Test Hacks: Which SAT II is right for you?
To see the full guide to Test Hacks, go here.
Intro FAQ
by Thomas Howell and David Phelps, Founders
thomas@forumeducation.nyc | david@forumeducation.nyc
Who should take them?
While there are a few holdouts like Dartmouth and Cornell and engineering schools, many colleges (including Harvard, Princeton, and Yale) no longer officially require SAT IIs, and many more accept the ACT with writing as a substitute. They are, however, highly recommended for all students applying to top private programs.
Which tests should students take?
Subject tests serve two purposes. The first and most common one is to demonstrate mastery of an academic interest integral to the application. However, on rare occasions, the subject test can redress weaknesses elsewhere in the application. In other words, if math is a student’s strongest subject and main pursuit, that student should take the math test to prove commitment! But if math is a student’s weakest subject, that student might consider taking a test to show the problem was with the class, not the material.
What kind of preparation is necessary?
Generally, it’s recommended to prepare for 2–3 months depending on familiarity with material and testing strategies. Prep should begin with a diagnostic to pinpoint weaknesses — as well as the viability of the test as an option — and then comprise roughly one to two sessions a week with a tutor, with independent study between sessions.
Now onto more insights into particular subject tests:
SAT II Math I and II
by Rachel Goodgal, Test Prep Specialist
rachel@forumeducation.nyc
Are they hard?
The two tests are hard in different ways. On Level 1, students must correctly answer nearly every question in order to score an 800. On Level 2, there are questions that will challenge almost every high school math student, but the test is curved in such a way that they can miss a few questions and still achieve a “perfect” score.
What preparation is recommended?
Most students will encounter some topics that they don’t remember very well or which weren’t covered fully in their math classes (often from the data analysis section), so targeted practice in those areas is usually necessary.
When should the test be taken?
Math Level 2 tests some skills that most students learn in Precalculus. Math Level 1 focuses on skills most students learn in Algebra 2 or before. Students should take the tests after completion of these courses.
SAT II Chemistry and Physics
by Alex Plakantonakis, Test Prep Specialist
Who should take it?
These subject tests are good options for juniors in AP Chemistry or Physics or freshman or sophomores doing well in Honors Chemistry or Physics.
Is it hard?
Both tests cover a year’s worth of subject-specific topics, so yes, they can be hard. A capable and experienced tutor can be especially helpful in bridging seemingly disparate ideas and concepts together.
What preparation is recommended?
Review of school work and extensive practice through old exams are strongly recommended.
When should the test be taken?
It is not advisable to postpone taking these tests until the following fall: the June test date provides ample time for finishing material, reviewing, and test-taking practice.
SAT II Biology
by Lucas Habte, Test Prep Specialist
lucas@forumeducation.nyc
Who should take it?
This subject test is a good option for juniors in AP Biology or freshman or sophomores doing well in Honors Biology.
Is it hard?
Yes and no. While the questions may not be difficult, the scope of topics is very broad. It’s likely that students will not be familiar with some of the content, especially organismal biology.
What preparation is recommended?
Students should have at least two months of focused content review and weekly practice tests. Students must review all of the content that they covered in class as well as learn any new topics not covered by their curriculum.
When should the test be taken?
Because the Biology subject test is so comprehensive, it should be taken in June at the end of a year of Honors or AP Biology.
SAT II Literature
by Stephen Cedars, Test Prep Specialist
stephen@forumeducation.nyc
Who should take it?
This subject test is a good option for students who read a lot on their own — and students who did well on the Reading portions of their primary standardized tests.
Is it hard?
For anyone who struggles with the Reading portions of standardized tests, this particular exam can be befuddling and infuriating because of the intentionally difficult answer choices (and poetry samples). For students with a good grasp of Reading multiple choice strategies, the test can prove fairly straightforward.
What preparation is recommended?
Taking practice tests is the first and best preparation. However, it’s useful to prep with a mentor or tutor for a few reasons: getting support on answer choice strategies; getting mini-lessons on literary terms and time periods which can help read the passages more quickly; and most importantly, refining time management.
When should the test be taken?
Any of the test dates can work. Especially since the test isn’t contingent on a specific school curriculum (as is the case with a certain history class, for instance), students can prepare sufficiently at any time.
SAT II U.S. and World History
by David Phelps, Founder
david@forumeducation.nyc
Who should take it?
The test is a good option for students engaged in an AP-level course — or who are ready to do a bunch of prep.
Is it hard?
Yes and no. The exams all ostensibly test knowledge of facts and events — but if students know the big themes for each time period, they can often use deductive strategies to ensure the right answer.
What preparation is recommended?
Students will want to employ a number of charts and spreadsheets that not only contain names and dates but major events, innovations, philosophies, strengths, weaknesses, etc. Again, the point is not simply to memorize information but identify overarching trends that can prove strategic.
When should the test be taken?
Given the breadth of material that can appear on the subject test, it should absolutely be taken at the end of the relevant course, in June of sophomore or junior year.
SAT II French and Spanish
by Eva Rosales, Test Prep Specialist
eva@forumeducation.nyc
Who should take it?
This test is a good option for students who have had at least two to three years of Spanish. Native speakers should take their language subject tests with listening. Non-native speakers should consider the subject test without listening. A mock test can help non-native speakers decide which form of the test to take.
Is it hard?
The exam itself is not hard once a student learns how to maneuver through the vocabulary, sentence structure, and reading passages. The time constraints of the exam can prove challenging to students, however, especially if they are not accustomed to the test’s format.
What preparation is recommended?
A sound mastery of verb conjugations is of the upmost importance; vocabulary is second. Students should also have at least one or two synonyms and antonyms of a wide range vocabulary words to augment their ability to eliminate answers and answer correctly. Students should also feel comfortable reading a range of material including but not limited to: short stories, newspaper articles, magazine articles, and flyers.
When should preparation start?
Studying should start 3 months before the exam: enough time to get used to reading long passages and synthesizing information. For native speakers, this schedule means beginning in August of sophomore or junior year as the test with the listening portion is offered only in November.
