The SAT Subject Tests

Under the changes made to the DASA scheme last year, students now get admitted into the NITs(and a few other colleges) based on their SAT Subject Tests(earlier referred to as SAT-2)score. The SAT subject tests are offered in a variety of subjects but we NRIs only have to take Chemistry, Physics & Math-Level2.

The subject tests are offered on the same day as the SAT, i.e once almost every month from October to June. Each test is for 1hour and is scored out of 800. The NIT guys add up all 3scores and then the merit list is created. The tests can be taken as many times as you wish and the scores are independent of each other. Only your best scores are considered for the admission process. Your scores must be sent directly to NITK-Surathkal(regardless of which NIT you are applying to) from the collegeboard website. The code for NITK Surathkal is 6350.

Do not think that the subject tests are so easy that you will ace them based solely on your CBSE exam preparation. The portion is very different especially for Math and you will have to prepare separately for the exam. The best books I can think of for the Subject Tests are Barrons' and Princeton Review, both of which would be available at leading bookstores in India. Make sure you get a copy of one of them when you go to India. Also, you need to be able to use a graphing calculator well for Math-2 as this will help you on several of the questions. Buy all the materials you need well before you write the actual tests and try out a few practice tests as many people find the timing to be a bit of a problem.

Many students prefer taking the subject tests one at a time, but I seriously question this logic as remember, you have to study for your board exams too and the syllabus isn't exactly the same. So what I suggest is, for those who are applying to the US, write the Subject tests once or twice(all three at a time) latest by the December test date, so that your scores serve the dual purpose of satisfying the DASA and US college criteria for application. Those who are applying only to the NITs can write the Subject tests once before the board exam and if your scores aren't what you hoped for, you can write it once again after the boards. Looking at the massive number of seats available, I don't think you would have to write the Subject tests many times, as it appears that getting a seat is easy once you clear the 1800 mark. A higher score(2300-2400) will surely be required to get CSE or ECE at the top NITs like Surathkal or Trichy, and maybe even Calicut since you never know how many people might apply there.