The best time to take an SAT II Subject Test is right after you’ve finished a year-long course in that subject. If, for example, you’ve finished extensive courses on algebra and geometry by the eleventh grade, then you should take the Math IC test near the end of that year when the subject is still fresh in your mind. (This rule does not apply for the writing, literature, and foreign language SAT II tests; it’s best to take those after you’ve had as much study in the area as possible.)

Unless the colleges to which you are applying use the SAT II for placement purposes, there is no point in taking any SAT II tests after November of your senior year, since you won’t get your scores back from ETS until after college application deadlines have passed.

ETS usually sets testing dates for SAT II Subject Tests in October, November, December, January, May, and June. However, not every subject test is administered in each of these months. To check when the test you want to take is being offered, visit the College Board website at www.collegeboard.com or do some research in your school’s guidance office.

To register for the SAT II test(s) of your choice, you have to fill out some forms and pay a registration fee. We know, we know—it’s ridiculous that you have to pay for a test that colleges require you to take in order to make their jobs easier. But, sadly, there isn’t anything we, or you, can do about it. It is acceptable for you to grumble here about the unfairness of the world.

After grumbling, of course, you still have to register. There are two ways to register: online or by mail. To register online, go to www.collegeboard.com. To register by mail, fill out and send in the forms enclosed in the Registration Bulletin, which should be available in your high school’s guidance office. You can also request a copy of the Bulletin by calling the College Board at (609) 771-7600 or writing to:

You can register to take up to three SAT II tests for any given testing day. Unfortunately, even if you decide to take three tests in one day, you’ll still have to pay a separate registration fee for each.