SAT-2  FAQ

When can I take SAT Subject Tests?

SAT Subject Tests are generally offered six times in any given school year. However, not all 20 tests are offered during every administration. SAT Subject Tests are generally offered on the same dates that the SAT is offered. As administration of both the SAT and SAT Subject Tests are concurrent, students may not take both the SAT and SAT Subject Tests during the same administration.

Where do I take SAT Subject Tests?

SAT Subject Tests are administered at the same test centers as the SAT.

Does Score Choice apply to SAT Subject Tests?

Yes. Score Choice is an optional feature that allows students to choose which SAT Subject Test scores they’d like to send to colleges, in accordance with each institution’s stated score-use practice. If Score Choice is not used, all scores are sent to the selected score recipients. Students should still feel comfortable sending all scores, since most colleges consider a student’s best scores.

What is it like to take SAT Subject Tests?

All SAT Subject Tests are one-hour, multiple-choice tests. In any given sitting of the SAT Subject Tests, you can take one, two or three tests. Some SAT Subject Tests have unique formats and may require use of special equipment (e.g., calculators for Mathematics Level 1 and Level 2 tests, CD players for Languages with Listening tests).

Are there Fee Waivers for SAT Subject Tests?

Yes. Eligible students may receive two fee waivers to take SAT Subject Tests across two sittings. Students may take up to three SAT Subject Tests in each sitting. These are in addition to the fee waivers given for the SAT. To allow students to take Subject Tests close to when they complete the course, SAT Subject Test fee waivers may be used by students in grades 9 through 12.

Are SAT Subject Tests used for anything other than college admission and placement?

SAT Subject Tests are used for other purposes beyond college admission and placement. If you live in New York State, you may be able to use SAT Subject Test scores to substitute for a Regents examination score. Speak with your counselor or teacher to see if this might be appropriate for you. Some colleges allow you to use SAT Subject Test scores to meet minimum subject-based requirements to be eligible to apply for admission (e.g., University of California’s a-g requirements, Arizona State University’s subject competency requirements).

Who comes up with the questions?

The questions on the SAT Subject Tests are developed by high school teachers, college professors and other education experts. This diverse group makes sure that the tests reflect what you are learning in school. After the questions are developed, they are also put through a rigorous review and pretesting process at high schools across the country to ensure that each question is fair for students from all backgrounds.