SAT Subject Test Score: What’s a Good Score?

SAT Subject Test has been of great importance to different students in college admissions since they were able to exhibit their abilities in certain subjects.

With the College Board phasing out these tests, it will be notable to understand what constitutes a good SAT Subject Test score particularly when one feels like demonstrating his or her academic excellence.

This paper will touch on what constitutes a good SAT subject test score, average scores, how to choose your subject tests and so on, which will provide us with some understanding of the factors which determine college admissions.

What is a Good SAT Subject Test Score?

Understanding the Scale of SAT Subject Test Scores

To know what a good SAT Subject Test score is, one has to learn the scoring scale. SAT Subject Tests are scored on a range of 200-800; the higher the score the more the student has performed. A perfect score example is 800 which places a student on the 99th percentile. This means that not many percentages of the test takers get to that high level.

The majority of the students desire scores greater than 700 since these scores are normally viewed positively by the colleges. However, the score which can be considered a good SAT Subject Test score may vary significantly depending on the subject and the colleges in which students are applying.

How to Determine a Good SAT Subject Test Score for College Admissions

Here is how students can determine a good test score for college admissions based on previous students’ experiences: 

1. Identify the SAT Subject Test requirements of prospective colleges.
2. Check if the colleges require the tests or only recommend them as supplemental information.
3. Compare potential scores with the average scores of admitted students at target colleges.
4. For highly selective schools, aim for scores in the upper range.
5. For less competitive institutions, note that scores in the 600s may be sufficient.
6. Research the specific requirements of each college to determine the target score.

Comparing Good SAT Subject Test Scores Across Different Subjects

What are Average SAT Subject Test Scores?

Exploring Average SAT Subject Test Scores by Subject

Means of SAT Subject Tests provide a measure of how test takers are performing nationally. Typically, the average scores are in the mid-600s although it can vary extensively by subject. 

As an example, the national average SAT Subject Test scores in math level 2 could be above the national average in foreign languages. Most of the students sit these tests in order to prove that they have acquired knowledge in certain fields and knowing the average gives them a chance to determine how they have performed in comparison to others. 

The information released by the College Board can assist students to retrieve their scores and compare them to the averages to determine their positions.

How Average SAT Subject Test Scores Affect College Decisions

A lot of colleges use average scores of the SAT Subject Tests to make their admissions decisions and their scores may be significant in the decision. The scores of the applicant may be compared to the average scores of the accepted students and used by the institutions.

An example can be given whereby when the average SAT Subject Test score of a particular subject is 700, a student who scores 620 may be disadvantaged.

Hence, the importance of average SAT Subject Test scores in the college decision process is critical to the student contemplating going to college and can help them prepare accordingly.

What is Considered an Average Score for SAT Subject Tests?

Average score in SAT Subject Tests can typically be said to be between 600 and 650. However, this norm is not universal and can be different according to the subject and the group of test takers. To give the example, the average score in literature can be about 630 and in chemistry it can be slightly more due to the nature of the subject and the students who might choose that test. It would be preferable that the students exceed these averages in order to provide their college applications with a boost and enhance their chances of being accepted.

How to Choose Your SAT Subject Test?

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your SAT Subject Test

Students should take into consideration these factors when looking into subject tests:

• Personal interests.
• Academic strengths.
• College admission requirements.
• Confidence and past performance in related coursework.
• Alignment with intended college major (e.g., Math Level 2 and Physics for engineering; Literature and History for humanities).
• Potential impact on overall SAT Subject Test score and admissions prospects.

Which Subjects are Most Beneficial for Your College Applications?

The following subjects are most beneficial for college applications, including for what program are they going for: 

• Math Level 2 – Often preferred for STEM and engineering programs.
• Biology – Useful for students applying to pre-med, life sciences, or environmental science programs.
• Physics – Valuable for engineering, computer science, and physical sciences majors.
• Chemistry – Strong choice for students pursuing chemistry, biology, or medical-related fields.
• Literature – Supports applications to humanities and liberal arts programs.
• U.S. History / World History – Beneficial for social science, political science, or history majors.
• Foreign Languages – Adds strength to applications for international studies or language programs.

How to Prepare for the SAT Subject Test You Choose

Here is how students can prepare for the subject test of their choosing shown below:

1. Select the SAT Subject Tests to be taken.
2. Utilize test preparation resources such as study guides, practice exams, and online courses.
3. Engage in comprehensive review sessions to reinforce understanding of the material.
4. Complete timed practice tests to build pacing and endurance.
5. Participate in study groups for collaborative learning and support.
6. Familiarize with the specific format of the chosen SAT Subject Test to reduce test anxiety.
7. Develop a personalized study plan incorporating these preparation strategies.

What Should You Know About SAT Subject Tests No Longer Offered?

Which SAT Subject Tests are No Longer Available and Why?

The following subject tests are not longer available: 

• SAT Subject Test in French
• SAT Subject Test in U.S. History
• SAT Subject Test in Literature
• SAT Subject Test in Math Level 1
• SAT Subject Test in Math Level 2
• SAT Subject Test in World History
• SAT Subject Test in Biology E/M
• SAT Subject Test in Chemistry
• SAT Subject Test in Physics
• SAT Subject Tests in other foreign languages (e.g., Spanish, German, Italian, Latin, Modern Hebrew, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean)

The decision to eliminate these tests was influenced by a decline in popularity and the shifting landscape of college admissions.

Impact of Discontinued SAT Subject Tests on Future Test Takers

Future test takers will find it difficult to continue with SAT Subject Tests. In the case of students who had intended to use these tests to show their mastery of a subject, the alternatives are reduced. It may require students to follow alternative forms of presenting their knowledge, e.g. Advanced Placement (AP) exams or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs that can be also utilized to enhance the college applications. The failure to sit the SAT Subject Tests has been reflected in the admission processes of most colleges and students are advised to take the initiative of demonstrating their academic achievements.

Alternative Options for Students Who Can’t Take Certain Subject Tests

Since some of the SAT Subject Tests have been eliminated, students do not feel like they are left without a choice. An example is, AP exams in subjects that are related to what they wish to study in college can be a great alternative and they can get college credit as well as demonstrate their knowledge. Also, students have a chance to participate in extracurricular activities, e.g. academic clubs or competitions, to express their interest and abilities in a subject. Community college classes and online classes as well are great sources of advanced knowledge and skills that colleges value.

What Are Target Scores for SAT Subject Tests?

Setting Realistic Target Scores for Your SAT Subject Test

Setting target scores of SAT Subject Tests is an important part of the preparation. The students ought to have realistic targets which should be both in line with their academic capabilities as well as that of colleges they aspire to study in. Research on past years of admitted student scores can also be of great help in target scores. Using an example, a student seeking admission to competitive programs may be hoping to score in the high 700s but a student seeking admission to less selective schools may find the 600s scores satisfactory. With such target scores being set at an early point, students will be able to organize their studies accordingly.

How to Achieve Your Target Score on the SAT Subject Test

Students can achieve their target score by following these strategies steps: 

• Commit to a dedicated and structured study approach.
• Develop a study schedule that allocates time for each subject area on the test.
• Use practice tests to identify strengths and weaknesses.
• Focus study efforts on areas that require improvement.
• Seek feedback from teachers or tutors to clarify challenging concepts.
• Maintain consistent practice and regular review sessions.
• Foster a positive mindset throughout the preparation process.

Strategies for Studying to Reach Your Target SAT Subject Test Score

Here are helpful strategies that students can use in getting to their targeted test score shown below:

• Use a variety of study resources (e.g., flashcards, online quizzes, textbooks).
• Join group study sessions to benefit from peer discussion and collaboration.
• Practice time management by taking timed mock tests.
• Become familiar with exam pacing and structure through regular practice.
• Set clear milestones and track progress to stay motivated.
• Review mistakes regularly to reinforce learning and prevent repeated errors.
• Stay consistent with study habits to build confidence over time.