SAT – Scholastic Aptitude Tests

Reasoning Test (formerly SAT 1)

Subject Area Test (formerly SAT 2)

The Scholastic Aptitude Tests are standardized tests that enable colleges to compare the academic achievements of students from different schools. Students should check admission requirements for each college or university they are considering. More SAT Information.

SAT and Subject Tests registration dates and deadlines www.collegeboard.com

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL TEST TAKERS:

1. Sunday administrations occur the day after each Saturday test date, for students who cannot test on Saturday due to religious observance.

2. Language Test with Listenilng are offered only in November

3. U.S. deadlines apply to students testing in the United States, U.S. Territories, and Puerto Rico.

4. U.S. registration materials that are mailed must be postmarked by the U.S. deadline.

5. *On Mar 10, only the SAT Reasoning Test is offered.

What is the SAT Reasoning test?

The Reasoning Test is a three-hour test that measures verbal and mathematical reasoning and now includes the writing portion of the testing. Most colleges and universities require the Reasoning test scores for admission.

What are the SAT Subject Area tests?
The Subject Area Tests are one-hour subject tests that measure a student's knowledge of particular subjects. All University of California schools require two subject tests: one math and one elective. Students earning a score of 680 or more on the writing test are exempt from taking the UC Subject A Examination.

How do I register for the tests?
You can find registration bulletins in the Career Center. You can complete and mail the registration in the envelope provided, or you can register or reregister online at www.collegeboard.com/. Mailed registration materials must be postmarked by the U.S. deadlines.

How much do the tests cost?
The test fees change yearly. Fee waivers are available in the Career Center to qualified juniors. Students will not be qualified for college application fee waivers unless SAT/ACT fee waivers have also been granted.

Where and when are the tests administered?
There are various testing centers throughout the state, and several testing dates throughout the year. For a complete list, pick up a registration bulletin in the Career Center.

How are the tests scored?
The Reasoning Test of verbal and math knowledge are each scored on a scale of 200-800, for a combined total score of 400-1600. The Subject Area tests are each scored on a scale of 200-800. There is a penalty for wrong answers.

When should juniors take the tests?
Take the tests in May or June or immediately after a subject such as biology or U.S. history, while the material is still fresh in your mind.

When should seniors take the tests?
Seniors should retake the test for higher test scores in October, November, or December. Some colleges, such as Chico, San Diego State, Cal Poly at San Luis Obispo, and Sonoma State will not accept test scores past October, san Jose State is requesing test by November, while no college will accept tests taken later than December of the students Senior year.Check college catalogs for more information.

Are the tests required for admission to community colleges?
No. Each community college has its own placement examinations. Check with each school for dates and locations.

Should I use the Score Choice option when I register for the Subject Area tests?
No. The Score Choice allows you to hold Subject Area test scores before sending them to colleges and scholarship programs; however, requests to release scores are often too late to meet some colleges' deadlines, so we strongly recommend that students not use this process. Colleges will choose only your highest scores for admission purposes.

Notes about the SAT Subject Test.

• Students must indicate which SAT Subject Tests they plan to take when they register for a test. However, they may change which tests they take up to the test date except for Language with Listening Tests. This applies to center testing only (not school-based testing, which involves specialized materials that may not be available).
• Calculators may be used only on the Mathematics Level 1 and Level 2 SAT Subject Tests. Students may not use calculators for other SAT Subject Tests and must put them away when not taking a mathematics test.
• The Language with Listening Tests are always given in the first hour of testing. Only one listening test can be taken per test date.
• Students cannot take the SAT Subject Tests and the SAT during the same test administration
• The SAT Subject Tests are no longer required by the UC schools, and have never been required by the CSU schools.  However, the UC's may use the subject tests scores for certain majors.  Check on the website for the UC of your choice for the exact requirements.  Also, some private schools may still require them so check with the school you are applying to for their exact requirements.
• Students may take up to three SAT Subject Tests on a single test date.

• The SAT Subject Tests are offered six times a year. Language Tests with Listening are offered once a year, in November only. 

Important information for U.S. registration deadlines

• U.S. deadlines apply to students testing in the United States and U.S. territories.
• U.S. registration materials that are mailed must be postmarked by the U.S. deadlines. The deadlines expire at midnight, Eastern Time.
• Sunday administrations usually occur the day after each Saturday test date, for students who cannot test on Saturday due to religious observance.
• The Language with Listening Tests are offered only in November.