Which SAT Subject Test Are You?
Top universities still expect two competitive SAT subject test scores, and now is the time to start thinking about whether your sophomore or junior (and a few of your freshman) should be taking an SAT subject test on May 2nd, June 6th or August 29th. Take our quiz from your child’s perspective and see which SAT subject tests might be the right fit!
The SAT Math Level II is by far our most popular SAT Subject Test, even for those students who don’t think they are good at math. Why? Because the calculator does a lot of work for you, the curve is very forgiving, and, post-SAT/ACT, the strategies are already in place. For those who won’t be done with Precalculus by the end of 11th grade, the SAT Math I is an option, but fewer students pick that test.
When choosing one of the three SAT Subject science tests, loving the content and doing well in your course is important. However, we recommend students carefully assess how much their courses cover and consider the curve and their experience as testers. Chemistry is popular for our 10th graders (and 11th graders doing Advanced or AP Chemistry) and Physics and Bio for our juniors. A handful of 9th graders should be prepping for the SAT Biology, but going up against juniors testing isn’t easy, so only our most confident Biology students fare well in 9th grade.
We like that the SAT Literature isn’t really content-specific (students read poems, plays, and fiction and answer multiple-choice questions about them), but we don’t love the curve or how some of the material is inscrutable. For those who are doing well in AP Literature, we recommend considering the SAT Literature since there really is a lot of overlap. If you are a lover of literature, this is the test for you—otherwise, best to skip!
For lovers of facts who have a knack for logical inferences, the SAT US (and maybe even the SAT World) is a good option. Unlike the AP history exams, though, the subject tests are all multiple-choice, which means those who shine on history essays don’t always fare well. Although the occasional student is well-suited for the SAT World History, most of our history buffs go for the US (most kids take US in 11th grade, US history is shorter and more focused). Interested in a history subject test? Get ready to cram those facts.
Our Latin buffs often test at the end of 10th grade (since the AP Latin doesn’t help much with the SAT Latin!), and our French/Spanish aficionados are choosing between the tests with listening (only offered in November!) or without listening. They also know that native speakers do take these tests (though colleges are looking for non-native speakers to ace them!), which means the curves are tougher. Please also note that the Latin is only offered twice per year (December & June).
Unsure which SAT subject tests your child should consider? Ready to schedule diagnostics for spring break? Email us at director@tutorassociates.com to book a time to discuss diagnostic testing and program planning for your child’s SAT subject test program.
