SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips

At PrepScholar, we use the best data to inform you about what the testing schedule and registration deadlines will look like in the future. When choosing your test date and Subject Tests, there are multiple factors to consider and it is vital to plan ahead.

You can see the SAT test dates for previous years to get an idea of when the tests normally take place and how long after the test dates scores tend to be released. In this article, I’ll give you the SAT Subject Test dates for 2016-2017 and explain what you should consider when picking your test date and Subject Tests.

UPDATE: SAT Subject Tests No Longer Offered

In January 2021, the College Board announced that, effective immediately, no further SAT Subject Tests will be offered in the United States. SAT Subject Tests ended internationally in June 2021. It is now no longer possible to take SAT Subject Tests.

Many students were understandably confused about why this announcement happened midyear and what this means for college applications going forward. Read more about the details of what the end of SAT Subject Tests means for you and your college apps here.

Test Dates for the 2016-2017 School Year

Subject Test Dates

These test dates are listed by the College Board, but they’re still subject to change. Not all of the tests are offered on every date—the language with listening tests are only offered in November.

You can only take Korean in November.

Registration Dates

The registration deadlines and score release dates are projected by PrepScholar. 

How Accurate Are the Tables Above?

The test dates are the anticipated dates provided by the College Board, and the registration and score release dates are our estimations. Even though all the dates are likely to be correct, because the test dates are provided by the College Board, those dates may be somewhat more reliable.

However, the test dates aren't confirmed yet. If any of the dates change, they’ll probably be a week earlier or later than the anticipated date.

You can use these dates to help determine when you'll take your SAT Subject Tests. If you know your available options, you can select the date that works best with your schedule. Also, you can factor in the specific tests you're taking and the amount of time you need to prepare for the them.

How to Choose Your Subject Tests?

Here’s what you should consider when selecting your Subject Tests:

What Do Your Colleges Require?

Know the specific requirements of the colleges you’re applying to or intend to apply to. How many Subject Tests do they require? Are you applying to a school or program that requires you to take science and math? Are you applying to colleges that want to see your skill level in a range of subjects?

Are you applying to test optional or flexible colleges that allow you to use Subject Tests in place of the SAT or ACT? If you have any questions about a school's policies, call the admissions office.

What Are Your Best Subjects in School?

Generally, you'll do the best on the tests related to your best subjects in school. If you thoroughly enjoy physics and you're excelling in your AP Physics class, you'll probably do well on the Physics Subject Test.

Are You Fluent in Another Language?

Many native speakers of other languages take the Subject Test in their first language, even if they’re not taking a class in that language. Often, this is an opportunity to get a high score and show off your multilingualism.

However, make sure you review the content for the Subject Test even if you're fluent. I scored higher on my Spanish Subject Test than some of my friends who are native Spanish speakers because I was more familiar with Spanish grammar rules and written Spanish while they were much more adept at conversational Spanish.

Finally, read our articles on SAT Subject Tests for more guidance and to help you study.

How to Choose Your Test Dates

Review this article on how to select SAT Subject Test dates. Also, keep in mind that you can take one, two, or three Subject Tests on a single test date.

What Is Your Class Schedule?

Generally, you want to take a given Subject Test when you’re studying the highest level of that subject. For example, If you're taking AP US History in your junior year, you may want to take the US History Subject Test in May or June of that year right after you've spent a full year studying US History and preparing for the AP test.

When Are Your College Deadlines?

For most schools, the December test of your senior year will be the last time you can take the Subject Tests, and if you're applying early, the October test may be the last possible date for you. Familiarize yourself with your deadlines and give yourself an opportunity to retake the tests in case you don't get your target scores.

What Is Your Personal Schedule?

Make sure you give yourself time to study and avoid taking the test when you have possible conflicts. If your'e particularly busy with school and extracurricular activities in a certain month, you may want to avoid taking your Subject Tests then.

What's Next?

If you're preparing for your SAT Subject Tests, you may want to check out our study guides for World History, Chemistry, Literature, or Biology. You can view study guides for additional subjects in our Subject Test articles.

Not sure how many SAT Subject Tests to take? Check out our guide to deciding.

Finally, learn more about what is a good SAT Subject Test score.