About the SAT Subject Tests
Subject Tests (formerly SAT II: Subject Tests) are designed to measure your knowledge and skills in particular subject areas, as well as your ability to apply that knowledge.
Students take the Subject Tests to demonstrate to colleges their mastery of specific subjects like English, history, mathematics, science, and language. The tests are independent of any particular textbook or method of instruction. The tests' content evolves to reflect current trends in high school curricula, but the types of questions change little from year to year.
Many colleges use the Subject Tests for admission, for course placement, and to advise students about course selection. Used in combination with other background information (your high school record, scores from other tests like the SAT Reasoning Test, teacher recommendations, etc.), they provide a dependable measure of your academic achievement and are a good predictor of future performance.
Some colleges specify the Subject Tests they require for admission or placement; others allow applicants to choose which tests to take. Some colleges require one or more SAT Subject tests, but even if they aren't required, SAT Subject tests scores can help you present a more personalized portfolio that illustrates how well you would fit at a particular school. Most colleges use SAT Subject scores not for admission purposes but for program placement and counseling. SAT Subject tests are given on a slightly different schedule from the SAT I. Generally, SAT Subject tests are one hour long and consist of multiple choice questions.
Subject Tests fall into four general subject areas:
English
Literature
History and Social Studies
U.S. History (formerly American History and Social Studies)
World History
Mathematics
Math Level I (most schools will not consider this)
Math Level II
Science
Biology E/M
Chemistry
Physics