What Subjects are on SAT?

Many people might have dreamed of taking the SAT since they were young. For some people, securing a place in a top university in their country is the ultimate dream. If you are one of those, this is an ideal moment to prepare for the test.

Sadly, most people don’t know where to begin. Agree? That’s Okay.

Here we provide you with every nook and cranny of SAT subjects that you should not ignore. Ready? Let’s go!

Wait. Before moving ahead, let me briefly describe what SAT is and why it is important for students. If you are familiar with the SAT, skip this section.

What exactly is the SAT?

SAT – Scholastic Aptitude Test

SAT is a Standardized Admission Test used by top colleges and universities to select their applicants. The College Board administers it. SAT’s main purpose is to determine whether a student is ready for college or not.

Why SAT?

For some students, the SAT can be tedious and stressful. Still, you should be aware of the importance of taking the SAT.

When it comes to getting into the best colleges in the United States, SAT scores are more important. However, students can also benefit from taking the SAT in other ways. What’s that?

Scholarships for good scorers – Many colleges offer financial assistance based on merit for the top applicant. This is why test scores are so important. However, good grades are not mandatory. But for those who are looking for a scholarship, SAT or ACT scores are required. So take the SAT and try to score well.

Work possibilities – Some employers will hire you if you achieve high marks. This is because a standardized test score adds credibility to your record.

Where to begin?

To achieve high SAT scores, students should increase their abilities in the SAT subjects. Yet some students aren’t aware of the SAT subjects. Those who don’t need not worry. It’s not a big deal. We’re here to help!

What subjects are on SAT?

1. SAT Math

SAT Math is one of the most important subjects in the SAT subject exam. It is an 80-minute test subdivided into i) SAT Math Level 1 and ii) SAT Math Level 2

SAT Math
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Exam Pattern:

Total Number of Questions 58 ( 38 with Calculator & 20 Non-Calculator)
Allotted Time 55 Minutes (Calculator) & 25 Minutes (Non-Calculator)
Question Types Multiple Choice Questions & Grid-in Questions
Topics Alegra, Problem Solving, Data Analysis
Complexity Level 9th to 10th grade

SAT Math Syllabus

Heart of Algebra

What should you learn and practice?

  • Try linear inequality or equality with one variable
  • Understand how a linear graph is related to an equation or inequality
  • Understand how linear equations, expressions, and inequality work in context
  • You can try to solve a system of linear equations or inequalities with two variables

Problem Solving and Data Analysis

What should you learn and practice?

  • Percentages
  • Rates, Ratios, and Promotions
  • Calculate probability based on the data
  • Analyze and calculate the range, mean, mode, and range of data

Advanced Math

What should you learn and practice?

  • Simplify an expression with exponents
  • Isolate a variable in a nonlinear equation
    Quadratic equations
  • Understand and manipulate a nonlinear expression
  • Operations with polynomial expressions
  • Understand how the zeros and factors of a polynomial relate to one another
  • Understand how the nonlinear graph relates to an equation or a system of nonlinear equations
  • Solve an equation that contains variables in the denominator
  • Know how transformation and compositions are performed in the notation

Addon Topics

  • Learn Volume and Area
  • Missing values in Circle (chord lengths, arc lengths, angle measures)
  • Conversion between Degrees and Radian
    Complex Numbers
  • Relationship between trigonometric ratios, similar triangles, and right angles

How to Prepare for SAT Math?

  • Memorize important formulas and math facts
  • Practice and Review. If your answer is wrong, don’t get upset. Check where you’ve made a mistake and solve it again.
  • Perform basic Calculation that has a no-calculator section.
  • Avoid careless mistakes
  • Enhance your speed while calculating
  • Take mock tests.

Summary:

SAT Math has a wide range of topics. Thus, daily practice is necessary to achieve good results. So, start practicing SAT Math and get into your dream university.

2. SAT Biology E/M

Are you a person who is interested in learning science? Then focus on SAT Biology.

SAT Biology is split into two subjects:

  • SAT Biology E
  • SAT Biology M

Hence, students can choose any one of these to take the test.

SAT Biology
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What is SAT Biology E/M?

According to the College Board,

  • The SAT Biology E is “geared towards Biological Communities, energy flow, and population.”
  • The SAT Biology M is “geared towards Biochemistry, Respiration and Photosynthesis, Cellular Structure and Processes.”

Exam Pattern

Total Number of Questions 80
Allotted Time 60 Minutes
Question Type Multiple choice questions
Topics Differs for E and M

Format

  • 60 questions are identical in both Biology E and Biology M.
  • The last 20 questions will be either E or M.

How to choose between Biology E & M?

If you are a student interested in biological populations and communities, go with Biology E. Whereas, if you are knowledgeable in biochemistry, respiration, and photosynthesis, then go with Biology M.

Note: You cannot be able to take both E and M on the same day. Thus, it is wise to choose anyone at your convenience. However, if you wish to take both, you should take them on different days.

SAT Biology E/M Syllabus

Cellular and Molecular Biology

  • Photosynthesis
  • Cellular Respiration
  • Biological chemistry
  • Cellular Structure & Organization
  • Biosynthesis
  • Enzymes
  • Biochemistry

Ecology

  • Biological Communities & Populations
  • Ecosystems
  • Biodiversity
  • Energy Flow
  • Nutrient Cycles
  • Biomes
  • Effects of Human Intervention

Genetics

  • Mendelian Genetics
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Meiosis
  • Inheritance

Organismal Biology

  • Animal Behavior
  • Structure, Function, and Development of Organisms

Evolution and Diversity

  • Origin of Life
  • Natural Selection
  • Speciation
  • Evidence of Evolution
  • Pattern of Evolution
  • Classification and Diversity of Organisms

How to prepare for SAT Biology?

SAT Biology is not an AP Test. So, don’t stress yourself! Below are some essential points you should remember while preparing for your SAT Biology Test. Guess what?

  • Take mock tests. Mock tests will help you know how the questions will be asked on the SAT.
  • Questions in SAT Biology will often come in paragraphs (describing an experiment).
  • Hence, you should always take a moment to read the given paragraph.
  • Don’t waste your time concentrating on hard questions.

Summary:

In SAT Biology, 75% of the questions will be similar in both E and M. Hence, the test formats and guidelines are quite similar for both subjects. So, choose your subject and start preparing for the test. We wish you the best!

 3. SAT Physics

The SAT Physics subject test is also called SAT II or Physics SAT.

Students interested in engineering, math, and technology can take the SAT Physics test. By doing so, they can show their interest in the colleges. Are you ready to take SAT Physics? Here are a few things you should know before you begin your preparation.

SAT Physics
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Exam Pattern

Total Number of Questions 75
Allotted Time 1 Hour (60 Minutes)
Question Type Multiple Choice Questions
Topics Mechanics, Waves & Optics, Electricity & Magnetism, Heat & Thermodynamics, Modern Physics

SAT Physics Syllabus

As per College Board, the SAT Physics subject test covers the following topics:

Mechanics

  • Kinematics ( Velocity, motion in one & two dimensions, acceleration)
  • Dynamics (Newton’s laws, friction, force, and statics)
  • Circular Motion ( Uniform circular motion, Centripetal force)
  • Energy and Momentum ( Kinetic energy, potential energy, power, work, impulse, and conservation laws)
  • Harmonic Motion ( Pendulum and Mass)
  • Gravity (Kepler’s law, orbits, law of gravitation)

Waves and Optics

  • Wave Properties ( Wave speed, Wavelength, Frequency, Doppler effect, Standing waves, and Superposition)
  • Ray Optics ( Lenses, Mirrors, and Image formation)
  • Reflection and Refraction ( Changes in Wavelength & Speed, Snell’s law)
  • Physical Optics (Diffraction, Interference, and Polarization)

Electricity & Magnetism

  • Forces, Potentials, & Electric Fields (Coulomb’s law, Induced charge, and Charged particles in Electric fields)
  • Circuit Elements & D.C.’s (Resistors, Ohm’s law, and Joule’s law)
  • Capacitance ( Parallel-plate Capacitors, Time-varying behavior when Charging & Discharging)
  • Magnetism (Fields caused by currents, Permanent Magnets, Particles in Magnetic fields, Lenz’s law, and Faraday’s law)

Heat & Thermodynamics

  • Thermal Properties (Temperature, Thermal expansion, Heat transfer, Specific and Latent heats)
  • Laws of Thermodynamics (First and Second laws, Entropy, Internal Energy, and Heat Engine Efficiency)

Modern Physics

  • Atomic ( Rutherford and Bohr models, Atomic Spectra, and Atomic Energy Level)
  • Nuclear Physics ( Fission, Fusion, Radioactivity, and other Nuclear processes)
  • Quantum Phenomena ( Electron Diffraction and Photoelectric Effect)
  • Relativity (Length Contraction, Time Dilation, Mass-Energy equivalence)

Addon Topics

  • Graphical analysis
  • Measurement
  • Technological Applications
  • Nanophysics

How to prepare for the SAT Physics?

SAT Physics tests will be conducted during May, June, August, October, November, and December. So, there’s a good time to prepare for the test. But how?

  • Use resources either from your class or from online sources.
  • Focus on time management when preparing.
  • Memorize the formulas.
  • Improve your problem-solving skills with numerical calculations because a
  • Calculator is not allowed in SAT Physics tests.
  • Analyze and double-check your answer.

Summary:

To get a good score on SAT Physics, you need to compute equations, comprehend the metric system, have lab skills, and more. So practice more and get placed in your favorite university.

4. SAT Chemistry

Chemistry is an SAT subject test designed to evaluate students’ understanding of major concepts in chemistry. Furthermore, this test measures a candidate’s problem-solving skills and knowledge.

So, if your kid does well in Chemistry, why not let them take the SAT Chemistry to get into the right university? But first, let me share a few details regarding SAT Chemistry. Then, join me for a quick look.

SAT Chemistry
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Exam Pattern

Total Number of Questions 85
Allotted Time 60 Minutes
Question Type Multiple Choice Questions
Topics Structure of Matters, Reaction Types, Thermochemistry, States of matters, etc.

SAT Chemistry Syllabus

Structure of Matters

  • Atomic structure (Quantum Numbers and Orbitals, Experimental evidence of Atomic Structure, Electron Configurations, and Periodic Trends)
  • Molecular Structure (Polarity, Lewis Structures, Three-dimensional Molecular shapes)
  • Bonding (Covalent & Metallic Bonds; intermolecular forces like hydrogen bonding, dispersion forces, dipole-dipole forces; relationships of bonding to Properties and Structure)

Reaction Types

  • Acids and Bases ( Strong and Weak acids and bases, Bronsted-Lowry theory, Titrations, pH, and Indicators)
  • Precipitation (Basic Solubility rules)
  • Oxidation and Reduction (Combustion, Recognition of Oxidation-Reduction, Oxidation Numbers, and Use of Reduction Potentials)

Thermochemistry

  • Conservation of Energy
  • Calorimetry and Specific heats
  • Heat changes associated with phase changes
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Heating and cooling curves
  • Entropy

States of matter

  • Gasses ( Kinetic Molecular Theory, Gas Law Relationships, Density, Molar Volumes)
  • Liquids and Solids (Types of Solids, Intermolecular forces in solids and liquids, Phase changes, and Phase Diagrams)
  • Solutions ( Molarity and Percent by mass concentrations, Factors affecting Solubility of Solids, Liquids, and Gasses, Solution Preparation, Qualitative aspects of Colligative Properties)

Stoichiometry

  • Mole Concepts ( Molar mass, Empirical and Molecular Formulas, Avogadro’s Number)
  • Chemical Equations ( Balancing of Equations, Percent Yield, Stoichiometric calculations, and Limiting Reactants)

Equilibrium and Reaction Rates

  • Equilibrium Systems (Factors affecting Position of Equilibrium in Gaseous and Aqueous Systems, Equilibrium Expressions, and Equilibrium Constants)
  • Rates of Reactions ( Factors affecting Reaction Rates and Potential energy diagrams)

Descriptive Chemistry

  • Nomenclature of Ions and Compounds
  • Periodic Trends in Physical and Chemical Properties of Elements
  • Reactivity of elements
  • Prediction of products of chemical reaction

Laboratory

  • Laboratory Equipments
  • Measurements
  • Procedures
  • Observation
  • Calculations
  • Data analysis
  • Interpretation of Graphical Data

How to Prepare for the SAT Chemistry?

The best way to prepare for the SAT Chemistry is “practice.”

  • Begin your preparation by reviewing the materials and learning the topics mentioned above.
  • Go through the previous year’s exam papers and practice a lot.
  • Identify your weakness by taking mock tests.
  • Don’t use Calculator when solving your problems
  • Time Yourself.

Summary:

Since Chemistry is a tough subject, some may resist learning it and jump to either SAT Biology or others. Don’t get jumbled. If you are strong in Chemistry, stick to it.

5. SAT History

The SAT History subject test comprises of following disciplines:

  • World History – is offered in June, August, and December.
  • U.S. History – offered in May, June, August, October, November, and December.
SAT History
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SAT US History

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Exam Pattern

Total Number of Questions 90
Allotted Time 60 Minutes
Question Type Multiple Choice Questions
Topics Political History, Economic History, Intellectual and Cultural History, Social History, and Foreign Policy

SAT World History

Exam Pattern

Total Number of Questions 95
Allotted Time 60 Minutes
Question Type Multiple Choice Questions
Topics All Historical themes from ancient times to the present

SAT World History Syllabus

Chronological Chapters

  • Prehistory and Civilizations to the year
  • 500 C.E.
  • 500 to 1500 C.E.
  • 1500 to 1900 C.E.
  • Post-1900 C.E.
  • Cross-Chronological

Geographical Chapters

  • Global History
  • European History
  • African History
  • Southern and Southeastern Asian History
  • Southwestern Asian History
  • The Americas History (Exclude the United States)
  • Eastern Asian History

How to prepare for SAT History?

To prepare for the SAT History, your 9th-grade History is not enough. Hence, you need to gain more knowledge of U.S. and World History. How?

  • Take multiple-choice test
  • Understand the Historical concepts
  • Analyze the cause and their relationships
  • Comprehend geography and comprehend History

Summary:

Still, if you are not ready on your own for the SAT History, grab an online course and start preparing. Online resources will be the best place to begin your learning in this digital era.

6. SAT Languages

The SAT Language Test is offered in the following ways:

SAT Language
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Language Listening Test:

  • French
  • German
  • Chinese
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Spanish

Language Reading Test:

  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Latin
  • Modern Hebrew
  • Spanish

How to prepare for the SAT Language?

If you are a Native or Heritage Speaker, you are likely to score higher on the test than other non-Native speakers. Whereas, if you are a non-native speaker, try to learn the language and concentrate on the topics required to succeed in the test.

Summary:

If you don’t know how the SAT Language is conducted, grab an online course or an expert tutor in your specific language. They’ll help you in preparing for the SAT Language Test.

7. SAT English

The SAT English Subject Test is to identify a candidate’s strength in reading. In this SAT subject test, candidates or students should solve the questions from the proposed passages, poetry, fiction, essays, and drama.

SAT English
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Exam Pattern

Total Number of Questions 60
Allotted Time 60 Minutes
Question Type Multiple Choice Questions
Topics English Literature, American Literature, and other Literature (written in English)

SAT English Syllabus

  • English Literature written by British Authors
  • American Literature – written by authors from the United States
  • Other kinds of literature that are written in English (including writers from Ireland, India, the Caribbean, and Canada)

Note: Do you know how the questions will be categorized in the SAT English Subject Test? If not, here it is for your knowledge:

  • Words or Phrases in Context
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Questions on the passage
  • Figurative Language
  • Literary Devices
  • The narrator or Speaker’s Analysis
  • Dialogue Analysis
  • Character Analysis

How to prepare for the SAT English?

  • Review all your class materials and online sources
  • Learn Literary Terms and Concepts
  • Practice Literary Analysis specifically Poetry
  • Take Mock Tests
  • Time Yourself’
  • For each wrong answer, there will be a negative score; try avoiding such things

Summary:

Ready to Take the SAT English Subject Test? When still waiting? Get Registered, try achieving good points, and get into your favorite college to pursue your future goal!

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