Information and Five Tips for SAT Subject Tests from Chyten

Subject Tests are one-hour tests that are designed to assess
academic readiness for college. SAT Subject Tests focus on very specific
subject areas such as math level 1 or 2, biology, chemistry, physics,
literature, United States history, world history, Spanish and more. While SAT
Subject Tests are often seen as tests for only those applying for admission to
elite universities, every student wanting to go to a four-year college could
benefit by taking at least three SAT Subject Tests. Why? Because there is no
downside and lots of upside. Think of it this way: suppose you were given three
free darts to pop a balloon at a fair. Pop the balloon and win a prize. Fail to
do so and walk away. This is the advantage that optional score reporting gives
to you!

This is very different from advice that is commonly given. Yet,
there is obvious justification. Many students find the SAT and ACT very
challenging and don’t score as well as they’d like. Some of those same students
excel in specialized subject matter such as physics or literature and can get
really high scores on the subject tests. Taking Subject Tests represents an
opportunity for those students to show colleges something special, beyond what
can be deduced from SAT or ACT scores alone. The best part is, there is no
downside since score reporting is optional.

The upcoming 2013 dates for the SAT Subject Tests are May 4,
June 1, October 5, November 2 and December 7. Registration deadlines for the
spring dates are fast approaching. Students can choose to take one, two or
three SAT Subject Tests during each date. SAT Subject Tests cannot be taken on
the same day as the SAT.

Here are five tips for students taking the SAT Subject Tests
this spring:

Tip 1. The College Board allows test takers to take up to three
SAT Subject Tests in a single testing day. Students should always take full
advantage of the testing schedule by taking three tests in a single sitting.
It’s only a couple of extra hours and the cost is nominal.

Tip 2. As long as students register to take three exams, they
can take any three they want, in any order with the exception of Language with
Listening, regardless of which ones were previously indicated on the
registration form. Since registration closes months in advance of the test,
students may change their mind last minute based on the successes or
difficulties they’ve had while preparing.

Tip 3. Students should strategize in advance the order in which
they want to take what tests. If students tend to be nervous when tests begin,
they should consider taking the most important test in the second hour. If not,
take the most important exam first, followed by the next most important and
then the least important.

Tip 4. Most colleges will consider only your highest scores. It
is extremely advantageous to retake a test on a different date if not happy
with the original score. By taking the tests in groups of three, there is
plenty of opportunity to attempt a higher score or try a new subject. SAT
Subject Tests, along with the SAT, are offered in May and June, then again in
October, November, December and January.

Tip 5. For some students, taking SAT Subject Tests in May,
followed by the SAT in June, is better than the more traditional strategy of
taking the SAT in May and Subject Tests in June. There is some history to
suggest that the June SAT is often easier than SATs given on different dates.
This strategy is not right for every student, but for some it could result in
better overall test scores.

Barbara Levine

For more information call 203-972-3600
  
www.chyten.com