2015-16 SAT Subject Tests A Guide for Educators MATHEMATICS HISTORY SCIENCE LITERATURE LANGUAGES Help students show what they know.
Showcase achievement STUDENTS CAN BENEFIT FROM TAKING SAT SUBJECT TESTS BY: ÆÆDifferentiating themselves on their university applications by providing universities with a more complete picture of their academic achievements and interests ÆÆHighlighting their strengths in particular subjects or programs of study, such as STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), the humanities, or foreign languages ÆÆFulfilling university requirements; many schools require or recommend SAT Subject Tests for admission or placement purposes. SAT Subject Tests at a glance WHAT THEY ARE ÆÆHour-long college entrance exams based on high school course work ÆÆ20 tests offered across five subject areas: mathematics, languages, science, history, and literature ÆÆEach test is scored on a 200- to 800-point scale HOW UNIVERSITIES USE THEM ÆÆTo gain greater insight into student academic achievement ÆÆTo contextualize student grades and other credentials to make admission decisions ÆÆTo place students in the appropriate university course level
What the SAT Subject Tests cover Subject Description Course Work Preparation Mathematics Level 1 ÆAssesses mathematics knowledge through the first three years of college-preparatory mathematics course work ÆThree years of college-preparatory mathematics: Two years of algebra One year of geometry Mathematics Level 2 ÆAssesses mathematics knowledge through the first three years of college-preparatory mathematics course work and precalculus ÆMore than three years of college-preparatory mathematics: Two years of algebra One year of geometry Elementary functions (precalculus) and/or trigonometry Biology E/M (Ecological/ Molecular) ÆAssesses understanding of general biology ÆCovers knowledge of fundamental concepts, application, and interpretation skills ÆBiology E focuses on biological communities, populations, and energy flow ÆBiology M focuses on biochemistry, cellular structure, and processes, such as respiration and photosynthesis course in biology ÆOne-year course in algebra and familiarity with simple algebraic concepts such as ratios and direct and inverse proportions ÆLaboratory experience is helpful Chemistry ÆCovers the major concepts of chemistry and the ability to apply these concepts in problem-solving scenarios ÆRequires the ability to organize and interpret results obtained by observation and experimentation course in chemistry ÆFamiliarity with simple algebraic relationships and applying these to solving word problems ÆFamiliarity with concepts of ratio and direct and inverse proportions, exponents, and scientific notation ÆLaboratory experience is helpful Physics ÆAssesses understanding of the major concepts of physics and the ability to apply these principles to solve specific problems physics course ÆLaboratory experience is helpful ÆFamiliarity with simple algebraic, trigonometric, and graphical relationships, as well as the concepts of ratio and proportion and the ability to apply these to physics problems ÆFamiliarity with the metric system
Subject Description Course Work Preparation Literature ÆAssesses how well the student has learned to read and interpret literature ÆCovers poetry, prose, and drama in English and American literature from the Renaissance to the present ÆThree or four years of college-preparatory literary study U.S. History ÆAssesses knowledge of and ability to use material commonly taught in U.S. history and social studies courses in high school ÆCovers political, economic, social, intellectual, and cultural history, as well as foreign policy from pre-columbian history to the present U.S. history course World History ÆAssesses understanding of key developments in global history, the application and weighing of evidence, and the ability to interpret and generalize ÆCovers the development of major world cultures, from ancient times to the present, in all historical fields: political and diplomatic, intellectual and cultural, and social and economic world history course Foreign Language Tests Languages (Reading Only) French, German, Italian, Latin, Modern Hebrew, Spanish Languages with Listening Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Spanish ÆAssesses the ability to read by testing vocabulary use, language structure, and comprehension of variety of texts ÆAssesses listening comprehension Æ Two to four years of study in high school or the equivalent, or two years of strong preparation
Advising your students HELP THEM CHOOSE WHICH TESTS TO TAKE Students should take into account the admission requirements of universities, but they should also consider taking the tests in subjects in which they have an interest or excel. Even if students haven t chosen prospective universities yet, they may still want to consider taking a Subject Test at the end of a course in a subject they are interested in. They can decide later whether or not to send their scores. ENSURE THEY REGISTER The easiest way to register is at sat.org/international. If paper registration is required students can use supplies sent to schools and agencies. Educators can order these for free at sat.org/order-materials. HOW THE SAT SUBJECT TESTS AND ADVANCED PLACEMENT WORK TOGETHER SAT Subject Tests are high school-level tests, reflecting high school curricula. As such, in addition to the benefits they provide related to university admission, Subject Tests can serve as a useful barometer of readiness for AP Exams, which assess student knowledge at a college level. INFORM THEM ABOUT SCORE CHOICE Score Choice is an optional feature allowing students to choose which SAT Subject Test scores to send to universities, in accordance with each institution s stated score-use practice. If Score Choice is not used, all scores are sent to the selected score recipients. Practice resources Your students can find this information, plus a range of updated practice tools, at SATSubjectTests.org. ÆÆSAT Subject Tests online practice questions with detailed answer explanations FREE ÆÆGetting Ready for SAT Subject Tests Practice booklet FREE ÆÆThe Official Study Guide for all SAT Subject Tests with answer explanations for all 20 Subject Tests ÆÆThe Official SAT Subject Tests in Mathematics Levels 1 & 2 Study Guide ÆÆThe Official SAT Subject Tests in U.S. and World History Study Guide
2015-2016 SAT and SAT Subject TestTM Calendar Register at sat.org/international * Oct 3 Nov 7 Dec 5 Jan 23 May 7 Jun 4 Test Dates 2015 2016 Redesigned SAT SAT SAT Subject Tests Literature Biology E/M, Chemistry, Physics Mathematics Levels I and II United States (U.S.) History World History Languages: Reading Only French, Spanish German, Italian, and Modern Hebrew Latin Languages with Listening You may take only one listening test on this date. Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish *Sunday tests are given the next day, except for Oct. 11, 2015. Be sure to review the test calendar carefully as not all subjects are offered on every test date. The calendar above does not apply across all countries. Visit sat.org/international for the most up-to-date schedule of tests, Sunday test dates, and country-specific information. Registration Deadlines Early Registration Deadline** Regular Registration Deadline 2015 2016 Oct 3 Nov 7 Dec 5 Jan 23 May 7 Jun 4 Aug 27 Oct 1 Oct 29 Dec 17 Mar 31 Apr 28 Sep 3 Oct 9 Nov 5 Dec 28 Apr 8 May 5 Deadlines expire at 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time. ** If registering through a representative, you will need to submit by the early registration deadline. 2015 The College Board. College Board, AP, SAT and the acorn logo are registered trademarks of the College Board. SAT Subject Tests, Score Choice, The Official SAT Subject Tests in Mathematics Levels 1 & 2 Study Guide, The Official SAT Subject Tests in U.S. and World History Study Guide, and The Official Study Guide for all SAT Subject Tests are trademarks owned by the College Board. All other products and services may be trademarks of their respective owners. Visit the College Board on the Web: www.collegeboard.org. 783143 00097_022