SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips

PrepScholar utilizes the best data to inform you about upcoming test schedules and registration deadlines. It's crucial to plan ahead and consider multiple factors when selecting test dates and Subject Tests.

Check out the SAT test dates from previous years to learn more about when College Board typically offers the SAT and how long before the test date you have to register. In this article, I’ll provide you with the SAT Subject Test dates for 2017-2018 and explain how you should select your test date and Subject Tests.

Test Dates for the 2017-2018 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

These dates are posted on the College Board website, but they’re still subject to change. Note that not every test is offered on every date; for example, the language with listening tests are only offered in November.

US History is offered on every test 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 College Board's anticipated dates, and the registration and score release dates are our estimations. All the dates are likely to be correct, but because the test dates are given 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, and 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's best for you and your personal schedule. Also, you can factor in the specific tests you're taking and the time you need to prepare for them.

How to Choose Your Subject Tests?

Consider these factors 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. You should know how many Subject Tests each school requires, and you should know if each school requires specific Subject Tests. Some schools and programs require you to take science and math. Others prefer 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? Call the admissions office if you have any questions about a school's policies.

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've always loved your English classes and you're excelling in your AP English Literature and Composition class, you'll probably do well on the Literature 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 better 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

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

When You Know the Subject 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 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 exam.

When Are Your College Deadlines?

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

Review Your Personal Schedule

Try to take your Subject Tests when it's most convenient for you. Ensure that you have enough study time and avoid taking the test when you have possible conflicts. If you're extremely busy with school and extracurricular activities in a certain month, you may want to avoid taking your Subject Tests then.

What's Next?

Before you decide when to take your Subject Tests, you should look at our list of colleges that require SAT Subject Tests.

If you're trying to avoid the most difficult SAT Subject Tests, check out this article on the easiest ones.

Finally, if you want to go to one of the most selective colleges, figure out the scores you need on your SAT Subject Tests.