Chariot Learning
  • About
    • FAQ
    • Our Curriculum
    • Areas Chariot Learning Serves
  • Services
    • SAT & ACT Prep
    • SAT/ACT TestFlip
    • Academic Coaching
    • Subject Tutoring
    • Strategic Reading Club
    • Proctored Practice Tests
    • GRE Prep
    • College Essay Coaching
    • Roots2Words
  • Calendar
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Contact
June 29, 2018 by Mike Bergin

Are SAT Subject Tests Still Important for Admissions?

The College Board, generous to a fault, gives society far more than just the SAT. Not only does this venerable organization offer an entire suite of SAT-related assessments including the PSAT/NMSQT, but it also deploys an arsenal of academic subject tests. The AP exams with their related honors-level courses have changed the face of American secondary education, at least in those schools able to offer a wide range of AP classes. Running along a similar track with different destinations, however, are the SAT Subject Tests.

SAT Subject Tests address a variety of subjects: English, two levels of Math, two areas of History, three sciences, and lots of languages. The exams have been with us for decades in one form or another, yet they raise more questions today than ever. We know what these hour-long assessments test, when they are offered, and when students would be wise to take them. Unfortunately, nobody can definitively answer the most important question: should students applying to college even bother taking SAT Subject Tests?

Traditionally, SAT Subject Tests accompanied SAT or, to a lesser extent, ACT scores in college applications. Schools used to prefer three Subject Tests but have accepted two (usually one Math) ever since the College Board added multiple-choice grammar to the core SAT. Many schools also used to accept ACT scores in place of both SAT and Subject Test scores, though most of them eventually wised up to the fact that the ACT is no more a subject-based test than the SAT is.

Tradition has mostly fallen by the wayside as schools select the testing requirements that help them best reach their target populations. The SAT and ACT may still maintain influence in college admissions, but Subject Tests have never seemed so irrelevant. Every year, fewer colleges require, recommend, or even consider Subject Tests. Today, most applicants can safely skip Subject Tests without risking acceptance at any of their target schools.

Which students, then, should consider taking SAT Subject Tests?

HIGHLY COMPETITIVE
The toughest schools to get into often impose the steepest barriers to entry. Most Ivy League and equivalent schools still require, recommend, or at least consider SAT Subject Tests, usually related to stated field of study.

SPECIALIZED SCIENCE
A number of schools only require Subject Tests from students targeting specific programs, typically engineering or pre-med. In these cases, applicants are typically expected to submit Math Level 1 or 2 along with a science score.

SUBJECT STRONG
Many schools, from NYU to University of Rochester, offer Alternative admissions requirements, where two or three SAT Subject Tests can be substituted in place of either the SAT or ACT. Thus, students who excel in subjects in school but don’t see their skills translate to the equivalent SAT or ACT scores can use Subject Tests to establish their objective excellence.

HOMESCHOOLED
Some schools only ask for Subject Tests from homeschooled and other nontraditional applicants.
 
College search tools can be used to search and sort SAT Subject Test policies, but be advised that those policies change more rapidly these days than ever before. The declining number of schools using these tests may be reaching a critical mass. The SAT and ACT essays are quickly becoming obsolete. Without significant structural changes, the SAT Subject Tests are headed towards the same fate.

admissions Subject Tests

Previous articleFine-tuning FocusNext article Test Ready for Summer 2018
Mike Bergin
Tens of thousands of students a year prep for the SAT & ACT through programs Mike Bergin created or organized. After more than 25 years of intensive experience in the education industry, he's done it all as a teacher, tutor, director, curriculum developer, blogger, podcaster, and best-selling author. Mike founded Chariot Learning in 2009 to deliver on the promise of what truly transformative individualized education can and should be.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Helping high schoolers with tests, school, and life is what Chariot Learning is all about. Let us know how we can help you!

Latest Posts

  • Tests as Equalizers and Predictors of Success
  • Beginner’s Mindset for Advanced Results
  • Make This Your Year of Preparation
  • Who Benefits from Admissions Tests?
  • The Case for the February ACT

What is TestFlip?

Learn about the ultimate in self-directed supplemental SAT/ACT prep, powered by Chariot Learning:

  • The depth of your struggle determines the height of your success.
    by chariotlearning 6 months ago
    The depth of your struggle determines the height of your success.
  • Decide your habits well. Your habits decide your future.
    by chariotlearning 6 months ago
    Decide your habits well. Your habits decide your future.
  • Be stronger than your excuses!
    by chariotlearning 6 months ago
    Be stronger than your excuses!
  • Consistency for the work week. Intensity for the weekend!
    by chariotlearning 6 months ago
    Consistency for the work week. Intensity for the weekend!
  • The one thing you can control is your effort.
    by chariotlearning 6 months ago
    The one thing you can control is your effort.
  • Bring a little extra to your day ;)
    by chariotlearning 6 months ago
    Bring a little extra to your day ;)
  • Knowledge isn
    by chariotlearning 5 months ago
    Knowledge isn't free. You have to pay attention.
  • Believe in yourself, champ.
    by chariotlearning 5 months ago
    Believe in yourself, champ.

Subscribe to Mike’s Podcast

Subscribe to Tests and the Rest

PARENT GROUP AND NEWSLETTER

Are you an Upstate New York parent with questions about college admissions, testing, and scholarships? The Upstate NY College Conversations Facebook group is for you. Join today!

And also sign up for College Road, our free email newsletter delivering expert educational advice, test news, admissions action steps, special offers, and more.

Testimonials

Your expertise regarding the ACT and SAT was obvious and your teaching methods were excellent! We are very indebted to you for being an important part of our son’s success. Thanks again!

Marc, Mendon dad

Read more testimonials...

PODCAST

Tests and the Rest is the ultimate college admissions industry podcast. Join Mike Bergin and Amy Seeley every Tuesday and Friday as they discuss the latest issues in testing, admissions, learning, and education with leading experts.
© 2023 Chariot Learning, LLC. All rights reserved.