SAT Subject Tests

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SAT Subject Tests
Achievement Tests 1971-1972 booklet cover.jpg
Cover of booklet describing, and giving sample questions for, each of the tests offered
TypePaper-based standardized exam
Developer / administrator College Board
PurposeAdmission to undergraduate programs of universities and colleges
Year startedc. 1950
Year terminated2021
DurationOne hour
Score / grade range200 to 800
Countries / regions United States
Languages English

SAT Subject Tests were a set of multiple-choice standardized tests given by The College Board on individual topics, typically taken to improve a student's credentials for college admissions in the United States. For most of their existence, from their introduction in 1937 until 1994, the SAT Subject Tests were known as Achievement Tests, and until January 2005, they were known as SAT II: Subject Tests. They are still commonly known by these names. Unlike the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) that the College Board offers, which are intended to measure general aptitude for academic studies, the Achievement Tests are intended to measure the level of knowledge and understanding in a variety of specific subjects. Like the SAT, the scores for an Achievement Test range from 200 (lowest) to 800 (highest).

Contents

Many colleges used the SAT Subject Tests for admission, course placement, and to advise students about course selection. Achievement tests were generally only required by the most selective of colleges. [1] Some of those colleges named one or more specific Achievement Tests that they required for admission, while others allowed applicants to choose which tests to take. Students typically chose which tests to take depending upon college entrance requirements for the schools to which they planned to apply.

Fewer students took achievement tests compared to the SAT. In 1976, for instance, there were 300,000 taking one or more achievement tests, while 1.4 million took the SAT. [2] Rates of taking the tests varied by geography; in 1974, for instance, a half of students taking the SAT in New England also took one or more achievement tests, while nationwide only a quarter did. [3] The number of achievement tests offered varied over time. [4] [2] Subjects were dropped or added based on educational changes and demand. In the early 1990s, for instance, Asian languages were added so as not to disadvantage Asian-American students, especially on the West Coast. [1]

On January 19, 2021, the College Board discontinued Subject Tests. This was effective immediately in the United States, and the tests were to be phased out by the following summer for international students. [5]

Tests in the 2010s

There were 20 different tests in 2020, the last year in which subject tests were offered, 12 of them in foreign languages. Examinees were required to bring an acceptable calculator to take the Mathematics tests (calculators were not permitted on any other test) and a CD player to take the language with listening tests. [6] [7] [8]

TestSubject Mean score (2016) [9] Standard deviation (2016) [9] Number of students (2016) [9] Notes
SAT Subject Test in Literature Literature 59912257,761
SAT Subject Test in United States History U.S. History 62411566,967Formerly American History and Social Studies
SAT Subject Test in World History World History 61510915,542Formerly European History and World Cultures
SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 1 Mathematics 59911666,058Formerly Math I or IC. Basic algebra and geometry such as monomials, polynomials, and the Pythagorean theorem were assessed in the beginning of the exam before progressing into basic trigonometry, algebraic functions, elementary statistics and a few miscellaneous topics. [10]
SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2 Mathematics 690101145,140Formerly Math II or IIC. Consisted of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, functions, statistics and a few miscellaneous topics. 20% of all test takers reportedly attained the highest score, 800. [11]
SAT Subject Test in Biology E/M Biology 616 (E)

647 (M)

114 (E)

110 (M)

72,196 in total,
31,965 (E)
40,231 (M)		Students had a choice of taking either an ecological ("E") or molecular ("M") biology oriented test.
SAT Subject Test in Chemistry Chemistry 66810471,173
SAT Subject Test in Physics Physics 66710456,751
SAT Subject Test in Chinese with Listening Chinese 761664,925
SAT Subject Test in French French 6341216,800
SAT Subject Test in French with Listening French 6641131,533
SAT Subject Test in German German 636124621
SAT Subject Test in German with Listening German 629121479
SAT Subject Test in Modern Hebrew Modern Hebrew 614145344
SAT Subject Test in Italian Italian 677114488
SAT Subject Test in Japanese with Listening Japanese 7041161,317
SAT Subject Test in Korean with Listening Korean 764641,891
SAT Subject Test in Latin Latin 6321092,483
SAT Subject Test in Spanish with Listening Spanish 6601082,914

Every test was a one-hour timed test. Historically, the exception to the one-hour time was the writing test, which was divided into a 20-minute essay question and a 40-minute multiple-choice section. The writing test was discontinued in January 2005.

Tests discontinued earlier

These were discontinued after January 2005 when the SAT II in Writing was incorporated into the SAT.

Tests in the 1970s

There were 17 different tests for the 1971–1972 school year: [4] [12]

TestMean scoreNotes
Achievement Test in American History and Social Studies 486
Achievement Test in Biology 524
Achievement Test in Chemistry 575
Achievement Test in English Composition 512sometimes had an essay component
Achievement Test in European History and World Cultures 520
Achievement Test in French524/539offered with listening component on some testing dates
Achievement Test in German525/534offered with listening component on some testing dates
Greek Achievement Testclassical language (offered by arrangement)
Achievement Test in Hebrew573modern language
Achievement Test in Italian542always offered with listening component
Achievement Test in Latin520classical language
Achievement Test in Literature 523
Achievement Test in Mathematics Level I 543for students with three years of college preparatory math
Achievement Test in Mathematics Level II 668for students with four or more years of modern college preparatory math
Achievement Test in Physics 587
Achievement Test in Russian531always offered with listening component
Achievement Test in Spanish 513/526offered with listening component on some testing dates

Scoring and admissions

Each test was scored on a scale of 200 to 800; however, on some tests, it was impossible to get a 200. For example, if someone got every question wrong on the Mathematics Level 2 test, they could receive a score of 310, depending on the test-specific curve. [13] An exception was the ELPT, which was scored on a scale of 901 to 999. In addition, the foreign language tests that had both reading and listening components gave subscores for each in the 20 to 80 range.

Prior to the first administration of the new SAT Reasoning Test (which included the writing section) in March 2005, some highly selective colleges required applicants to take three SAT Subject Tests, including the writing test and two other tests of the applicant's choosing, in addition to the SAT. However, when writing became a standard component of the SAT Reasoning Test, most selective colleges recommended applicants submit scores for any two SAT Subject Tests. Engineering schools might recommend or require Chemistry or Physics and Math Level 2. [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] No schools required three Subject Tests and Georgetown was the only remaining school to 'strongly recommend' taking three Subject Tests. [19]

The California Institute of Technology, which previously required subject tests, no longer required or considered them as of 2020. [20]

Schools also varied with regard to their SAT Subject Test requirements of students submitting scores for the ACT in place of the SAT: some schools considered the ACT an alternative to both the SAT and some SAT Subject Tests, whereas others accepted the ACT but required SAT Subject Tests as well. Information about a school's specific test requirements could typically be found on its official website.

In October 2002, the College Board decided to drop the "Score Choice" option for exams, due to the fact that it disproportionately benefited wealthier students taking the exam who could afford to take it multiple times. Score Choice meant that scores were not released to colleges until the student approved the score after seeing it. [21] However, the "Score Choice" option was reinstated as of the March 2009 test, allowing test takers to again choose whether or not to send scores. [22]

Answer sheet

The answer sheet had room for 115 answers; however, no test had more than 95 questions. 1–100 were standard multiple-choice bubbles and 101–115 were for 'relationship analysis questions', which were only used for the chemistry exam. The biology test was the only test to use answers 96–100; questions 1–60 were common to both the E and M tests, in addition, the E used 61–80, and the M used 81–100.

Discontinuation

The subject tests and the optional SAT essay were discontinued on January 19, 2021, for U.S. students and in June 2021 for international students. This was done as a response to changes in college admissions due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education. [23] The discontinuation was also due to preference for Advanced Placement courses and its exams. [24]

See also

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The SAT Subject Test in Chemistry was a one-hour multiple choice test given on chemistry by The College Board. A student chose whether to take the test depending upon college entrance requirements for the schools in which the student was planning to apply. Until 1994, the SAT Subject Tests were known as Achievement Tests; until January 2005, they were known as SAT 2s; they are still well known by the latter name. On January 19 2021, the College Board discontinued all SAT Subject tests, including the SAT Subject Test in Chemistry. This was effective immediately in the United States, and the tests were to be phased out by the following summer for international students. This was done as a response to changes in college admissions due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education.

The SAT Subject Test in United States History was the name of a one-hour multiple choice test given on United States History by The College Board. A student chose whether to take the test depending upon college entrance requirements for the schools in which the student is planning to apply. Until 1994, the SAT Subject Tests were known as Achievement Tests; and from 1995 until January 2005, they were known as SAT IIs. Of all SAT subject tests, United States History was taken the second most, with 119,903 administrations in 2009. On January 19, 2021, the College Board discontinued all SAT Subject tests, including the SAT Subject Test in United States History. This was effective immediately in the United States, and the tests were to be phased out by the following summer for international students. This was done as a response to changes in college admissions due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education.

The English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) was the name of a SAT II last administered in January 2005. It was a one-hour multiple choice test given on English language proficiency by The College Board. A student whose native language was not English could have chosen to take this test instead of or in addition to Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for college entrance depending upon requirements of the schools in which the student was planning to apply. Until 1994, the SAT II's were known as Achievement Tests. The ELPT assessed both the understanding of spoken and written standard American English and the ability to function in a classroom where English is spoken. The test was intended for students whose best language was not English; who attend U.S. high schools, or who had studied in an international school where courses were taught in English; had completed two to four years of English language instruction in an English as a Second Language program or in English enrichment courses; and/or students who spoke a language other than English at home or work. It was scored on a scale of 901 to 999

In the U.S., the SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2, was a one-hour multiple choice test. The questions covered a broad range of topics. Approximately 10-14% of questions focused on numbers and operations, 48-52% focused on algebra and functions, 28-32% focused on geometry, and 8-12% focused on data analysis, statistics and probability. Compared to Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 was more advanced. Whereas the Mathematics 1 test covered Algebra II and basic trigonometry, a pre-calculus class was good preparation for Mathematics 2. On January 19, 2021, the College Board discontinued all SAT Subject tests, including the SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2. This was effective immediately in the United States, and the tests were to be phased out by the following summer for international students. This was done as a response to changes in college admissions due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education.

The SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 1 was the name of a one-hour multiple choice test given on algebra, geometry, basic trigonometry, algebraic functions, elementary statistics and basic foundations of calculus by The College Board. A student chose whether to take the test depending upon college entrance requirements for the schools in which the student is planning to apply. Until 1994, the SAT Subject Tests were known as Achievement Tests; and from 1995 until January 2005, they were known as SAT IIs. Mathematics Level 1 was taken 109,048 times in 2006. The SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2 covered more advanced content.

Generally you need to have completed a semester of a pre-calculus class with a solid “B” or better to feel comfortable on the Math 1, whereas the content of the Math 2 test extends through Algebra II and basic trigonometry, precalculus, and basic calculus.

The SAT Subject Test in Physics, Physics SAT II, or simply the Physics SAT, was a one-hour multiple choice test on physics administered by the College Board in the United States. A high school student generally chose to take the test to fulfill college entrance requirements for the schools at which the student was planning to apply. Until 1994, the SAT Subject Tests were known as Achievement Tests; until January 2005, they were known as SAT IIs; they are still well known by this name.

The SAT Subject Test in Biology was the name of a one-hour multiple choice test given on biology by the College Board. A student chose whether to take the test depending upon college entrance requirements for the schools in which the student is planning to apply. Until 1994, the SAT Subject Tests were known as Achievement Tests; and from 1995 until January 2005, they were known as SAT IIs. Of all SAT subject tests, the Biology E/M test was the only SAT II that allowed the test taker a choice between the ecological or molecular tests. A set of 60 questions was taken by all test takers for Biology and a choice of 20 questions was allowed between either the E or M tests. This test was graded on a scale between 200 and 800. The average for Molecular is 630 while Ecological is 591.

The SAT Subject Test in World History was the name of a one-hour multiple choice test given on World History by the College Board. A student chose to take it depending on a college's entrance requirements. Until 1994, the SAT Subject Tests were known as Achievement Tests; and from 1995 until January 2005, they were known as SAT IIs. The SAT World History was not taken frequently. Fewer than 17,000 students in 2015 took this test, compared to the over-110,000 students who took the United States History Subject Test. On January 19 2021, the College Board discontinued all SAT Subject tests, including the SAT Subject Test in World History. This was effective immediately in the United States, and the tests were to be phased out by the following summer for international students. This was done as a response to changes in college admissions due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education.

The SAT Subject Test in Literature was a one-hour multiple choice test given on English literature by The College Board. A student chose whether to take the test depending upon college entrance requirements for the schools in which the student is planning to apply. Until 1994, the SAT Subject Tests were known as Achievement Tests; and from 1995 until January 2005, they were known as SAT IIs. Of all SAT subject tests, Literature was taken the third most, with 119,180 administrations in 2008. On January 19 2021, the College Board discontinued all SAT Subject tests, including the SAT Subject Test in Literature. This was effective immediately in the United States, and the tests were to be phased out by the following summer for international students. This was done as a response to changes in college admissions due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education.

The SAT Subject Test in Spanish was a standardized test given by the College Board that assessed fluency in Spanish among high school students. It was typically taken after three to four years of studying the language, once the student had reached a significant level of understanding and competence in it. The test also partially emphasized preparation for AP Spanish and/or Spanish as a course in College. Passage selections were drawn from prose fiction, historical works, and newspaper and magazine articles, as well as advertisements, flyers and letters.

The SAT is a standardized test commonly used for the purpose of admission to colleges and universities in the United States. The test, owned by the College Board and originally developed by Carl Brigham, was first administered on June 23, 1926, to about 8,000 students. The test was introduced as a supplement to the College Board essay exams already in use for college admissions, but ease of administration of the SAT and other factors led to the discontinuation of the essay exams during World War II. The SAT has since gone through numerous changes in content, duration, scoring, and name; the test was taken by more than 1.9 million students in the graduating high school class of 2023.

The Achievement Test in English Composition, later SAT II: Writing, was a one-hour standardized test given on English composition by the College Entrance Examination Board as part of college admissions in the United States. A student chose whether to take the test depending upon the entrance requirements for the schools in which the student was planning to apply. Historically it was the most frequently taken of any of the College Board's Achievement Tests.

References

  1. 1 2 Gordon, Larry (November 1, 1990). "Major Changes Adopted in SAT College Exam". Los Angeles Times.
  2. 1 2 Daubenmier, Judy (October 10, 1976). "Many Like Idea of Essay Section in College SAT". The Cedar Rapids Gazette. p. 10A – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ↑ Worsham, James (November 20, 1974). "College Board scores up for Bay State, N.E. students". Boston Evening Globe. p. 41 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. 1 2 A Description of the College Board Achievement Tests 1971–1972. Princeton, New Jersey: College Entrance Examination Board. 1971. pp. 7, 59.
  5. ↑ Nick Anderson, College Board is scrapping SAT's optional essay and subject tests, The Washington Post (January 19, 2021).
  6. ↑ "Test Day Checklist" . Retrieved 8 June 2015.
  7. ↑ "Calculator Policy" . Retrieved 8 June 2015.
  8. ↑ "CD Player Guidance" . Retrieved 8 June 2015.
  9. 1 2 3 "SAT Subject Tests Percentile Ranks 2016 College-Bound Seniors" (PDF). The College Board . Retrieved 2017-05-07.
  10. ↑ "Math 1 - SAT Subject Test Math Level 1 Practice Questions". collegeboard.com.
  11. ↑ "Math 2 - SAT Subject Test Math Level 2 Practice Questions". collegeboard.com.
  12. ↑ Your College Board ATP Report. College Entrance Examination Board. 1971. pp. 10–11.
  13. ↑ Real SAT Subject Tests
  14. ↑ "Prospective Freshman FAQ". Berkeley Engineering. University of California – Berkeley. Retrieved 16 October 2013. Engineering applicants are also strongly encouraged to take the SAT Subject Test in Math Level 2 and a SAT Subject Test in science (Biology E.M., Chemistry or Physics) in order to be as competitive as possible.
  15. ↑ "Standardized Test Requirements & Policies". Carnegie Mellon University. Retrieved 16 October 2013. CIT: Carnegie Institute of Technology / Two SAT Subject Tests: Math Level I or II, Physics or Chemistry
  16. ↑ "Instructions & Preparation". Duke University. Retrieved 16 October 2013. Applicants to the Pratt School of Engineering who take the SAT must take one SAT Subject Test in Mathematics (level 1 or level 2). Applicants to the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences who take the SAT may take any two SAT Subject Tests.
  17. ↑ "Tests & Scores". Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Retrieved 16 October 2013. In addition, we require two SAT Subject Tests: one in math (level 1 or 2), and one in science (physics, chemistry, or biology e/m). We do not have a preference as to which science you take or which level math you take.
  18. ↑ "Stanford: FRESHMAN APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS, 2013 – 2014" (PDF). Stanford University. Retrieved 16 October 2013. SAT Subject Tests: ...Recommended but not required
  19. ↑ Safier, Rebecca (2 August 2018). "Complete List: Colleges That Require SAT Subject Tests". PrepScholar. Complete List: Colleges That Require SAT Subject Tests
  20. ↑ "Standardized Tests". www.admissions.caltech.edu. Caltech. Retrieved 2 February 2020.
  21. ↑ Schoenfeld, Jane (24 May 2002). "College board drops 'score choice' for SAT-II exams". St. Louis Business Journal.
  22. ↑ "Score Choice™: SAT Score-Reporting Policy". College Board.
  23. ↑ Aspegren, Elinor. "Adjusting to 'new realities' in admissions process, College Board eliminates SAT's optional essay and subject tests". USA TODAY.
  24. ↑ "College Board Will No Longer Offer SAT Subject Tests or SAT with Essay – College Board Blog". blog.collegeboard.org.
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