UPDATE: As of June 2021, the SAT Subject Tests are no longer administered. For more on the cancellation of all Subject Tests, see our post here.
What does the Chemistry Subject Test Look Like?
The Chemistry Subject Test is a multiple-choice exam with 85 questions to be completed in 60 minutes. To be successful, one must be able to recall facts and apply those facts to unfamiliar situations. Students must also be able to synthesize information from provided data. Questions appear in a variety of formats, including Classification, Relationship Analysis, and Five-Choice Completion Questions.
Example:
Directions: Each set of lettered choices below refers to the numbered statements immediately following it. Select the one lettered choice that best fits each statement, and then fill in the corresponding oval on the answer sheet. A choice may be used once, more than once, or not at all in each set.
Questions 1–4:
(A) Atomic number
(B) Atomic mass
(C) Atomic radius
(D) Ionization potential
(E) Electronegativity
- The number of protons plus the number of neutrons.
- The amount of energy required to remove an electron.
- The number of protons in an element.
Example:
Directions: Each question below consists of two statements, statement I in the left-hand column and statement II in the right-hand column. For each question, determine whether statement I is true or false and whether statement II is true or false. Then, fill in the corresponding T or F ovals on your answer sheet. Fill in oval CE only if statement II is a correct explanation of statement I.
How is the Exam Scored?
Correct answers are worth +1 points, incorrect answers are worth -0.25 points, and omitted answers are worth 0 points. Points are added to form a raw score. Then, the raw score is converted to a scaled score from 200-800. The average score for Chemistry is 660.
What Skills from School Will Help Me on the Test?
First, the Chemistry Subject Test assumes knowledge from a one-year Chemistry course as well as a one-year course in Algebra. Students who take these courses have already been exposed and tested on the Subject Test material such as Atomic and Molecular Structure, Reaction Types, Stoichiometry, Equilibrium and Reaction Rates, Thermodynamics, and Laboratory Basics.
What about strategy?
One of the easiest ways to simplify the test is to leave the Relationship Analysis (True/False) questions for last! These take more time and can slow us down.
The answers can tell us a lot! If two answers are similar to each other, then they can’t both be correct. Proper analysis of the answer choices is crucial to success, but it is very helpful to predict an answer choice before actually looking at the answers.
Find out exactly how much strategy and content from your current AP or IB courses can be applied to the SAT Chemistry Subject Test! Download our handy guide here.
Are There Any Tricks I Can Use to Immediately Improve My Score?
First, it is important to begin preparation as soon as possible. This Subject Test may contain material that you did not cover in your high school Chemistry course. Don’t wait until the last minute!
Second, make sure to learn and memorize Reaction Types! They are covered heavily—especially Acids and Bases and Oxidation-Reduction reactions. Study these in great detail and practice as much as possible!
Finally, remember that “guessing” isn’t always bad! Although haphazard guessing doesn’t get us anywhere, educated guessing does lead to improved scores. By removing just one answer choice with certainty, we improve our chances over the course of the exam.
I'm an International Student. Any Tips for Me?
Depending on the level of IB Chemistry course (HL/SL), international students may have to focus on some concepts covered in this test. Students who have taken SL courses should focus on Chemical Bonding/Structure, Thermochemistry, Redox Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry.
Main Takeaways:
- Students have 60 minutes to finish 85 questions.
- You will probably encounter topics or question types that you haven’t seen in your high school Chemistry course, so make sure to prepare early!
- Students should learn the three question types: Classification, Relationship Analysis, and Five-Choice Completion Questions.
- The average score for Chemistry is 660.
