What do the SAT II Subject Tests cover in general?

These tests are designed to evaluate your level of achievement in the following areas.

Writing

Literature

History and Social Studies/ World History

Mathematics

Sciences

Foreign Language

English Language Proficiency

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Writing Test.

The writing test measures your ability to express ideas effectively in standard written english, to recognize faults in usage and structure, and to use language with sensitivity to meaning. The Writing Subject Test differs from the other Subject Tests in that it measures skills you have developed over many years.

• The Test includes (a) a twenty minute essay in response to an assigned topic, and (b) forty minutes to answer 60 multiple choice questions that require recognition of the conventions of standard written English, appropriate diction, and effective and logical expression. The multiple choice questions include use of language, sentence correction, and revision in context.

• The topic of the essay does not require specialized knowledge of any particular academic discipline but gives you an opportunity to use a broad range of knowledge and experiences in support of your discussion. Your essay score is one-third of your total Writing Test Score.
• Generally, colleges that require or recommend that you take the SAT II: Subject Tests specify that the Writing Test is one of them.

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Literature Test.

The Literature Test contains approximately 60 multiple choice questions based on six to eight reading selections, about half of which are poetry and half prose. It is designed to measure how well you have learned to read literature. The questions on the test are based upon selections from works written in English from the Renaissance to the present.

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Foreign Language Tests

The foreign language tests are appropriate if you have studied the language for three to four years in high school. If you are outstanding in any language, you may want to take the test after just two years of study. Through the use of a variety of questions requiring a wide-ranging knowledge of the language, the tests measure your reading ability in three areas: precision of vocabulary, structure, and reading comprehension.

• The College Board offers two types of one-hour French, German, and Spanish SAT II: Subject Tests. In addition to the multiple-choice reading test in each of these languages, a Foreign Language SAT II: Subject Test with Listening is also offered. There is a SAT II: Subject Test with Listening in Japanese and Chinese; however, no reading only test is offered in these languages.
• The Foreign Language Subject Tests with Listening consist of 85 to 90 multiple-choice listening and reading questions. There is a twenty-minute listening section and a forty-minute reading section. These tests measure your ability to understand a foreign language both in its written form, and when spoken.
• The Foreign Language Subject Tests with Listening are administered only in November at a limited number of test sites. Check your registration bulletin for specific information.

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History and Social Studies Tests

• American History and Social Studies: 90 to 95 multiple-choice questions with an emphasis on American History from pre-Columbian times to the present. A lesser emphasis is placed upon basic social science concepts, methods, and generalizations. The questions cover political, economic, social, intellectual, and cultural history, and foreign policy.
• World History: 95 multiple-choice questions measuring your understanding of the development of major world cultures and use of basic historical techniques. Approximately half the test questions deal with Europe; the remainder cover Africa, Southwest Asia, South Asia, East Asia, and the Americas (excluding the United States).

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Mathematics

• Mathematics Level I: 50 multiple-choice questions that cover content typical of three years of college-preparatory mathematics: Two years of algebra and a year of geometry. The test contains questions in algebra; geometry; (plane, coordinate, and solid); basic trigonometry; algebraic functions; elementary statistics, including probability,counting problems, data interpretation, and measures of central tendency (mean, median, and mode); and other miscellaneous topics, including logic, elementary number theory and arithmetic and geometric sequences. You need not have studied every topic on the test. You may not use a calculator on the Mathematics Level 1 Subject Test.
• Mathematics Level IC: This version of the Mathematics Level I test actually REQUIRES the use of a scientific or graphing calculator to solve some of its problems. The preparation required and topics tested are the same as those for the Level I test. Only students who use a scientific or graphing calculator routinely in their math course should choose this test.
• Mathematics Level IIC (Calculator): 50 multiple-choice questions, some of which require the use of a scientific calculator. It is intended for students who have taken college-preparatory mathematics for more than three years. Two years of algebra and a year of geometry, and elementary functions (pre-calculus) and/or trigonometry. The test contains questions in algebra; geometry (coordinate and solid); trigonometry; functions; statistics including probability, permutations and combinations; and miscellaneous topics, including logic and proof; elementary number theory, sequences and limits. You NEED NOT have studied every topic. All mathematics Level IIC Subject Tests require the use of a scientific or graphing calculator.

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Sciences

• Biology: 95 multiple-choice questions based upon the assumption you have had a one year course in general biology at a level suitable for college preparation. Topics covered include cellular and molecular biology; ecology; classical genetics; organismal biology; and evolution and diversity.
• Chemistry: 85 multiple choice questions based upon the assumption you have had a one year introductory course in chemistry at a level suitable for college preparation. Topics covered include atomic and molecular structure, states of matter, reaction types, stoichiometry, equilibrium and reaction rates, thermodynamics, descriptive chemistry, laboratory. Every edition of the test includes approximately five questions on equation balancing and/or predicting the products of chemical reactions.
• Physics: 75 multiple choice questions based on the assumption that you have completed a one year introductory course in physics at a level suitable for college preparation. Topics include: mechanics; electricity and magnetism; waves; heat; kinetic theory, and thermodynamics; modern physics; and miscellaneous topics: measurement, mathematics skills, laboratory skills, history of physics, and questions of a general nature that overlap several major topics.

English Language Proficiency Test

The English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) measures understanding of spoken and written standard American English and the ability to use English in the classroom and daily life. /font>
• This test is designed for students who: 1. Attend American high schools and have completed two to four years of English in an English as a Second Language (ESL) program or English enrichment courses and/or: 2. Students whose first language is not English and/or students who usually speak a different language at home or work.
• The ELPT is a one hour test comprised of 84 multiple choice questions divided into a 20 minute listening section and a 40 minute reading section. It is offered in November at a limited number of test sites and at participating high schools in April.
• A limited number of colleges will accept the English Language Proficiency Test.

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How much do the SAT II Subject Area Tests cost?

The basic fee for taking the SAT II Subject Tests is $13.00. Add $10.00 for the Writing Test, $7.00 for the Language Tests with Listening, and $5.00 for all other subject tests. The English Language Proficiency Test costs $12.00 for registration and reporting. This test also requires a special form.

How do I register for the SAT II Subject Tests?

See your high school counselor or Career Specialist to get registration materials.

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How many Subject Tests should I take?

Those who are taking the subject area tests don't generally take more than 3. At times, it might be to your advantage to take an extra one even if it is not required or recommended. If you have an area of expertise, you should "show it off". In some cases, strong SAT II scores might help offset weak SAT I scores.

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Should I select 4 colleges to report my SAT II scores to on the registration form?

Not necessarily. You have the option of holding your score reports until you want them released. The score reports are sent to you and your high school. They can be kept on hold until you release them. After you review your scores with your counselor or parents, you can then choose to release them from hold. You can release some scores and not release others. You can release scores up to one year after graduating from high school.

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How much does it cost to release scores from hold? How do I do this?

It costs nothing to release held scores. (It DOES cost to have the released scores sent to schools though!) Obtain the SAT II: Subject Test Score Release Forms from your counselor. You may mail or fax it to the College Board.

To register by mail, simply fill out the registration form in the College Board's Bulletin for the SAT Program. Free copies of this publication can be obtained from the school's guidance counselor. Or students can call ETS at 609-771-7600 and they will send copies free of charge. Registration can also be done online at-

www.collegeboard.com

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After I release scores from hold can I change my mind and put them back on hold?

No, once you have released scores from hold they will automatically be reported along with other SAT scores when you send Score Reports off to schools next year or when you are a senior. SO--be sure you want the scores reported before taking them off hold.

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How do I send my released scores to colleges when I am ready?

You can save money by simply waiting until you register for a future test. All colleges listed as recipients of scores will receive a history of ALL SAT I scores and RELEASED SAT II scores.