SAT SUBJECT TESTS

June 6th is the best time for class of 2010 students to take the SAT Subject Tests. Check the admissions requirements on the websites of the colleges and universities that you are thinking about applying to and find out if SAT Subject Tests are required or recommended. A small group of highly selective colleges and universities require these tests. You are a candidate for these schools if you are highly motivated academically, your GPA is in the top 10% or so or you have an exceptional skill(s) to bring to the school (sports, math, music, theater...), you have taken more honors and AP courses than college prep.

The SAT Subject Tests are one hour long for each subject. You cannot take the Reasoning Test and Subject Tests at the same sitting. If you are planning on taking the Reasoning Test next fall and/or winter you must take the Subject Tests on another date. Plan ahead! The Subject Tests are "content based" tests, meaning that the Collegeboard (the test writer) is testing you on the material that they think that you should have learned in class. The test is scored on the same 200-800 scale as the SAT Reasoning Test.

Take the SAT Subject tests when the material is fresh in your mind. Don't wait until the fall to take a test on a course that you will finish this year. I advise against giving yourself the opportunity to forget material over the summer that you learned this year. There is also something to be said for being in the test taking mode/groove. Having just completed the SAT Reasoning Test (May 2), with final exams on the horizon and the ACT June 13th you will be in the test taking mode/groove.

Take the tests in the subjects where you excel. If you are strong in chemistry and just finished AP Chemistry you should give the chemistry test a shot. If you are planning on applying to a highly selective math, engineering or science program take the Math II test. You want to demonstrate how you perform when you are up against the best math students. Go to your school's Guidance Office and find the pamphlet titled, "Taking the SAT Subject Test" and check out the question difficulty. If the questions are unfamiliar to you than the test is not for you; but if you think the questions are doable then take the test. Find a copy of , "The Official Study Guide for all SAT Subject Test" and learn more about the tests. Post on Facebook or send a Tweet that you are looking for a copy of the book and some senior may offer their book to you.

Take practice tests to familiarize yourself with the types of questions on the test. You want to be able to recognize the question and say to yourself, "I know how to solve this problem or answer this question."

A college counselor that I know recommends to students that are planning to apply to schools that don't require the Subject Test to take the tests to get a leg up on the competition by submitting strong Subject Test scores along with your SAT Reasoning Test scores. Strong scores will improve your chances of admissions and give you a better shot at merit scholarships.

Good luck! Let me know if you have further questions. I can be reached at bcerf@clubztutoring.com.