Various colleges and schools demand SAT subject test scores during the admission process. This test lasts an hour, which signifies an individual’s expertise in a particular field or subject area. The SAT subject test scores range from 200 to 800. Though this test is available for 20 subjects in 5 generic subject areas, colleges mainly focus on Maths and Science for engineering courses. Further, the subjects are categorised into smaller topics.
SAT Subject Test Syllabus
It covers five subject areas divided into various small components. The SAT 2 subject test differs from the SAT general test because the former is more subject focused. This SAT 2 test highlights the strength and expertise of an individual in their subject interest in which they want admission to a college or university. Moreover, an individual can take up to 3 tests a day but not on the same day of SAT 1 test. Read on to find the details about the five subject areas and topics covered under the SAT subject exam.
Maths
The SAT Maths subject comprises two levels – Maths level 1 and Maths level 2. Though both syllabuses may look similar, the inclusion of trigonometry and elementary functions in maths level 2 makes it different. Apart from that, level 2 covers all the topics in level 1. Check out the table below to know the syllabuses covered under SAT Math level 1 and SAT Math level 2.
| Subjects | Syllabus | Test Details |
| Math Level 1 |
|
|
| Math Level 2 |
|
|
English
The SAT English subject test allows the applicants to show their reading and literature interpretation strengths from various genres and periods of history. Under this test, applicants have to answer questions from fiction, prose, passages, poetry, drama and essays. The table below provides further exam details and the topics covered.
| Literature and Practising |
|
|
Science
SAT Chemistry Subject Test –This test evaluates the candidate’s expertise and ability to solve specific problems related to significant concepts of chemistry. Further, the test highlights the subject knowledge of the principles, applications, and fundamental concepts of chemistry.
SAT Ecological Biology and Molecular Biology – This test is for a candidate who wants to pursue higher education in molecular or ecological biology. Undertaking the test reflects the candidate’s knowledge of evolution, diversity, micro-level biological concepts and other concepts. Furthermore, the SAT exam tests candidates on subject knowledge about the application processes, fundamental concepts and interpretation skills.
SAT Physics Subject Test – This test evaluates a candidate’s knowledge and grasp of the major concepts of physics. It also reflects the expertise over lab derived skills in the field of reasoning and the ability to solve multiple and single concept problems. The table below represents the syllabus and exam details under the SAT Science subject exam.
| Biology E/M |
|
|
| Chemistry |
|
|
| Physics |
|
|
Explore all countries
Languages
The candidates opting to study abroad need to appear for this SAT Language Test to highlight their understanding and skill of a particular language through speaking and writing methods. This exam lasts for 60 minutes, where 20 minutes are allotted for listening and 40 minutes for reading questions. The table below comprises the languages for the candidates to appear.
| French / Spanish / Spanish with Listening |
|
|
| Italian / French / Chinese with Listening |
|
|
| Modern Hebrew / German / German with Listening | Listening Section –
|
|
| Latin / Japanese / Korean with Listening | Listening Section –
|
|
History
Interested candidates appear for SAT History subject test to highlight their knowledge and grasp of history since pre-Columbian times. The candidates must also possess a good understanding of ongoing developments worldwide since ancient times.
| US History |
|
|
| World History |
|
|
Important SAT Test Dates
The table below consists of important dates for registration and deadlines for applying for the SAT subject exam.
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, and Late Registration |
| 7 May 2022 | 8 April 2022 | 26 April 2022 |
| 4 June 2022 | 5 May 2022 | 25 May 2022 |
SAT Subject Test Cost
To apply for the SAT subject exam a registration fee of $26 is charged for one test date. An individual can give three subject tests on the same date with $22 charged for each subject, excluding the Language tests and listening. The students residing in South and Central Asia are charged an additional fee of $49. Furthermore, SAT subject scores can be sent to 4 colleges, but additional requests cost $12 per institution.
Conclusion
The SAT subject test primarily tests a candidate’s strength and expertise in a particular subject. Further, it tends to improve an individual’s credentials enrolling for in college or university. This test consists of 5 subjects distributed in a range of 20 multiple-choice tests taken by the College Board to test the candidate’s ability to solve subject-specific problems. It also reflects the knowledge and grasp of the major concepts of a particular subject that a candidate wishes to choose as a subject for higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What subject tests are there on SAT?
SAT primarily covers 5 generic subject areas: Mathematics, English, Science, Languages, and History. However, there are a total of 20 subject tests conducted in the 5 areas mentioned above.
2. How many times SAT 2 is conducted in a year?
The SAT 2, also known as SAT subject test, is conducted six times in an academic year.
3. Are Subject Tests necessary?
No, subject tests are not a mandate but can be submitted to demonstrate the areas of strength or interest. Since it is not mandatory, applicants have the choice of deciding which subject tests they wish to appear for.
4. Is one month enough to prepare for SAT Subject Test?
No, it is not possible to study and prepare for the SAT in a month. It is recommended that students invest a minimum of two to three months and spend at least 10 to 20 hours per week.
Have Questions? Get Guidance to reach your Dream University
Connect with India's finest counsellors and biggest study abroad community.
Get Guidance