SAT Subject Tests were one-hour, multiple-choice exams that let students show their skills in specific subjects like math, science, or history. Many colleges used these tests to help decide who got in, especially if students wanted to show they excelled in certain areas.
Back when they were offered, students often took SAT Subject Tests to stand out from other applicants or to meet college requirements. The College Board stopped offering these tests in 2021, so students now look for other ways to showcase their strengths.
What Were SAT Subject Tests?
SAT Subject Tests were one-hour exams that tested students on specific high school subjects. Colleges often used these tests as part of the admissions process to see students’ skills and strengths in particular areas. They gave students a chance to highlight their best subjects and stand out.
Purpose of SAT Subject Tests
The main goal of SAT Subject Tests was to let students show what they knew in certain subjects. These tests helped schools look beyond regular grades and see if a student was ready for advanced classes.
Colleges sometimes required or recommended one or more SAT Subject Tests, especially for competitive programs. If a student was interested in a major like engineering, for example, a strong math or science score could make a difference.
These tests also gave students a way to highlight talents that might not be clear from the SAT or ACT. For students who were strong in a foreign language, history, or another specific area, taking the related test could help them shine.
Types of Subjects Covered
SAT Subject Tests covered five main subjects:
- Math
- Science (like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics)
- History (U.S. History and World History)
- English (Literature)
- Languages (like Spanish, French, Chinese, and others)
There were a total of 20 different exams across these areas. Some subjects had more than one level, such as Math Level 1 and Math Level 2, or Language with or without listening sections. Students could choose which subjects they wanted to take depending on their skills and interests.
Differences from SAT
SAT Subject Tests were different from the main SAT. The SAT is a general test focusing on reading, writing, and math, and it takes about three hours. Subject Tests were much shorter, about one hour each, and focused on one topic.
Students could take up to three Subject Tests on a single test day, but only one main SAT per day. The question style on Subject Tests was mostly multiple choice and focused deeply on the subject area.
While the SAT tried to measure general college readiness, Subject Tests checked for knowledge in specific school subjects. Not every college required Subject Tests, so students decided whether to take them based on their goals and target schools.
Test Structure and Scoring
SAT Subject Tests were hour-long exams on individual subjects. They used a specific format for each test, scored on a set scale, and provided scores that colleges could use for admissions and placement.
Format and Timing
Each SAT Subject Test lasted 60 minutes. Tests were made up of multiple-choice questions, usually ranging from 50 to 95 questions depending on the subject.
Subjects included Math, Science, History, Languages, and English. For example, Math Level 2 had 50 questions, while Biology E/M offered two specialty sections. Language tests sometimes had a listening portion, taken through headphones.
There were no breaks during these tests. Each student picked which subject test or tests to take in one sitting, up to three in a single test date. Students had to manage time carefully since every question counted evenly toward the final score.
Scoring System
Each SAT Subject Test was scored on a scale from 200 to 800 points. The tests used a specific formula: students earned one point for each correct answer, lost a fraction of a point for each incorrect answer, and got zero points for omitted answers.
- Right answer: +1 point
- Wrong answer: -1/4 point (for five-choice questions; different deductions for others)
- Skipped question: 0 points
After tallying these raw scores, the College Board converted them to the 200-800 scale. This meant a student’s final score depended not just on right or wrong answers, but also on how difficult the test was that year.
Score Reporting
Scores from the SAT Subject Tests were usually released about two to three weeks after the test date. Students received scores online through their College Board account.
Score reports showed the scaled score (from 200 to 800) for each Subject Test taken. Reports also included percentiles, which showed how a student did compared to other test-takers.
Students had the option to send scores to colleges of their choice. They could also choose Score Choice, which allowed them to select which Subject Test scores to send to schools, rather than sending all scores from a single test day.
Impact on College Admissions
SAT Subject Tests used to play a big role in college applications. Many students and families still have questions about what their removal means.
Role in the Application Process
For years, the SAT Subject Tests allowed students to highlight strengths in specific areas like math, science, or languages. Colleges sometimes looked at high scores in these exams as a sign of deep knowledge or special interest. Students who excelled in certain subjects often used these scores to stand out.
After College Board discontinued the tests, students lost an extra way to show subject expertise. Now, they need to find new ways—like AP exams, class projects, or strong course grades—to demonstrate their abilities. Some may worry about losing a tool for standing out, but colleges use a wide range of factors to decide whom to admit.
College Policies on Subject Tests
Colleges each had their own policies for SAT Subject Tests before the change. Some highly selective schools required or recommended certain tests for admission to special programs, like engineering or science.
Once the SAT Subject Tests ended, colleges adjusted their requirements. Most do not ask for these scores anymore, since new applicants cannot take the tests. Many shifted focus to other achievements, such as Advanced Placement (AP) scores or International Baccalaureate (IB) results.
Some schools now have “test-optional” policies. This means students can choose not to send SAT or ACT scores, making admissions more flexible. Colleges look at essays, grades, activities, recommendations, and other parts of the application instead.
Preparing for SAT Subject Tests
Getting ready for SAT Subject Tests takes planning and effort. Success often depends on finding helpful resources, setting aside enough time, and making the most out of study sessions.
Benefits of Tutoring
Tutoring gives students personalized support that addresses their unique strengths and weaknesses. A tutor can explain tough concepts, give specific feedback on practice questions, and teach useful test-taking strategies. These sessions often make it easier for students to see what they’re doing right and where they can improve.
Tutors also assist students in creating and sticking to a structured study schedule. Regular, focused meetings keep them on track and accountable. This consistency can lower stress because students know someone is guiding them and answering their questions.
Some tutors have detailed knowledge about test formats, common mistakes, and types of questions to expect. This experience can help students feel more confident about what lies ahead. An experienced tutor can also recommend reliable materials and practice resources, making preparation more efficient.
Studying with Review Books
Review books are a staple tool for SAT Subject Test prep. They usually cover all main topics on the test, and often include practice problems, sample tests, and answer explanations. By working through these books, students get a clear sense of which areas need more study.
Popular review books like those from Barron’s, Princeton Review, or Kaplan are widely used for a reason. They offer practice questions similar to those on the actual test and include detailed solutions for understanding mistakes. Using a combination of review books can give students more practice and a broader view of test content.
It’s smart to make a simple schedule for which chapters or topics to cover each week. These books often include a table or checklist to help pace studying and track progress.
Balancing Schoolwork and Test Prep
With ongoing school assignments, activities, and other responsibilities, prepping for SAT Subject Tests can be challenging. It takes real planning to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Many students find that using a calendar or planner helps manage time. By breaking up study sessions into small, regular blocks, test prep becomes less stressful and more consistent. Setting aside even 20-30 minutes a day can add up over several weeks.
It also helps to combine study sessions with schoolwork when possible. For example, if a student is learning a topic in school that shows up on a subject test, it’s a good idea to review it both for class and for the test. This approach saves time and reinforces learning.
Changes and Controversies
The SAT Subject Tests have seen big changes in recent years, especially after decisions made by the College Board. These updates have sparked debate among students, parents, and teachers as the testing landscape shifts.
Recent Updates from College Board
The College Board made several major adjustments to the SAT testing process in the last few years. One of the biggest changes is the move to an all-digital test format for the main SAT exam. The test time was also shortened from three hours to about two hours, making it less tiring. Math sections now allow a calculator throughout, and reading passages are shorter with more direct questions.
Another important change is that the College Board stopped offering the optional SAT essay. The organization said these changes are meant to make testing less stressful for students and more accessible for everyone. Some believe these updates came after criticism about test fairness and access.
Discontinuation of Subject Tests
In early 2021, the College Board announced it would permanently end all SAT Subject Tests in the United States. Students who had signed up got their fees refunded. The main reason for the discontinuation was that colleges no longer required or recommended Subject Tests for applications. The College Board said it wanted to reduce pressure and confusion for students already navigating a demanding admissions process.
Ending Subject Tests had both supporters and critics. Some families liked the decision, saying the tests were extra stress and cost. Others thought it took away a way for students to show their strengths in specific subjects. Ivy League and other selective schools quickly updated their admissions guidelines after the announcement, dropping Subject Test requirements.
Importantly, this change happened at the same time as many schools went test-optional because of the COVID-19 pandemic. That made standardized testing less important for college applications. The end of the Subject Tests marked a big shift away from heavy testing in U.S. college admissions.
Alternative Exams and Pathways
Since SAT Subject Tests have been discontinued, students now look for different ways to show their skills in specific subjects. Schools and colleges use other tests and pathways to evaluate student knowledge in areas like science, math, and foreign language.
AP Exams vs SAT Subject Tests
AP (Advanced Placement) Exams are now one of the most common alternatives for students who want to prove they know a subject well. AP Exams cover a wide range of subjects, including math, science, history, and languages. Unlike SAT Subject Tests, AP Exams are designed to be at a college level.
A key difference is that AP Exams usually take longer and include multiple types of questions, like essays and free-response, while SAT Subject Tests used to be mostly multiple choice. Colleges may use AP Exam scores for both admissions decisions and to grant college credit.
Below is a table that compares the previous SAT Subject Tests with AP Exams.
| Feature | SAT Subject Tests | AP Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Level | High School | College |
| Format | Mostly multiple choice | Multiple choice, essays |
| College Credit | Rare | Sometimes given |
| Subjects Offered | 20 | 30+ |
International Alternatives
Students outside the United States often turn to other exams instead of SAT Subject Tests. The International Baccalaureate (IB) program and A-Level exams are two popular options. Both are recognized by colleges and show subject knowledge at an advanced level.
IB Exams test knowledge across a wide range of subjects and include internal and external assessments. A-Levels, mostly used in the UK and some other countries, focus on a few subjects chosen by the student. Colleges in the US and many other countries accept these exams for admissions.
Many schools also accept scores from national exams, like the French Baccalaureate or the German Abitur. Students need to check with each college to see which tests are accepted and if additional requirements apply.
