The following background information about the SAT Subject Tests is important to keep in mind as you get ready to prep for the SAT Subject Test: Physics. Remember, though, that sometimes the test makers change the test policies after a book has gone to press. The information here is accurate at the time of publication, but it’s a good idea to check the test information on the College Board website at www.collegeboard.org.
Known until 1994 as the College Board Achievement Tests and until 2004 as the SAT IIs, the SAT Subject Tests focus on specific disciplines: English, U.S. History, World History, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and many foreign languages. Each test lasts one hour and consists entirely of multiple-choice questions. On any one test date, you can take up to three Subject Tests.
The SAT is largely a test of verbal and math skills. True, you need to know some vocabulary and some formulas for the SAT; but it’s designed to measure how well you read and think rather than how much you remember. The SAT Subject Tests are very different. They’re designed to measure what you know about specific disciplines. Sure, critical reading and thinking skills play a part on these tests, but their main purpose is to determine exactly what you know about math, history, physics, and so on.
Many people will tell you that the SAT and the Subject Tests measure only your ability to perform on standardized exams—that they measure neither your reading and thinking skills nor your level of knowledge. Maybe they’re right. But these people don’t work for colleges. Those schools that require SAT scores feel that these scores are an important indicator of your ability to succeed in college. Specifically, they use your scores in one or both of two ways: to help them make admissions and/or placement decisions.
Like the SAT, the SAT Subject Tests provide schools with a standard measure of academic aptitude, which they use to compare you with applicants from different high schools and different educational backgrounds. This information helps them to decide whether you’re ready to handle their curriculum.
SAT Subject Test scores may also be used to decide what course of study is appropriate for you once you’ve been admitted. A low score on the SAT Subject Test: Literature, for example, might mean that you have to take a remedial English course. Conversely, a high score on the SAT Subject Test: Mathematics might mean that you’ll be exempted from an introductory math course.
The simple answer is: Those that you’ll do well on. High scores, after all, can only help your chances for admission. Unfortunately, many colleges demand that you take particular tests, usually one of the mathematics tests. Some schools will give you a degree of choice in the matter, especially if they want you to take a total of three tests. Before you register to take any tests, therefore, check with the colleges you’re interested in to find out exactly which tests they require. Don’t rely on high school guidance counselors or admissions handbooks for this information. They might not give you accurate or current information.
Most of the SAT Subject Tests, including physics, are administered six times a year: in October, November, December, January, May, and June. A few of the tests are offered less frequently. Due to admissions deadlines, many colleges insist that you take the SAT Subject Tests no later than December or January of your senior year in high school. You may even have to take them sooner if you’re interested in applying for “early admission” to a school. Those schools that use scores only for placement decisions may allow you to take the SAT Subject Tests as late as May or June of your senior year. You should check with colleges to find out which test dates are most appropriate for you.
The College Board administers the SAT Subject Tests, so you must sign up for the tests with them. The easiest way to register is online. Visit the College Board’s website at www.collegeboard.org for registration information. If you register online, you immediately get to choose your test date and test center, and you have 24-hour access to print your admission ticket. You’ll need access to a credit card to complete online registration.
If you would prefer to register by mail, you must obtain a copy of the Student Registration Guide for the SAT and SAT Subject Tests. This publication contains all of the necessary information, including current test dates and fees. It can be obtained at any high school guidance office or directly from the College Board.
If you have previously registered for an SAT or SAT Subject Test, you can reregister by telephone for an additional fee ($15 at the time of this printing). If you choose this option, you should still read the College Board publications carefully before you make any decisions.
The SAT Subject Tests are scored on a 200–800 scale.
That’s tricky. The obvious answer is: The score that the colleges of your choice demand. Keep in mind, though, that SAT Subject Test scores are just one piece of information that colleges will use to evaluate you. The decision to accept or reject you will be based on many criteria, including your high school transcript, your SAT scores, your recommendations, your personal statement, your interview (where applicable), your extracurricular activities, and the like. So, failure to achieve the necessary score doesn’t automatically mean that your chances of getting in have been damaged. If you really want a numerical benchmark, a score of 600 is considered very solid.
It’s a good idea to get your test materials together the day before the tests. You’ll need an admission ticket; a form of identification (check the Registration Guide or College Board website to find out what is permissible); a few sharpened No. 2 pencils; and a good eraser. (Note that calculators are not allowed on any of the SAT Subject Tests except for Math Level 1 and Math Level 2.) Also, make sure that you know how to get to the test center.