The 411 on the SAT II

January 22, 2012 :: Admissionado Team

You’ve taken the SATs, you’re happy with your score, and now you’re done with standardized tests forever, right?!

Put down the party hat for a second, because your celebrations may still be premature. For many college applicants, the SATs aren’t the end of the road. In fact, they may only be the first stop. Next up: the SAT II.

What is this thing you call SAT II?

Here are some basic facts:

– SAT II exams each cover a different specific subject

– There are more than 20 different SAT II subject tests to choose from, ranging from English to History to Math to Physics to foreign languages, and more.

– Each SAT II is one hour long

– All questions are multiple choice (except for the Writing SAT II)

– Unlike the SAT I, the SAT II exams test your knowledge in specific subjects (not just your ability to use reason, logic, math, and verbal skills, although these are definitely used on the SAT II)

– Like the SAT I, SAT II exams help colleges to measure your abilities and knowledge against other students, and help them make admissions decisions

SAT II? You mean the first one wasn’t enough?!

For some of us, the idea of the SAT II is like a bad sequel to an already bad movie we were dragged to go see by that annoying friend of ours. But before you have a tantrum over the thought of having to take more standardized tests, take a look at this list of colleges that require (or suggest) applicants take the SAT IIs.

If you don’t see your college, contact college admissions to double-check. And if it turns out you don’t need to take the SAT II, go take a well-deserved nap.

If you DO need to take them, get that tantrum out the way quickly, and then buckle-up. You’re gonna get through this, and we’re gonna help.