Ever wondered what SAT Subject Tests were and how they figured into the college admissions process? These one-hour, multiple-choice exams were once the way students demonstrated their knowledge in specific subjects: languages, humanities, history-social science, mathematics, and sciences. These exams complemented the widely recognized SAT. Commonly referred to in the past as Achievement Tests or SAT II, they played an important part in the education system for years. In 2021, the College Board abolished the SAT Subject Tests, in efforts to relieve student workload, due to changes colleges, themselves, as well as the applicant were transitioning towards within the higher education admissions space. But why were they so significant, and how did they differ from the general SAT or the Digital SAT? Keep reading to uncover their purpose, history, and lasting impact in this article. 

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What Are SAT Subject Tests?

If you are wondering about What is a Subject test for SAT? Then you must know, the SAT Subject Tests were one of the most important components of the whole SAT sections. These tests were discontinued in 2021. The SAT Subject Tests were divided into five main categories: Math, Science, English, History, and Languages, with a total of 20 available exams. Many colleges utilized these tests for various purposes, including admissions, course placement, and advising students on course selection. In some cases, submitting Subject Test scores was mandatory for specific programs or courses. 

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Understand Full List of SAT Subject Tests

For students before 2021, SAT Subject Tests comprised 20 exams divided into five major subjects namely; Math, Science, English, History, and Languages. These tests offered students a chance to demonstrate their fluency in specific areas, with each category having several subject options. Now, let's find about the individual SAT Subject Tests: 

Math

The Math Subject Tests were given at two different levels: Math Level 1 and Math Level 2. Math Level 1 included topics like algebra, linear equations, and simple geometry, whereas Math Level 2 included higher-level topics like trigonometry, precalculus, and advanced algebra.

Science

Science Subject Tests consisted of tests in Biology (Ecological or Molecular), Chemistry, and Physics. These enabled students to demonstrate their knowledge of fundamental scientific concepts and prepare for advanced courses in college.

English

The English Subject Test was designed to test a student's knowledge of literature, including the ability to analyze passages and identify literary devices. The test focused on grammar, syntax, and reading comprehension.

History

History tests were conducted in U.S. History and World History, where the content was political movements, historical events, and cultural developments. The tests evaluated the student's ability to understand and contextualize historical events within broader global frameworks.

Languages

The Language Subject Tests were offered in a wide range of languages, including Spanish, French, German, Latin, and others. It measured how well one understood reading and listening comprehension. These tests gave the learners a chance to prove their competency in one or more foreign languages while some of them also included listening components that tested oral comprehension.

How Are the SAT Subject Tests Different from the Digital SAT?

After the discontinuation of SAT subject Tests in 2021, the SAT changes started to seem very evident with time and starting from 2024, the SAT Exam mode transitioned to a Digital SAT format. This is a Computer-adaptive format and is divided into two main sections – Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math. Each section is timed, with a total of three hours for the main sections. An optional Essay section adds another 50 minutes. Find more differences between the two below:

• Purpose: SAT Subject Tests were intended to assess a student's knowledge in the individual subjects, including math, science, English, history, and languages. Through these tests, students could exemplify their skills in certain areas. Meanwhile, the Digital SAT is an enhanced version of the traditional SAT in that it tests a student's ability to read, write, and do math, which altogether portrays college readiness.
• Test Format: The SAT Subject Tests were multiple choice exams, where each test was one hour long. Various subjects could be chosen and taken on different dates. The Digital SAT is a totally computer-based test with a shorter, adaptive test format that adjusts the difficulty level based on the student's performance while taking the test.
• Availability: SAT Subject Tests were available on particular test dates with a fixed list of subjects. A student could take up to three Subject Tests in one sitting. In contrast, the Digital SAT is a single, unitary test given throughout the year and around the world, where students need to concentrate only on a more general test that covers a range of academic skills.
• Score Reporting: SAT Subject Test scores were on a scale of 200 to 800 in the area of expertise. Students could opt for the selection of which test scores to send to colleges. The Digital SAT scoring system is different, and scores are sent back right away, with scaled scores for each section and far fewer subject-specific options.
• Scores: The scores from SAT Subject Tests were utilized by a few colleges to satisfy specific requirements for admissions, course placement, or advising. The Digital SAT is used as a standard tool for general college and university admissions and may also play a role in scholarship eligibility.

Scoring System for SAT Subject Tests

Earlier, each Subject Test was scored on a range of 200 to 800. You earn 1 point for each correct answer and lose ¼ point for each wrong one. This means you should never feel obligated to guess on every question, but guessing is always a good idea if you can eliminate two or three of the options.

While both tests were scored on a 200–800 scale, Subject Test scores cannot be meaningfully compared to general SAT scores because Subject Tests tend to be taken by a higher percent of higher-achieving students. For example, a 750 on the SAT Math Test would place you in the 99th percentile, but a 750 on the SAT Math Level 2 Subject Test would just place you at the 79th percentile. Similarly, for the SAT Chemistry Subject Test, a 750 only ranks at the 82nd percentile. See our guide to your SAT Subject Test scores. 

Difference between SAT Subject Tests and General SAT

The SAT Subject Tests and the General SAT had distinct purposes in college admissions. SAT Subject Tests focused on specific subjects like Math, Science, or Languages, allowing students to showcase expertise in a particular area through one-hour exams scored on a 200-800 scale. In contrast, the General SAT assessed overall college readiness with sections on Reading, Writing, and Math, scored on a 400-1600 scale. While some colleges required Subject Tests for specialized programs, they were discontinued in 2021, leaving the General SAT as the primary standardized test option.

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Are These SAT Subject Tests Still Available?

SAT Subject Tests, abolished in 2021, consisted of a broad range of subjects, such as sciences, U.S. and world history, and languages, including Latin, German, French, and Spanish, some with listening components. These tests helped students showcase their knowledge in various subjects, making them highlight their strengths to the colleges. It made college applications far more meaningful with the evidence of mastery of certain subjects and even though they're no longer a part of an application, remain crucial in the assessment process.

Conclusion 

In summary, SAT Subject Tests, therefore, presented students with a great opportunity to present strengths in specific areas of academics before 2021. However, now the era has changed with the newly formed Digital SAT Format which is far more accessible, easier and adaptive in nature, thereby allowing colleges to have an idea of your knowledge or aptitude in specific fields of study. 

However, even though most colleges do not require SAT Subject Tests anymore, good scores in these should be as many as possible, which will add significantly to your application if you are trying to get into very competitive schools or to programs that are highly specialized. Knowing the pattern and structure that has to be taken in the examination and preparation techniques, you will achieve excellent scores that express your abilities academically in clear terms. Proper planning and targeted preparation by you will set you apart from others in the process of admissions.