken down as follows:

Are the subject tests the same as the AP tests? 

No.  There are more AP tests than there are subject tests.  For example, there are five Arts AP tests, and no Arts Subject tests. 

What about the ACT? 

The ACT does not offer Subject tests.  They are only offered by the SAT/College Board. 

When should I take the Subject tests? 

The best time to take a subject test is right after you finish the class.  It is also good to take the subject test at the same time you are taking an AP or other subject exam.  Schedule subject tests in May of your sophomore or junior year, and November of your senior year. 

How long is a subject test? 

Most subject tests are 1 hour in length. 

How many Subject tests can I take at a time? 

You can schedule and take up to 3 tests in one sitting.  Most colleges will use your best two scores.  Some colleges will use 3 subject tests for admissions.  Check college website for testing requirements. 

When are the subject tests offered? 

They are offered 6 times each year: August, October, November, December, May and June.  Subject tests are NOT offered in March.  Only the SAT is offered then.  

Are all subject tests offered six times a year? 

No.  Not every subject test is offered six times a year.  Plan carefully when you want to take any of the following tests: 

Which tests can I take on any date? 

The following seven tests are offered every time a Subject test is offered.

Can I see my scores before I send them to a college? 

Yes.  You can use score choice to see your scores and decide which scores to send to colleges.  Remember to check college policies.  Some colleges require you to send ALL your test scores. 

What is the latest date I can take the subject scores in my senior year? 

The latest you should schedule subject tests in your senior year is December.  If you are applying to any of your colleges early (Early Action or Early Decision) you should schedule them for October or November. 

Do all colleges require the SAT Subject tests? 

No.  Many colleges do not consider Subject tests for admission purposes.  Check the college website carefully for each college’s policy on Subject tests. 

Do I need to take specific Subject tests for my major? 

Sometimes.  Many colleges have specific subject test requirements for specific majors.  Engineering, science and math majors often require or highly recommend subject tests.  This is particularly true if you are applying to any of the University of California campuses.  UC’s don’t require a subject test, but if it is highly recommended for your major, you will be more competitive if you take the recommended subject test. 

How can I prepare to take the SAT Subject tests? 

You can prepare for the subject tests in many ways.  The CollegeBoard website has subject test prep.  Check for local SAT Test Preparation options.  Check online.  Check with friends and create your own subject study groups. 

Take Action 
Update your Testing schedule in GuidedPath with all your tests: ACT, SAT and SAT Subjects.  Include PSAT, AP, or other tests you are planning to take. 

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When am I taking what test?

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There are lots of tests and test dates to keep track of.  Knowing what tests are offered when, and the months for registration deadlines are important for scheduling. 

Planning Your College Entrance Tests 

  1. Plan your test schedule for taking the ACT, PSAT, SAT and SAT Subjects.
  2. Schedule tests with time in between to get your scores back.  This way you know what sections need work.
  3. Register early for your test.
  4. Allow 45-60 minutes to register. There are lots of questions!
  5. Upload a picture for your ACT or SAT / SAT Subject Test Registration.
  6. Optin to the Student Search Service when registering for the SAT or PSAT, or the ACT Educational Opportunity Service (EOS) when registering for the ACT to receive emails or mailings from colleges 

Take Action 

Use GuidedPath to easily schedule your tests.  You will get reminders for registration deadlines and test dates! 

  • Pick the tests you want to take.   
  • Once you pick a test to take, GuidedPath will send you email reminders before the regular registration date. 
  • If you miss the regular registration date, you’ll get a reminder for late registration. 
  • Once you register for a test, check the “Registered” box in GuidedPath. 
  • Be better prepared with reminder emails that come about upcoming tests. 

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Underclassmen – SAT Subject Tests in Spring

How do you know if you need to take College Board SAT Subject tests?  Some colleges require or strongly recommend that you submit subject test scores (often two tests in subjects related to the major you are interested in – i.e. Math and Science for Engineering majors).  Review the requirements of the colleges you are interested in.

You can take a Subject test at any time in your high school career but it makes sense to take SAT Subject tests right after you finish that course in school. Plan your tests based on your high school schedule. You can choose up to 3 subject tests to take on one day. Check the College Board website to learn more about what content each test covers.

Language Tests

Note there are more language tests offered in June.  Make your choices of test dates based on availability of tests. The May and June language tests do not include the “listening” component (this option is only available in November).

Take Action

Register NOW for your SAT Subject tests. You need a College Board account to register. If you don’t have one yet, create one.

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