How do colleges use the SAT Subject Tests in admissions decisions?
It must first be said that the majority of colleges don't require you to take an SAT Subject Test and don't really use them as a factor in admissions. Of the third that do ask for them, the weight given to the SAT Subject Test varies from school to school. Usually only the very best schools use your SAT Subject Test scores as an evaluative tool in the admissions process. So if you have the ambition of going to the Ivy League, then it's important to do well on these tests. If you plan on applying to less competitive colleges, then the SAT Subject Tests don't merit as much concern.

Of the colleges that require you to take the SAT Subject Tests, most ask for you to take three. And of those three, most require the Writing exam and either of the Math choices (IC or IIC). The third choice is up to you (how nice of them).

The great thing about the third choice is that you can take any test you think you might excel in. So if you're a history buff or you speak Latin like Caesar, then this is your chance to shine.

The third exam is also usually a great place to show your knowledge in the field you plan to pursue in college. If you are applying to the premed program, it may be a good idea to take the Biology test. If you want to study for a degree in French literature, take the French test.

Unfortunately, the Writing and Math tests usually carry more weight than the others so these tests merit the most preparation. The great thing is that they can be easily prepared for.

Can I take more than three?
Sure, go ahead. If you think you are going to do well on numerous tests, it can only help your application.

How are these tests scored?
All of the tests are scored on a 200 - 800 scale, just like the SAT math and verbal sections.

How should I prepare?
The majority of students find themselves in most need for preparation on the Writing and Math tests. You have a few options. If you are feeling confident enough to study on your own, check out The Princeton Review's "Cracking the SAT II Writing" and "Cracking the SAT Math Subject Test".

Many people find an SAT II classroom course to be the most effective way to prepare for the exam. The Princeton Review offers courses in Math IC, Math IIC, Writing, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Our courses have lively, enthusiastic instructors who really know their stuff; small, focused classes; extra help when you need it; top notch materials; and most importantly, proven results! Our students improve an average of 137 points on the SAT Subject Test Writing test and 83 points on the SAT Subject Test Math IC or IIC tests.*

* 2002 Princeton Review SAT II Course Study, International Communications Research

Where are SAT Subject Tests (formerly the SAT II) required?

Some colleges require or recommend that you take an SAT II subject test.  Look at the list below for Pennsylvania and surrounding states.  If no bracketed statement follows the name of the college, SAT II tests are REQUIRED for admission to that school.   In all other cases-SAT II recommended or known special circumstances-specific information is provided.

A special note to home schooled students: your requirements may be somewhat more extensive than those for individuals that attend public or private school.   Please be certain to check with each individual college or university regarding SAT II requirements (or recommendations) for home schooled students. 

In all cases, however, be certain to double-check with the school(s) to which you are applying to assure that information on SAT II testing is both accurate and up-to-date.   Sources of information consulted in the compilation of this list include: "The College Handbook 2004", published by The College Board; individual college catalogs and web pages; direct telephone contact with individual admission offices; and Cigus Vanni, Counselor, Cherry Hill High School West.

PENNSYLVANIA

Allegheny College    [SAT II Writing test and one other SAT II test in intended major recommended]
Bryn Mawr College [ACT may be submitted in lieu of both SAT I/II]
California University of Pennsylvania    [recommended]
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania   [recommended]
Dickinson College   [SAT I and ACT optional, SAT II recommended]
Franklin and Marshall College    [ACT may be submitted in lieu of both SAT I/II; SAT II Writing required if not in top ten percent of class or if submitting ACT]
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania    [SAT II Biology and SAT II Chemistry
required of all applicants to Medical Technology program]
Lafayette College    [SAT II optional, considered for placement in math and
in languages if submitted]
Lehigh University    [recommended]
Saint Joseph's University    [recommended]
Susquehanna University    [recommended]
University of Pennsylvania [ACT may be submitted in lieu of both SAT I/II]
Ursinus College    [recommended]
Valley Forge Christian College    [recommended]
Villanova University    [required for placement in French and Spanish]

NEW JERSEY

Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison   [recommended]
Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck    [recommended]
New Jersey Institute of Technology [recommended]
Princeton University [required]
Stevens Institute of Technology    [SAT II required of all applicants to accelerated and dual degree programs; recommended for all other applicants]
The College of New Jersey [SAT II Writing required for placement]

NEW YORK

Alfred University (private division, not state-school division) [recommended]
Barnard College    [ACT may be submitted in lieu of both SAT I/II; if SAT I/II submitted, must take SAT II Writing; SAT II Literature; and one of student choice]
City University of New York (CUNY), Brooklyn and Queens campuses [required for all Honors and scholarship candidates, recommended for all other applicants]
Colgate University [ACT may be submitted in lieu of both SAT I/II]
Columbia University, Fu Foundation College of Engineering   
Cooper Union    [SAT II Math IC or IIC and Physics or Chemistry required of engineering applicants]
Cornell University    [required of the following schools and majors: Arts and Sciences; Human Ecology; Engineering; Industrial/Labor Relations; Hotel Management; and Architecture]
Fordham University    [recommended]
Hamilton College    [submit one of the following: ACT; SAT I; three SAT II tests; three Advanced Placement (AP) tests; three International Baccalaureate (IB) tests; or a combination of any three of the preceding exams, provided that at least one is verbal and one is quantitative]
Hobart and William Smith Colleges    [SAT II optional, considered for admission if submitted by February 15]
Jewish Theological Seminary of America, Albert List College    [SAT II Writing required; three SAT II tests required for applicants to Double Degree Program with Barnard]
New York University (NYU)   [SAT II Writing and two other SAT II tests required of applicants to accelerated BA/MD program, recommended for all other applicants]
Polytechnic University, Brooklyn and Long Island campuses    [recommended]
Pratt Institute    [SAT Writing and Math IC required for all applicants to program in architecture]
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)   [SAT II in math and science required of all applicants to accelerated degree programs and must be taken by November 1 of senior year]
Saint Elizabeth College of Nursing    [recommended]
Saint Thomas Aquinas College    [recommended]
Sarah Lawrence College    [three SAT II tests may be submitted in lieu of SAT I or ACT]
Skidmore College   [recommended]
State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook   [recommended]
Union College    [three SAT II tests may be submitted in lieu of SAT I or ACT; applicants to accelerated degree programs must submit both SAT I and SAT II tests]
University of Rochester    [two SAT II tests required of all applicants to Early Medical Scholars Program; recommended for all other applicants]
Vassar College [ACT may be submitted in lieu of both SAT I/II]
Wagner College    [SAT II Biology required of all applicants to Physician Assistant program; recommended for all other applicants]
Webb Institute (of Naval Architecture)

MARYLAND

Goucher College    [SAT II optional, considered in admission if submitted]
Johns Hopkins University [ACT may be submitted in lieu of both SAT I/II]

OHIO

Case Western Reserve University    [recommended]
Oberlin College      [recommended, especially SAT II Writing]
Ohio Wesleyan University    [recommended]
Wittenberg University    [recommended]