Subject Test Q&A
For college applicants, standardized testing is part of the process. Virtually all of our students will take the SAT, and many will take AP tests as well. A few will take the ACT. But no set of tests will engender more questions than the College Board’s Subject Tests. This is because requirements not only vary widely, but often will change frequently. Perhaps the best way to offer information about this complicated topic is through a Q & A format.
1. Q. What are the SAT Subject Tests?
A. They are college admission tests, one hour long, in specific subjects. They are similar to final exams.
2. Q. Do all colleges require Subject Tests?
A. No. In fact, of the roughly 3000 colleges in the United States, only about 140 require these tests.
3. Q. What type of college requires Subject Tests?
A. Usually, the most competitive schools in terms of admissions standards require these tests. For instance, all the Ivy League schools require Subject Tests.
4. Q. How many Subject Tests are necessary?
A. Very rarely does a school require more than three Subject Tests. Often, only one or two are required.
5. Q. Which Subject Tests are required for college admission?
A. Requirements vary at different schools. With the onset of New SAT in the spring of 2005, the writing test is being eliminated. A math test (either Level I or Level II) is commonly required. Some schools may require a science test or a foreign language test. Some schools leave the selection up to you. School catalogues and web sites give specific Subject Test requirements.
6. Q. I don't know which schools I'm applying to yet. Should I take the Subject Tests?
A. This is difficult question to answer for most of you. A few guidelines, however, will be useful. If you typically receive "B's" or better in your classes and if your PSAT Math + Critical Reading + Writing combined score is over 170, you should give Subject Tests consideration. Also, if you have serious interest in a specific college and that school has Subject Test requirements, this is a good reason to consider taking the tests.
7. Q. Which Subject Tests should I take?
A. The answer often depends on what grade you're in.
Sophomores most often take Chemistry and American History.
Sophomores completing Algebra II should consider the Math Level I exam.
Juniors can consider Biology, and if they take other advanced science work in Chemistry or Physics, they should also consider those tests.
Juniors, if completing Algebra II, would take the Math Level I test.
Juniors, if completing Precalculus, would probably take the Math Level II test.
Sophomores or Juniors completing the Advanced Placement U.S. History course should strongly consider the American History test.
Senior testing is discussed on a case by case basis.
8. Q. Can I take Subject Tests as a Senior?
A. Absolutely! In fact, many students wait until their senior year to determine specific college requirements. Some students, however, regret waiting. For instance, it is not uncommon to hear from a senior: "I wish I had taken the Chemistry and American History Subject Tests as a sophomore. I knew the material very well back then, but I've forgotten most of it now."
9. Q. How do I sign up?
A. The best way to register is on-line. An electronic registration is
available by going to www.collegeboard.com . Paper registrations are also acceptable, and are on file in the guidance office. The on-line format is strongly recommended, however.
10. Q. When should I take the Subject Tests?
A. The best date for most G.S.B. students is the early May date. This date coincides nicely with your final exam schedule, and you will avoid conflicts with Unit travel. For many students, however, the early June date works as well. Seniors need to complete testing in a timely fashion in the fall of the senior year.
11. Q. Where are the tests given?
A. You do not take these tests (or the SAT Reasoning Test) at Gill St. Bernard's School. You will need to choose from among the national test centers. Again, the college guidance office and the College Board’s web site have the necessary information.
12. Q. Are there any other test guidelines?
A. Yes. You can take one, two or three Subject Tests on the same day. You cannot, however, take the SAT Reasoning Test on the same day you take the SAT Subject Tests.
13. Q. How does the new version of the SAT Reasoning Test, beginning in the spring of 2005, affect Subject Testing??
A. It’s safe to say that many colleges are adjusting their testing requirements to take into account the new SAT. How each college is changing their specific requirements varies school by school. The old SAT did not include a writing section, so many schools that required Subject Tests mandated the Writing Subject Test. Beginning in the spring of 2005, there will be no Writing Subject Test. Some colleges will now require the SAT and two other Subject Tests, but some schools will continue to require three Subject Tests along with the new SAT. Our best advice is check individual college requirements carefully.
14. Q. Can I see sample copies of these tests?
A. Yes. Sample test questions are available for each test in the guidance library. In addition, academic department offices and the school library often have tests available. Sample test questions and helpful information is also available on the College Board’s web site.
15. Q. Just one more question. Didn't these tests used to be called Achievement Tests? Is there any difference?
A. Achievement Tests are the same as SAT Subject Tests. They were renamed in early 1994, but the tests themselves are largely unchanged.
