SAT Subject Tests

SAT Subject Tests are 20 multiple-choice standardized tests given on individual subjects, usually taken to improve a student's credentials for admission to colleges in the United States. Students typically choose which tests to take depending upon college entrance requirements for the schools to which they are planning to apply. Until 1994, the SAT Subject Tests were known as Achievement Tests, and until January 2005, they were known as SAT II: Subject Tests; they are still commonly known by these names. Every test is now a one-hour timed test. Historically, the exception to the one-hour time was the writing test, which was divided into a 20-minute essay question and a 40-minute multiple-choice section; the writing test was discontinued in January 2005.

A student may take up to three SAT Subject Tests on any given date at a flat rate $23 (+$28 for international test takers) and $12 per test (unless it includes a listening portion, then it is $21 plus $21 per test). Most SAT Subject Tests are offered on the same day as the regular SAT Reasoning Test; therefore, students cannot take both the SAT Reasoning Test and Subject Tests on the same day. The language tests with listening are generally available only once a year, in November. A calendar of test dates and registration deadlines can be found on The College Board's official website.