Introduction to SAT II Physics

Which SAT II Subject Tests to Take

There are three types of SAT II test: those you must take, those you should take, and
those you shouldn’t take.

• The SAT II tests you must take are those required by the colleges you are
  interested in.


• The SAT II tests you should take are tests that aren’t required, but that you’ll do
  well on, thereby impressing the colleges looking at your application.


• The SAT II tests you shouldn’t take are those that aren’t required and cover a
  subject you don’t feel confident about.

Determining Which SAT II Tests Are Required

You’ll need to do a bit of research to find out if the colleges you’re applying to require that
you take a particular SAT II test. Call the schools you’re interested in, look at their web
sites, or talk to your guidance counselor. Often, colleges require that you take the
following SAT II tests:

• The SAT II Writing test


• One of the two SAT II Math tests (either Math IC or Math IIC)


• Another SAT II in a subject of your choice

The SAT II Chemistry is not usually required by colleges. But taking it and doing well can
show a liberal arts college that you are well-rounded or a science-oriented college that
you are serious about science. In general, it is a good idea to take one science-based SAT
II, such as Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.

Deciding If You Should Take an SAT II That Isn’t Required

There are two rules of thumb for deciding which additional test to take beyond the
Writing and Math tests:

1. Go with what you know. If history is your field, a strong score on the
   American History test will impress admissions officers far more than a bold but
   mediocre effort on the Physics test.


2. Try to show breadth. Scoring well on similar subject tests such as Math,
   Biology, and Chemistry will not be as impressive as good scores in more diverse
   subjects, such as Math, Writing, World History, and Biology.

Of course, you also have to know what is considered a good score and whether or not you
can get that score (or higher).
Below we have included a list of the most commonly taken SAT II tests and the average
scaled score on each. If you feel confident that you can get a score that is above the
average (50 points or more), taking the test will probably strengthen your college
application. Please note that if you are planning to attend an elite school, you might have
to score significantly higher than the national average. The following table is just a