SAT Subject Test Scores: Score Percentile, Calculation, Languages, and Test Books
Content Curator | Updated On - May 20, 2024
Highlights:
- The number of subjects available in SAT subject test is 20.
- The subjects include English Literature, History, Math, Science, etc.
- The maximum mark for these tests is 800.
- Popular Universities accepting SAT subject test score include Boston University, Dartmouth College, Georgetown University, etc.
SAT subject test scores range from 200-800. SAT subject test scores are highly considered by the universities to assess the high-school knowledge level of the candidates. Candidates must understand the calculation of the SAT subject test score. The SAT subject score range indicates that a candidate’s performance cannot be evaluated based on a single day’s exam. The SAT subject score ranges approximately 30 - 40 points above or below the original score. Subjects available in SAT Subject Test is 20 which includes English Literature, History (U.S. or World), Language (Chinese, French, Hebrew, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Spanish, or German), Math (Level 1 or Level 2), and Science (Biology-Ecological, Biology-Molecular, Chemistry or Physics). The maximum SAT score for this test is 800. For each correct answer, 1 point is awarded, and ¼ point is deducted for each question you answer incorrectly.
Why Does the SAT Subject Test Score Matter?
Getting a good score on SAT Subject Tests reflects the clarity of your topics to your chosen colleges. Adding these scores to your application shows potential colleges that candidates are doing well in subjects. Currently, about 160 high-ranking and popular colleges and universities either require or recommend the submission of SAT Subject Test scores. These schools can be highly selective, so showcasing your knowledge with higher test scores might help you gain admission to one of these schools. Here are some schools that require SAT Subject Test Scores, based on info from the College Board:
- Boston University
- Dartmouth College
- Georgetown University
- The College of William and Mary
- Stanford University
- Indiana University
Average SAT Subject Test Scores
In order to appear for the SAT test, you must go through the SAT exam syllabus properly. The average SAT subject area test scores according to their mean score, standard deviation are given below for reference.
| SAT Subject Test | Mean Score | Standard Deviation | Number of Test Takers (2018-20) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Literature | 616 | 108 | 114,511 |
| US History | 647 | 99 | 138,298 |
| World History | 634 | 111 | 38,294 |
| Math Level I | 614 | 109 | 122,662 |
| Math Level II | 703 | 96 | 415,203 |
| Ecological Biology | 627 | 108 | 83,310 |
| Molecular Biology | 659 | 107 | 108,587 |
| Chemistry | 672 | 104 | 195,628 |
| Physics | 675 | 106 | 164,266 |
| Chinese with Listening | 760 | 67 | 11,671 |
| French with Listening | 679 | 114 | 2,856 |
| German with Listening | 622 | 124 | 1,027 |
| Japanese with Listening | 703 | 102 | 2,882 |
| Korean with Listening | 759 | 67 | 5,146 |
| Spanish with Listening | 662 | 108 | 4,640 |
| French | 622 | 125 | 15,548 |
| German | 625 | 133 | 1,661 |
| Modern Hebrew | 616 | 147 | 889 |
| Italian | 670 | 120 | 1,167 |
| Latin | 629 | 112 | 5,846 |
| Spanish | 645 | 113 | 43,423 |
SAT Subject Test Percentile
For acquiring a good percentile in the test, you need to undertake SAT preparation properly. SAT score percentiles are divided into 70, 80 and 90+. The below table provides the SAT subject test list along with their percentile:
| Subject Test | 70th Percentile | 80th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry | 750 | 770-780 | 800 |
| Chinese with Listening | 800 | 800 | 800 |
| Ecological Biology | 700 | 730 | 760-770 |
| French | 710-720 | 750-760 | 800 |
| French with Listening | 770 | 800 | 800 |
| German | 720-730 | 750-760 | 790-800 |
| German with Listening | 710-720 | 740-750 | 770-780 |
| Italian | 760 | 780 | 790-800 |
| Japanese with Listening | 770-780 | 790-800 | 800 |
| Korean with Listening | 800 | 800 | 800 |
| Latin | 710-720 | 740-750 | 780-790 |
| Literature | 690 | 710-720 | 750 |
| Math Level I | 690-700 | 720-730 | 740-750 |
| Math Level II | 780-790 | 800 | 800 |
| Modern Hebrew | 740-750 | 790 | 800 |
| Molecular Biology | 730-740 | 760 | 780-790 |
| Physics | 750-760 | 780-790 | 800 |
| Spanish | 730 | 750-760 | 790 |
| Spanish with Listening | 740-750 | 760-770 | 780-790 |
| U.S. History | 710-720 | 740 | 770 |
| World History | 710 | 740-750 | 780-790 |
SAT Languages
Candidates get various options to select from for the SAT language test. The SAT Languages Subject tests are offered in the languages given below:
- Spanish
- Spanish With Listening
- French
- French With Listening
- Chinese With Listening
- Italian
- German
- German With Listening
- Modern Hebrew
- Latin
- Japanese With Listening
- Korean With Listening
SAT Vs SAT Subject Tests Scores
It is very important to differentiate between SAT and SAT subject test scores. However, before appearing for the tests, make sure you qualify the SAT exam eligibility. The below graph reflects the comparison between SAT and SAT Subject test scores for better understanding:
SAT Subject Test Score Calculation
Before learning how to calculate final score, let’s what see what raw score is. Your raw SAT cutt off score is the total of the points you scored which is scaled up on a point scale of 200-800 marks. Later to calculate your final score since you get marks out of 800. For calculation of raw score 1 point is credited to you for every correct answer and the deduction on every wrong answer is done on the basis of choices provided in the question:
- -1/4 point per incorrect five-choice question
- -1/3 point per incorrect four-choice question
- -1/2 point per incorrect three-choice question
- 0 points per question left unanswered
Consider the following example:-
If, on a 60-question Subject Test such as Literature, you get 45 questions right, get five wrong, and leave 10 blank, your raw score would be as follows:
- 45 answered correctly − (5 answered incorrectly x 0.25 guessing penalty) =
- 45 − 1.25 = 43.75
- 43.75 rounded to the nearest whole number = 44
- Raw score = 44 points
Now this raw score is scaled up to 200-800 and converted into your final score. But the formula for scaling up these is uncertain and is done by The College Board to make the scores comparable between different administrations.
Colleges Accepting SAT Subject Test Scores
Before applying to any college you first need to research what are the expectations of that particular college from their applicants. How many marks do you need to get into that college? Unfortunately, colleges won’t be providing you with such information before the conduction of exams. For admission in these universities, you can also view various SAT sample papers before appearing in the examinations. The requirements of some top colleges are as follows:
| School | Subject Tests Recommended | Notes From School |
|---|---|---|
| Brown University | None | "Beginning with the class of 2025, Brown will no longer recommend the submission of SAT Subject Tests. If submitted, Subject Tests will be considered as part of your application. Students who have not taken the Subject Tests will be at no disadvantage in Brown's admission process." |
| Columbia University | None | "SAT Subject Test and other proficiency exam scores are not required by Columbia, but we will accept your results if you choose to submit them ... You will not be at a disadvantage should you choose not to take these optional tests or submit the scores to Columbia." |
| Cornell | None | "SAT Subject Tests (to be discontinued in 2021) are not required or expected for admission to Cornell University." |
| Dartmouth | None | "SAT Subject Tests are an optional part of our review process. Not submitting scores will not prevent your candidacy from receiving a full review by the Admissions Committee. If you submit subject test scores, we will include them in our review of your application." |
| Duke | None | "We do not require SAT Subject Tests." |
| Georgetown | None | "Georgetown does not participate in Score Choice, so any Subject Test scores for exams already taken will be part of the complete testing record submitted from the College Board." |
| Harvard University | None | "If you choose to submit Subject Tests (although they are no longer a requirement), it is more useful to choose only one mathematics test rather than two. Similarly, if your first language is not English, a Subject Test in your first language may be less helpful. You should submit scores from tests taken in the past three years." |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | None | "MIT has made the decision to no longer consider the SAT Subject Tests as part of the admissions process." |
| Princeton University | None | "As with previous years, we do not require the submission of SAT Subject Tests. If you choose to sit for a Subject Test (prior to January 2021) and wish to submit the score, you may do so." |
| Stanford University | None | "If you took a subject test prior to this time, you are welcome to self-report your results in your application." |
| University of Chicago | None | "Subject Tests scores are entirely optional, and not sending us Subject Test scores will not hurt your application." |
| University of Pennsylvania | None | "Applicants who do not submit standardized test scores will not be at a disadvantage in the admissions process." |
| Yale University | None | "SAT Subject Tests have been discontinued. Results from these exams will not be considered for any first-year or transfer applicants." |
SAT Subject Test Books
SAT preparation can be aced with the help of SAT books, and practice papers and regular mock tests. SAT books provide guidance and previous years' papers for each subject. Here are a few SAT books that are SAT subject tests required for you:
- SAT subject test study guide
- The College Board’s Official SAT Study Guide
- Kalli’s SAT Pattern Strategy
- McGraw Hill Education SAT Elite
- Barron’s SAT, 29th Edition
- SAT Physics Subject Test
The SAT subject test is generally taken to improve a student's credentials for admission to the top US universities. Candidates applying to a particular course in a college can take the SAT Subject Test to exhibit their knowledge and understanding of that particular subject.
FAQs
Ques. What subject is tested in SAT?
Ans. The subjects which are tested in SAT include English literature, History, Math, Science, etc.
Ques. What is the difference between SAT and SAT Subject Tests?
Ans. The main difference between SAT and SAT subject tests is that SAT examines the thinking ability, problem solving capability of a candidate. Whereas SAT subject test are organized to know the extent of knowledge of a candidate in a particular area.
Ques. Is SAT easier than JEE?
Ans. The level of difficulty varies for each individual. However, students have reviewed that SAT is comparatively easier than that of JEE in terms of syllabus, acceptance rate, etc.
Ques. Can I give SAT without maths?
Ans. Yes, you can give SAT without maths. However, a major section of SAT exam involves Maths and English. Preparing for Maths will help you in attempting the SAT paper conviniently.
Ques. Is the SAT exam tough?
Ans. SAT exam is not considered tough as compared to other tests. First time test takers may find it difficult, but with proper practice and guidance they can easily score well in this exam.
Ques. What is the easiest SAT Subject Test?
Ans. The easiest SAT subject test includes Biology E, Biology M, Chemistry, US History, World History, etc.
Ques. Can Indian students give SAT?
Ans. Yes, Indian students can appear for SAT exam if they are looking for admissions in abroad universities. After completing their high school they can register for SAT in their portal.
Ques. Is SAT compulsory for the USA?
Ans. Though it is not compulsory, but recommended. Some universities and colleges accept SAT scores for UG admissions whereas some maintain a test optional policy for international students.
Ques. At what age is SAT taken?
Ans. SAT exam must be undertaken within the age of 17 and 19. This is the perfect age to take this exam if you are looking for admissions in UG courses abroad.
Ques. How many attempts for SAT?
Ans. There is no minimum attempts for SAT exam. You can appear for the test as many times as you want.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.