SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips

At PrepScholar, we pride ourselves on using the best data to keep you posted about upcoming test schedules and registration deadlines. It's essential to plan ahead and choose wisely when selecting Subject Tests and test dates.

You can see the SAT test dates for previous years. Refer to this information to get a general idea of when College Board has its test dates for the SAT and how long after the test you can view your scores. In this article, I’ll give you the SAT Subject Test dates for 2018-2019 and explain what you should consider when choosing your test date and Subject Tests.

Update: SAT Subject Tests No Longer Offered or Required

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

In the past several years, many schools have dropped their Subject Test requirements, and by the time the College Board made their announcement, nearly no schools required them. With this news, no colleges will require Subject Tests, even from students who could have hypothetically taken the exams a few years ago. Some schools may consider your Subject Test scores if you submit them, similar to how they consider AP scores, but you should contact the specific schools you're interested in to learn their exact policies.

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 2018-2019 School Year

SAT Subject Tests are given on the same dates and in the same locations as the SAT, but there’s an additional test date in March for the SAT that isn’t offered for the SAT Subject Tests.

Subject Test Dates

The College Board lists these dates on its website, but they’re still subject to change. Not every test is offered on every date. For example, the language with listening tests are only offered in November.

You can take chemistry on each testing date.

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.

The test dates won’t be confirmed until within a year of the test. 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 time you need to prepare for them.

The tables are pretty accurate.

How to Choose Your Subject Tests?

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

What Do Your Colleges Require?

Know the requirements of the schools you're considering applying to. Do they require Subject Tests? If so, how many and which ones? Are you applying to a school or program that requires you to take science and math? Do you have to take Math II? Are you applying to colleges that want to see your skill level in a variety of subjects?

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

What Are Your Best Subjects in School?

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

Are You Fluent in Another Language?

Many non-native English speakers take the Subject Test in their native tongue, even if they’re not taking a class in that language. Often, they're able to get a high score and show off their language prowess.

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 comfortable with Spanish grammar rules and written Spanish even though they were much more adept at conversational Spanish.

For more guidance and study resources, read our articles on SAT Subject Tests.

How to Choose Your Test Dates

Review this article on how to select SAT Subject Test dates. When picking your test date, remember that you can take one, two, or three Subject Tests on a single test date. Here are the most important factors to consider.

When Your Skills Are at Their Best

Generally, you want to take your Subject Test in a particular subject when you’re studying the highest level of that subject. If you're taking AP Chemistry in your junior year, you may want to take the Chemistry Subject Test in May or June of that year right after you've spent a full year studying chemistry 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. Make sure you have enough time to retake the tests, if necessary, and know your deadlines.

Check Your Personal Schedule

Give yourself ample time to study, and try to avoid taking the test when you have possible conflicts. If you're particularly preoccupied with school and extracurricular activities in a certain month, you may want to avoid taking your Subject Tests then.

What's Next?

Find out how to register for SAT Subject Tests and send your scores.

Also, learn more about how SAT Subject Tests are scored.

Finally, if you're deciding between taking Math I and Math II, check out this article.