What Subjects Does the SAT Test Cover?

The SAT test is a college entrance exam that has been around for many years. There are several categories and sub-categories that students are required to take. Some of these tests, however, are optional.

It’s important to note that there is the general SAT test with different categories and there is the SAT Subject tests that are each geared around specific subjects. The general SAT test is 3 hours. It is 3 hours and 50 minutes when the essay is included. The following provides information regarding what subjects the general SAT Test covers.

Reading
There are several areas in the reading section that you will have to be prepared for. You will read passages and then interpret what you have read. There are also several graphics you’ll need to read and interpret. The types of reading will include both contemporary and classical writings.

Math
It’s important to note that individuals are not allowed to use a calculator for many sections when completing the math portion of the SAT. There is part of the test that does allow a calculator. Most of this section is multiple choice. Some questions, however, you’ll need to find the correct answer instead of selecting one from a group of answers. There are questions that require multiple steps and several questions that will revolve around one scenario.

Language and Writing
There are also several areas in the language and writing section. You will be required to read sections and then edit and correct these sections. This section is completely multiple choice. There are some graphs, charts, and tables in this section. You won’t have to do any math when answering questions about the charts and tables.

Essay (Optional)
The Essay test will provide a single passage that you’ll read and then write responses to. The test is for accessing your ability to analyze what the author has written. You’ll want to check with the schools you’re applying to and see if this is required. Even if it’s not required you may want to take it if you’re good at writing essays. This would be a good way to showcase your exceptional writing skills.

The following are the SAT Subject tests. You are currently allowed to take up to three SAT subject tests at one time, in one sitting. It is recommended, however, to spread them out over different days if possible. Each of the SAT Subject tests are one hour long.

English Literature
This includes approximately 60 multiple choice questions. You will primarily be analyzing literary passages.

History – World or US
Each of these history tests have about 90 to 95 multiple choice questions. There will be maps, tables, and graphs in each of these tests.

Math
The math subject test is offered at Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 covers algebra and geometry. The Level 2 test covers most of what would be included in Level 1 plus questions regarding trigonometry and precalculus.

Science
Science subject tests include Ecological Biology, Molecular Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. The first part of the Molecular and Ecological Biology test is the same. This means you must choose to take one or the other, but not both.

Languages
There are several languages to choose from in the Language Subject tests. You can choose Chinese, German, Hebrew, French, Japanese, Italian, Korean, Spanish, Latin, and German. Some of the Language tests are offered as written tests only or written with listening parts.

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