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Testmasters SAT Subject Test FAQs

1. What are the SAT Subject Tests?
2. Which SAT Subject Tests should I take?
3. Why do colleges require the SAT Subject Tests?
4. When should I take the SAT Subject Tests?
5. When are the SAT Subject Tests given?
6. How do I register for the SAT Subject Tests?
7. How much does it cost to take the SAT Subject Tests?
8. How long does it take to get my scores back?
9. What if I take the SAT Subject Tests and mess up?
10. What are good scores on the SAT Subject?
11. Does Testmasters offer SAT Subject Test preparation courses?
12. Why is Testmasters the best for SAT Subject Test preparation course?

1. What are the SAT Subject Tests?

   The SAT Subject Tests are a set of more than 20 different tests focusing on specific disciplines such as English, History and Social Sciences, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Foreign Languages. Each Subject Test lasts one hour and consists entirely of multiple-choice questions.

2. Which SAT Subject Tests should I take?

   Before deciding which Subject Tests to take, determine which tests are required by the colleges that interest you. You should also evaluate your strength in various subjects, and based on your aptitude, decide on the Subject Tests you want to take; these are the tests that you should score high on, thereby increasing your chances of admission. You should also
   try to show your knowledge in diverse subjects rather than similar subjects. This will show the colleges that you are a well rounded student. It is never a good idea to take a test that covers a subject you do not feel confident about.

3. Why do colleges require the SAT Subject Tests?

   The Subject Tests demonstrate your interest, knowledge, and skill specific to the subjects that you are testing for. The SAT Subject Tests are standardized; they are used to compare your knowledge of that subject with that of high school students nationwide. The grades you get in your high school curriculum cannot offer such a measurement to colleges because some high schools are more difficult than others, and the grading standards vary based on the schools. Students of equal ability might receive different grades, even in classes with a relatively similar curriculum. Colleges sometimes use SAT Subject Tests to determine placement. If you do very well on a specific Subject Test, you might be exempted from a basic class in that subject. It is a good idea to find out whether the colleges you are applying to use the SAT Subject Tests for this purpose.

4. When should I take the SAT Subject Tests?

   The best time to take an SAT Subject Test is right after you have finished a year-long class in that subject. For example, if you take Biology in 11th grade, then you should take the Biology Subject Test near the end of that year, when the material is still fresh in your mind. However, this rule does not apply for the Literature, and Foreign Language Subject Tests; it is best to take those after you have had as much study in the area as possible. You should also use your list of preferred colleges and their admission requirements to help plan your high school course schedule. You may want to adjust your schedule based on the requirements.

5. When are the SAT Subject Tests given?

   A comprehensive list of when the Subject Tests are administered can be found at the College Board website.

6. How do I register for the SAT Subject Tests?

   There are two ways to register for the SAT Subject Tests: online or by mail. To register online, visit www.collegeboard.com. To register by mail, fill out and send in the forms enclosed in the Registration Bulletin (available at your school’s guidance counselor’s office). You can also request a copy of the Registration Bulletin by calling College Board at (609) 771-7600 or writing to:

   College Board SAT Program
   P.O. Box 6200
   Princeton, NJ 08541 – 6200

   You can register to take up to three SAT Subject Tests for any given testing day.

7. How much does it cost to take the SAT Subject Tests?

   The fees associated with the Subject Tests can be found here.

8. How long does it take to get my scores back?

   The scores are usually mailed out 4-6 weeks after you take the test. You may also look up your scores online through the College Board website two weeks after your exam at www.collegeboard.com.

9. What if I take the SAT Subject Tests and mess up?

   You can cancel your score if you do not feel confident. If you decide to cancel the scores, then you must cancel ALL scores for that test date. To cancel a score at the test center, ask the supervisor for a Request to Cancel Test Scores Form, complete it, and return it to the supervisor before leaving the room. If you erase all responses to an individual Subject Test, it will be considered a request for cancellation, and scores from all tests taken on the test date will be canceled.

10. What are good scores on the SAT Subject?

    Bellow is a list of the most commonly taken SAT Subject Tests and the average scaled score on each Subject Test. If you feel that you can score above the national average (50 points or more), taking the test will strengthen your college application. Please note that if you are planning to attend an elite school, you will have to score significantly higher than the national average. It is always a good idea to call the schools that interest you or talk to a guidance counselor to get a more precise idea of what score you should be shooting for. The following are the average Subject Test Scores for 2005 College-bound seniors:

    Test	Average Score
    Literature	589
    United States History	599
    World History	590
    Math Level 1	586
    Math Level 2	670
    Biology – Ecological	595
    Biology – Molecular	627
    Chemistry	628
    Physics	652
    Chinese with Listening	758
    French	620
    French with Listening	629
    German	613
    German with Listening	631
    Modern Hebrew	619
    Italian	663
    Japanese with Listening	687
    Korean with Listening	752
    Latin	618
    Spanish	636
    Spanish with Listening	635
    **All scores are on a scale of 200 – 800.

11. Does Testmasters offer SAT Subject Test preparation courses?

    Yes, we offer courses in the following Subject Tests:

    • Math Level I
    • Math Level II
    • Biology
    • Physics
    • Chemistry

    Please call us at (281) 276-7777 for more information.

12. Why is Testmasters the best for SAT Subject Test preparation course?

    • Testmasters SAT Subject Courses offer an intensive program with 4 classes of 3 hours each (12 hours). Testmasters Courses offer unique and highly effective strategies not taught anywhere else, by highly experienced, dynamic instructors.
    • Highest Score Increase Guarantee – if you do not improve by at least 100 points, then you can take the next available course for that subject free of charge.
    • All exams administered in class are official College Board SAT Subject Test Practice Exams.
    • Course materials include our Testmasters SAT Subject Manual with tricks and tips to do well on the SAT Subject Tests (Specific to the Subject you are preparing for).