Taking SAT subject tests (and doing well) is a great way to strengthen your college application because these tests can highlight your academic interests and demonstrate your skill in a given discipline.
If you're beginning to think about taking a subject test on June 1st, it's not too late, but you should kick you prep into high gear as soon as ou can.
Getting Started
- Start by reviewing available test dates and register for the test(s) that you wish to take: http://sat.collegeboard.org/register/sat-subject-test-dates. Remember that you can take two subject tests on one day.
- Take a practice test or a practice section to establish a base line score and to diagnose any knowledge gaps.
- Build a strategy to structure your test preparation. Work with a tutor to customize an approach that maps onto your strengths, weaknesses and timeline.
- Study, study, study!
Recommended Materials
- The College Board distributes The Official Study Guide for all SAT Subject Tests. This book is a must for students broaching any of these tests because you will receive official practice questions from previous editions of your test.
- Princeton Review sells a line of books, Cracking the _________ , which are well-atuned to what you’ll see on test day. These books are very comprehensive; they review test content, question types and strategy.
Online Tools
- Sample questions from the College Board can be found by following this link: http://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/.
- Cambridge Coaching bloggers regularly write about SAT subject tests. Explore our blog to receive first-hand insights from our veteran SAT tutors.
As you dive into standardized test preparation, it can be helpful to step back and evaluate your process as a whole.
Use this handy checklist to assess your progress:
☐ Review the requirements for the test(s) and make sure you feel confident approaching the test.
☐ Purchase any relevant textbooks or study guides.
☐ Register for the exam online.
☐ Take a practice test identify areas of weakness (if any!).
☐ Work backward from the test date and create a roadmap for your prep.
☐ Hire a tutor to guide your studies and help explain challenging material
☐ Take a practice test mid-way through your test prep to gage progress.
☐ Research the test format to understand how it is scored and timed.
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