How Many Sat Subject Tests Must You Take?
Hi everbody! I was just wondering how many SAT tests you must take before you apply to a college. Correct me if I’m wrong, you must take a math test, a english test and then write a essay?
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Okay – so colleges want two things from you: the SAT I and the SAT II. You talked about a math test, an English test, and an essay, and what you’re talking about is the SAT I; unfortunately, that’s the basic SAT test, not a subject test.
The SAT I is composed of three parts – Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing. The Reading test is the “English” one; you read passages and answer multiple choice questions. Mathematics is similar. The Writing test will include multiple choice questions on grammar, and then a 25 minute essay. In total, the entire SAT I amounts to approximately four hours. Each section is out of 800 points, with a grand total of 2400. You MUST take this before you apply for any college or university in America!
As far as test scores for the SAT I go, this is varied, depending on where you want to go. “Ivy League” level colleges will want at least a 2250; good private colleges want somewhere above a 2000 total. State colleges generally want above 1800 (although “better” state colleges will have higher standards). This should give you a measure of what you’re aiming for.
The SAT II are SAT subject tests. These are smaller, 60 minute tests on specific subjects that are out of a total of 800 points. Most good to average level colleges will want one subject test (at varying test scores), while top-tier Ivy League level colleges will want two or more at 700 or above.
With SAT IIs, play your strengths, and align them with your higher-level courses. If you’re taking AP US History ever, then take the SAT II US History the same year. If you’re good at literature, then take the SAT II Literature test. Try to take at least one at a minimum, two if you can, and more if you’re up for it.
Also, if you’re applying for a particular course or to a particular higher-level college, you will want to check with them as to if there are any required SAT IIs. Some colleges will want the Math II Subject Test, and some medical programs may require the Biology Subject Test; it’s always a good idea to go and check their website.
Hopefully this was helpful. =]
Actually, you might not ever have to take an SAT subject test. It really depends on the colleges that you want to apply to. Check their requirements. Some colleges strongly Suggest that you take a math and another subject, others require it, and some colleges might not even bother asking you. It all depends on what college you are most interested in. The rule of thumb is that the more competitive the college you’re applying to is, the more they want to see SAT subject tests. If you decide to take the SAT subject tests, first look at the college websites to see what they want. It’s always best to take tests in different subjects, for example a science, a math, and maybe lit or history. Three is usually a good number of tests to take.
Though, from the way you ask your question, it sounds like your describing the SAT reasoning test. On that, you will have math sections, critical reading sections, as well as an essay.
Good luck with your endeavors.
For the SAT I, there are three sections: Math, Critical Reading, and Writing, and yes, writing includes an essay. =(
Most colleges don’t REQUIRE SAT II subject tests, but you should still take them. A lot of kids do, and taking them and doing well will help you remain competitive. Taking 3 subject tests is suggested. You can pick from a great variety of subject tests, including, but not limited to, Physics, Biology, Literature, Math (level 1 and 2), Languages, United States History… You do not have to take Math and Literature if you don’t want to, and I’m pretty sure none of the subject tests includes an essay. If I were you, I’d pick my three best subjects or three that are pertinent to what I want to be when I grow up and take the exams immediately after I finish the class.
It depends on the college:
Some say you do not need to take the SAT Subject Tests at all, others will want two SAT Subject Tests, and really competitive schools like the Ivies will want three SAT Subject Tests.
There is no “recommended” test order to take for the SAT II Subject Tests. You can take any combination of the required amount of SAT II Subjected Tests. For example, if you need to take 2 of the subject tests, you can take Math II and Biology, or Chemistry and History. However, some colleges have a required SAT II Test that you must take. Often this is the Math test. (Take Math II to be safe, some colleges do not accept Math I)
To be absolutely certain on what to take, go to the homepage of your desired college. Go into the admissions section, and they’ll have it all laid out for you. What/How many SAT II Tests to take.
Good Luck.
Most colleges require 2 or 3 SAT scores. It’s best to take three, including a math test.