Beyond the SAT: The SAT II Subject Tests

Believe it or not, there are still people out there that do not know what the SAT II Subject tests are. If this sounds like you then you need to take a few minutes to listen up as this information could prove to be invaluable. Basically, the SAT II Subject Tests were previously known as the Achievement Tests and are used to test a student’s ability in a certain area. By taking these tests you are actively out there trying to prove that you are a college bound student who is capable of learning and competing at the highest level. The fact of the matter is that the students that take the SAT II Subject Tests are typically the best students out there.

If you do not think the SAT II Subject Tests are important then you are sorely mistaken. The fact is that these tests are required by some of the higher level colleges. If you want to go to an elite school then you better have taken the required subject tests- you also better have done well on them. The reason why these elite schools require that students take these tests is to separate the cream of the crop from the rest of the applicant pool. Simply put, if you have good test scores across the board then you will be seen as a prospect that is college ready who takes his scores and work very seriously. However, if you do not bother taking the SAT II or get poor scores you will be seen as student that is not ready to compete at that high of a level.

The good news is that the tests are not as detailed or in depth as the regular SAT tests. In fact, they only last about 60-minutes depending on the test you take. That said, the 60-minutes that you are actually taking the test during are very important for your future so they must be taken seriously. If you are really serious and want to do well then it is recommended that you spend a lot of time studying for the exams. Some of the best preparatory resources available can be found online. These online resources are often free to students and do an adequate job of preparing them for what they will see on the tests.

If you have any questions about where to take these tests or how to get prepared it is recommended that you get with your high school guidance counselor. As you know, it is your counselors job to keep the students informed on things such as the SAT’s and the SAT II exams. If you are really serious about doing well then you should schedule some time to meet with your counselor in order to have all of your questions answered. A sit down meeting of about an hour or so will ensure that you are loaded with all of the knowledge that you need to be successful when taking these all important tests.