The SAT Subject Test, also known as the SAT 2, is a subject-focused exam consisting of 20 multiple-choice standardized tests offered by the College Board. The SAT Subject Test is taken by students to improve their credentials for university admissions in the US. It includes 20 multiple-choice questions and covers various subjects such as Mathematics, Science, English, History, and Languages. The test is no longer offered in the US and has been discontinued internationally since June 2021. Despite its discontinuation, understanding the SAT Subject Test can still help students prepare for future exams and improve their chances of admission to US colleges.
SAT Subject Test vs SAT
Here is difference between SAT and SAT subject test tabulated below:
| Parameters | SAT | SAT Subject Test |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Admissions and scholarships | Course placement and some program admissions |
| Duration | Around 3 hours (3 hours 50 minutes with essay) | 1 hour |
| Test Frequency | Offered 7 times a year | Offered 6 times a year |
| Test Availability | Reading, Mathematics, Writing and Language | Various subjects available, not all on each date |
| Number of Subjects | N/A | 20 subjects, one per test |
| Scoring Scale | 400-1600 scale | 200-800 scale |
| Penalty for Wrong Answers | No penalty for wrong answers | Fraction of a point deducted for wrong answers |
SAT Subject Tests 2023 (In Detail)
The SAT Subject Tests consist of 20 multiple-choice questions divided into the following subjects:
- SAT History
- SAT English
- SAT Languages
- SAT Science
- SAT Mathematics
SAT Subject Test 2023: History
The History subject test in the SAT Subject Tests is divided into various sections that cover different aspects of history. These sections include World History and US history.
World History:
- The world history syllabus include Global or Comparative History, Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, South and Southeast Asia, East Asia, and America.
- The test consists of a total of 95 multiple-choice questions and has a duration of 60 minutes.
- The score range for the History subject test is 200-800, reflecting the performance of the test taker in this particular subject area.
- It assesses the knowledge and understanding of historical events, civilizations, and developments across various regions and time periods.
US History:
The SAT Subject Test for US History covers a comprehensive syllabus that includes various aspects of American history.
- The syllabus encompasses Political History, Economic History, Social History, Intellectual and Cultural History, and Foreign Policy.
- The test consists of 90 multiple-choice questions, and test-takers are given 60 minutes to complete it.
- The scoring for the US History subject test ranges from 200 to 800 points, reflecting the individual’s performance and understanding of the subject matter.
- This test assesses knowledge and comprehension of significant events, developments, and themes in United States history, including political, economic, social, intellectual, cultural, and foreign policy aspects.
SAT Subject Test 2023: English
The English subject test in the SAT Subject Tests focuses on both American literature and English literature.
- The syllabus includes topics such as American literature and English literature.
- The test consists of multiple-choice questions based on prose passages, primary excerpts from fiction, essays, poetry, and drama.
- There are a total of 60 multiple-choice questions, and test-takers have 60 minutes to complete the test.
- The score range for the English subject test is 200 to 800 points, reflecting the individual’s performance and understanding of the subject matter.
- This test assesses knowledge and interpretation of literary works, including their themes, styles, and literary techniques, both in American and English literature.
SAT Subject Test 2023: Language
The Language subject test in the SAT allows students to demonstrate proficiency in specific languages such as:
| French / Spanish / Spanish with Listening |
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| Italian / French / Chinese with Listening |
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| Modern Hebrew / German / German with Listening | Listening Section –
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| Latin / Japanese / Korean with Listening | Listening Section –
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SAT Subject Test 2023: Science
The Science subject test in the SAT is divided into several subjects, focusing on Chemistry.
Chemistry:
- The Chemistry syllabus includes topics such as the Structure of Matter, Reaction Types, Stoichiometry, Equilibrium and Reaction Rates, Thermochemistry, Laboratory Techniques, Descriptive Chemistry, and States of Matter.
- The test consists of 85 multiple-choice questions and has a duration of 60 minutes.
- The score range for the Science subject test is 200-800, reflecting the test-taker’s performance and understanding of Chemistry concepts.
- This test evaluates the knowledge and comprehension of fundamental principles, theories, and applications within the field of Chemistry.
Physics
- The Physics syllabus consists of topics such as Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Heat and Thermodynamics, Modern Physics, Waves and Optics, and Miscellaneous concepts.
- The test comprises 75 multiple-choice questions and has a duration of 60 minutes.
- The scoring range for the Science subject test is 200-800, indicating the test-taker’s performance and understanding of Physics principles.
- This test evaluates knowledge and comprehension of fundamental principles, theories, and applications within the field of Physics, including mechanics, electricity, magnetism, thermodynamics, optics, and modern physics concepts.
Ecological Biology/Molecular Biology
- The Science subject test in the SAT also covers Biology, with a syllabus that includes the following topics:
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Organismal Biology
- Evolution and Diversity
- The Biology subject test consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and has a duration of 60 minutes.
- The score range for the test is 200-800, reflecting the test-taker’s performance and understanding of biology concepts.
- This test assesses knowledge and comprehension of cellular and molecular biology, genetics, organismal biology, evolution, and diversity.
- It also evaluates the understanding of biological principles, processes, and their applications in living organisms.
SAT Subject Test 2023: Mathematics
The Mathematics subject test in the SAT is divided into two levels: Mathematics Level 1 and Mathematics Level 2.
The Mathematics Level 1
The Mathematics Level 1 test covers the following syllabus:
- Number and Operations
- Algebra and Functions
- Geometry and Measurement: Plane Euclidean, Coordinate, Three-dimensional, and Trigonometry
- Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability
The Mathematics Level 1 subject test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and has a duration of 60 minutes. The score range for the test is 200-800, reflecting the test-taker’s performance and understanding of mathematics concepts. This test assesses knowledge and comprehension of mathematical principles, operations, functions, geometry, measurement, data analysis, statistics, and probability.
The Mathematics Level 2
The Mathematics subject test in the SAT includes a Level 2 option, which covers a broader and more advanced syllabus. The Mathematics Level 2 test includes the following topics:
- Number and Operations
- Algebra and Functions
- Geometry and Measurement: Coordinate, Three-dimensional, and Trigonometry
- Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability
The Mathematics Level 2 subject test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and has a duration of 60 minutes. The score range for the test is 200-800, reflecting the test-taker’s performance and understanding of advanced mathematical concepts. This test assesses knowledge and comprehension of advanced principles and topics within mathematics, including number theory, algebraic functions, geometry, measurement, data analysis, statistics, and probability.
Average SAT Subject Score
Here are the the average Sat Subject Score for the following subjects tabulated below:
| SAT Subject | Average Score |
|---|---|
| Physics | 667 |
| Chemistry | 668 |
| Molecular Biology | 647 |
| Ecological Biology | 616 |
| Mathematics Level 1 | 599 |
| Mathematics Level 2 | 690 |
| US History | 620 |
| World History | 615 |
| Literature | 599 |
SAT Subject Test Fee
SAT subject test costs listed below:
| SAT Subject Test Fee | Fee in USD | In INR |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $26 | INR 2,113 |
| SAT Subject Test Fee per test | $22 | INR 1,788 |
| Language Test with Listening | $26 | INR 2,113 |
SAT Subject Test Dates
The dates for the SAT topic tests and the SAT general tests are nearly identical. The SAT Tests in Literature, Science, US History, and Math are offered on all exam days. On the other hand, the tests for language proficiency and world history are only given seldom. The table below indicates the SAT Subject Test schedule for 2023.
| SAT Test Date 2023 | Registration Deadline |
| Aug 26, 2023 | Paper: Jul 28, 2023
Digital: Aug 11, 2023 |
| Oct 7, 2023 | Paper: Sept 8, 2023
Digital: Sept 22, 2023 |
| Nov 4, 2023 | Paper: Oct 6, 2023
Digital: Oct 20, 2023 |
| Dec 2, 2023 | Paper: Nov 3, 2023
Digital: Nov 17, 2023 |
| Mar 9, 2024 | Feb 23, 2024 |
| May 4, 2024 | Apr 19, 2024 |
| June 1, 2024 | May 17, 2024 |
Best Book for SAT Subject Test
If you want to excel in the SAT, SAT books can be your invaluable tool. These books provide comprehensive guidance and include previous year’s papers for each subject. To ensure your success in the SAT test, here are some essential SAT books you should consider:
- SAT subject study guide(2020-2021 Edition)
- The College Board’s Official SAT Study Guide(2006)
- Kalli’s SAT Pattern Strategy
- McGraw Hill Education SAT Elite 2021 Edition
- Barron’s SAT, 29th Edition
- SAT Physics Subject Test