SAT Subject Test Prep Page

SAT Subject Tests^™

Formerly referred to as SAT IIs, SAT Subject Tests are specialized, hour-long exams designed to test your knowledge in a particular academic area. All SAT Subject Tests have a multiple-choice format very similar to that of the SAT Reasoning Test. In contrast to the SAT Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Tests do not test your general reasoning skills.

SAT Subject Tests are required or recommended by many major colleges and universities as part of the admissions application. Some colleges require specific Subject Tests for admission or placement, while others allow students to choose which tests to take. The University of California system, for example, requires two Subject Tests. Students can choose any two Subject Tests, as long as they are in different subject areas (for example, a combination of US History and Math Level 2 scores would be acceptable, but US History and World History scores would not be acceptable).

To decide which SAT Subject Tests to take, you should first consult the admissions requirements of the colleges your child is applying to and find out what these schools are looking for. The schools should at least provide an indication of how many SAT Subject Tests are needed, and may even specify which exams are preferred.

Our SAT Subject Test Prep Programs

The courses students take in high school provide the academic foundation needed to take SAT Subject Tests. Ivy West’s Subject Test programs build upon that foundation with focused review of the concepts and test-taking strategies needed to excel on the exams. Our programs consist of six hours of instruction per subject. Depending on schedule and preference, programs require four 90-minute lessons, or three two-hour lessons. Our SAT Subject Test prep programs typically occur in the six weeks leading up to the test date.

Ivy West has test prep programs for the SAT Subject Tests listed below. Each of our SAT Subject Test programs includes a course book, which contains the material tutors will cover in the lessons, plus practice assignments to help master the strategies and hone skills between lessons. Every program also includes a practice test, assigned by tutor toward the end of the program, to assess progress. Call Ivy West to check for in-person tutoring availability in your area.

Please click on any of the programs below for a more detailed description.

• Literature
• US History
• Math Level 1
• Math Level 2
• Biology E/M
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Language Subject Tests

SAT Subject Test Dates

The chart below provides guidelines for when to start your SAT Subject Test prep lessons based on the test date you anticipate preparing for.