To: Lowers and Juniors

From: College Counseling

Re: College Board SAT: Subject Tests - REGISTRATION DEADLINE APPROACHING

Date: February 2006

This spring you will have the opportunity to take SAT Subject Tests, which are one hour exams that measure knowledge about a particular academic subject.  Most selective colleges REQUIRE applicants to submit scores from one or more SUBJECT TESTS.  Some colleges require a Math Subject Test, particularly for students planning to major in math and science related fields.  In Upper year, you and your college counselor will plan your testing schedule for upper and senior years .

 The best time to take an SAT Subject test is as soon as possible after you finish the corresponding course.  Therefore, some of you may be in a good position to test this spring:  

1.  Consider which Subject Tests you may be ready to take this spring (see table on reverse side of this memo.)     

2.  Talk with your teachers about your preparedness for the Subject Tests.     

3.  If you decide that a test is appropriate this spring, and you have not yet registered, you should choose the following date:

               JUNE 3, 2006:  This is the date when most students are best prepared to take Subject Tests.  Keep in mind that PA exams end Thursday, June 1, and even though PA is a test center, you are expected to vacate dorms prior to the June 3 test date.  Most of you can take one or more Subject Tests at a test center near your home.  Test centers are listed in the registration booklet and on the SAT Web site: www.collegeboard.com.  The Registration Deadline is April 28, postmarked, or online.  The late deadline is May 10.  (An additional $21.00 fee applies for late registration.)

It is important to consider taking Subject Tests this spring in any subject areas you plan to drop after this year.  This will help you keep your options open later, should you apply to a college that requires a specific Subject Test in an area you haven't studied since the tenth grade.  Students who are strong in one of the subjects listed should give serious consideration to the idea of taking the Subject Test.  It is not uncommon for Andover students to have taken more than three Subject Tests by January of senior year.  If you do not plan to take a year long science course during your upper year, if your foreign language is not one for which there is a Subject Test, and/or if math is a weak area for you, consider now which Subject Tests you will eventually take.  U.S. History, Literature, and science Subject Tests for students completing 300 level courses in chemistry or physics (250-level chemistry with grades of 5 or 6) prior to Upper year may be appropriate options.  Note that all SAT Subject tests will appear on score reports sent to colleges.

If ENGINEERING is a possible consideration for you, be aware that most engineering programs require MATH IIC and either PHYSICS or CHEMISTRY Subject Tests.  Year-long courses in both physics and chemistry are also required by most engineering programs.

Always consult with your teachers and look at the sample questions in the booklet we provide before deciding to take an SAT Subject Test.  The best way to prepare for any SAT Subject Test is to study for the exam.  A very helpful booklet is The Official Guide to SAT Subject Tests, which is available in bookstores and your local libraries.  Some copies are also available from the Loan Library or for use in the CCO Library.