Will
I need to take SAT II Subject Tests for college?
This
is a very difficult question to answer. As of now, about a third of
all colleges, typically the more competitive ones, do require that
you take SAT II tests. Many other schools recommend that you take
them, and many have no recommendation or requirements. So, it is difficult
to say whether you, individually, will need to take them until you
are certain about the list of schools to which you will apply.
Which
tests are required?
Typically,
a school that requires SAT II Subject Tests will require three and
will usually specify that they want Writing, a Math test, and one
of your choice. It is not uncommon for a school to request that you
take a test in the area in which you plan to major, if there is a
test in that area. Schools often let one or two of the tests be your
choice.
How
do I know if a school requires SAT II Tests?
There
are several ways to find out about this. You can check the books in
the guidance office or the guidance section in the library. You can
check the school's application instructions (which should be available
online). You could also ask your counselor. Checking the requirements
is especially important because even among schools that require SAT
II Tests, the requirements vary (see previous question). You must
carefully check all instructions for each school to which you will
apply in order to ensure that you fulfill all requirements.
When
should I take SAT II Tests?
It
is best
to take a test at the end of the year in which you studied the material.
So, students usually take the tests in June. However, the tests are
offered throughout the school year.
Freshmen
who are strong in Biology may consider taking the Biology test at
the end of Freshman year.
Sophomores
may consider taking World History, Chemistry, and/or Math IC.
Juniors
may consider taking Writing, US History, Math IIC, Physics, and/or
Foreign Languages (if they have completed multiple years of study
in that language).
Seniors
often take Writing, Language, or other tests.
Do
all of my scores count?
Yes.
All SAT II scores become part of your record at the College Board
and will be included in all score reports sent to colleges.
[Prior
to the 2002-2003 school year, students were able to elect to use Score
Choice. The Score Choice option allowed students to keep their SAT
II scores out of their record at the College Board if desired. Score
Choice was discontinued after the 2001-2002 school year and
only applied to SAT II Subject tests.]
Can
I take an SAT II test more than once?
Absolutely.
However, if you take, for example, the US History test in June of
Junior year and then take it again in September, you would be well
advised to do a lot of preparation work, as it will have been three
months since you were in a US History course.
If
you take a test more than once, all of your scores will still be reported,
though colleges will look at your best scores.
How
can I prepare for the SAT II Subject Tests?
The
guidance office has free booklets that detail each test. Information
about format, content, and recommended coursework is provided along
with sample questions. This is especially useful for people who aren't
sure whether to take the tests and/or which tests to take. This information
is also available online.
Also, there are tests prep books available for each subject at local
bookstores.
We
strongly recommend that students who decide to take SAT II Tests obtain
a copy of one of the test prep books. There
are a few reasons for this. First of all, the SAT II tests often cover
some material that is not a part of the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks.
The prep book will expose students to some of the material that will
be on the test that they may not have covered in class. Secondly,
the prep book will offer a chance to take at least one full-length
practice test, which is a very vauluable experience.
