Applying to US Universities?Find out how the content tested on the American SAT and SAT Subject Tests compares to that of British GCSEs and A-Levels |
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SAT Math
The SAT Reasoning Test includes math content that’s roughly equivalent to GCSE-level Maths. The test does however include some math content that is not tested at GCSE level. These topics include:
- Functions
- Permutations and Combinations
- Sets
These topics are equivalent to 45 points on the SAT scoring scale (from 200 to 800). Kaplan has calculated this based on their frequency in released SAT exams.
You'll learn and revise all SAT math material in Kaplan's SAT prep course. You’ll also need strategies to be able to maximize your points in each math section of the SAT (there are 3 or 4 math sections on every SAT test) and the questions are very different from those you will be used to working with in school.
SAT Critical Reading
The SAT Reasoning Test is designed to test reading comprehension and vocabulary in context. Thus, GCSE-level English is good preparation for this portion of the exam. However, you should practice extensively, so that you are prepared to budget time for the lengthy passages and can maximize your points on the 3 or 4 Critical Reading sections on every SAT test.
SAT Writing
The SAT Reasoning Test includes a written essay (25 minutes) plus 2 or 3 multiple choice Writing sections. The multiple choice sections will test your knowledge of standard English grammar and style. Technically, this is American English, so students may have trouble with the occasional idiom. But a background in grammar is essential. This is reviewed extensively in the Kaplan course.
SAT Subject Tests vs GCSEs and A-Levels
Please see below for notes on the various SAT Subject Tests, and how they correspond to GCSE and A-Level curricula.
NB on all SAT Subject Tests:
- All SAT Subject Tests consist only of multiple-choice questions
- All SAT Subject Tests are content-based, so you must know your material
- All SAT Subject Tests include a penalty for wrong answers
Math Level 1 and Math Level 2
Both levels of Math test contain a higher level of math than is covered on the SAT Reasoning Test or in GCSE-level Maths. Specifically, the SAT Subject Tests in Math include a higher level of trigonometry than is covered at GCSE level; they also include a number of functions questions. Students who have only taken Maths to GCSE level will require additional revision to prepare for these exams. Most US colleges require students to have taken one of the SAT Subject Tests in Math.
Level 1 or Level 2?
In most cases, students should take Level 2, as this is seen as being more difficult and a more accurate predictor of success at university level. Some colleges (such as the University of California) require Math Level 2. The difference between the two levels has to do with the types of questions: Level 2 consists of harder questions, and puts added focus on more challenging material like trigonometry and functions, with fewer questions on algebra or plane geometry than Level 1.Biology, Chemistry, Physics
These tests cover a mix of GCSE and AS-level curricula. Students who have not studied a subject beyond GCSE level may have trouble with one of these tests.
Literature
This test should be relatively straightforward for anyone who has a GCSE in English. Questions focus on literary analysis (of poems and extracts from fiction and non-fiction sources). Remember, there’s no essay component – all questions are multiple-choice. There are also no knowledge-based questions, eg, you won’t be asked to identify the authors of literary works.
World History and US History
British-educated students should be most wary of taking either of these history tests. They cover history as taught in US high schools. Students who have not studied US history at a high level (eg in a US-style high school) should not take the US history test. Students considering the World History test should revise very thoroughly and carefully, as the focus will be different from what they covered in school. Students undertaking such extensive revision would need a GCSE in History.
Languages
Generally, a high mark at GCSE-level will be more than sufficient. Language tests with listening are only offered in November; colleges often prefer these.
Want to know more about the individual SAT Subject Tests?
Click here to discover which subjects are available and how Kaplan can help you prepare.
