Among competitive colleges, the lesser known SAT Subject Tests (formerly known as SAT II) constitute important facets of applications. Many of the nation’s elite schools – including Cornell, Duke, Harvard, and Yale – require students take up to three SAT Subject Tests. While the SAT’s importance evaporates after admittance, performance on the subject tests has lasting implications for college placement.

Unlike the SAT Reasoning Test, the subject tests measure specific knowledge in one of five academic areas: English, history, math, science, and foreign language. The tests are scored on a scale of 200-800 and last for one hour.

It would be unfavorable to overlook the importance of these tests. Numerous studies have indicated that the SAT subject tests are the most accurate predictors of future academic success. A University of California statewide report actually recommended that all California institutions use the tests. Dean of Admissions at Harvard University William Fitzsimmons noted that the subject tests, “have been better predictors than either high school grades or the SAT” in gauging academic success at Harvard.

It is not surprising, then, that the tests are used for placement once in college. Students who do well on the Subject Tests move past remedial requirements and into more advanced classes. Some even earn college credit for adequate Subject Test scores – much like AP classes – and go on to graduate a semester or two early. For students considering some form of graduate work, taking more challenging courses in college by bypassing the introductory requirements can bolster the college transcript and increase chances of admission into law school, medical school, or other graduate undertakings.

Yvonne, Coral Springs Master Tutor

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