Please--I need some clarification on the differences between the SAT I and SAT II...?

Question

Are there extra portions to be taken in the SAT II? An essay on the SAT II?

Am I required to take the SAT I or the SAT II?

Please, I'm just a bit confused! lol.

Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

The SAT I is more commonly called the SAT reasoning test.  Basically, there are several sections covering reading, writing, and math with an optional essay portion.  The SAT II is a subject test.  You pick a specific subject such a math or physics or world history and test your knowledge of that.  Most colleges require an SAT I score, but I have never heard of one requiring an SAT II score.  Most people just use their SAT II scores if they're good as a boost to their application.

Answer 2

SAT II's are specialized subject tests. They have them for some subjects, but not for others.  For example, one is available in biology, but not earth science.

As far as I know of, they aren't mandatory.

They look good on college resumes, depending where you want to go.

Answer 3

the SAT I is the one everyone is "required" to take.  there's an essay portion, then the math and reading/writing sections.

the SAT II's are subject tests (there's only one subject per SAT II, so you would have one that's only math, and a different one for a language, etc...) and different colleges require you to take different amounts of them.  

hope this helped