About the SAT Reasoning and Subject Tests
The College Board offers two main tests (or categories of tests) that many colleges and universities use (along with other factors, such as high school grades and extracurricular activities) to measure a student's potential for academic success.
The SAT Reasoning Test is a 3.75 hour test that measures verbal and mathematical reasoning and writing skills students have developed over time. SAT scores are compared with the scores of other applicants, and the accepted scores at an institution, and can be used as a basis for awarding merit-based financial aid.
SAT Subject Tests are one-hour, mostly multiple-choice tests, that measure how much a student knows about a particular academic subject and how well they can apply that knowledge.
The College Board administers 20 Subject Tests in five categories: English, Mathematics, History, Science, and Languages. Many colleges require or recommend that applicants take one or more SAT II Subject Tests for admission or placement. In California, the University of California and Stanford University are among the colleges with an SAT Subject Test requirement for freshman applicants.
SAT Subject Tests: Literature, U.S. History, World History, Mathematics Level 1 and Level 2, Biology E/M, Chemistry, Physics, Chinese with Listening, French, French with Listening, German, German with Listening, Spanish, Spanish with Listening, Modern Hebrew, Italian, Latin, Japanese with Listening, Korean with Listening.
SAT tests are scored on a scale of 200-800 and are typically taken by high school juniors and seniors. The test is administered several times a year.
For more detailed information on test dates and registration deadlines, test format, anticipated skills and recommended preparation, and for sample questions, visit http://www.collegeboard.com and, in particular, these pages:
SAT Essay - Strategies for Successful SAT Essay
SAT Subject Tests Learning Center
SAT test information is provided courtesy of www.collegeboard.com.
