Introduction
Showcase your achievements and knowledge to colleges by taking the U.S. History Subject Test. It’s a great way to enhance your college application and stand out in the admission process.
Important Notes
Offered in August, October, November, December, May, and June.
Test Basics
Scoring, Timing, Number of Questions
| Points | Minutes | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| 200-800 | 60 | 90 (Multiple Choice) |
Getting Ready for the Test
- Familiarity with historical concepts, cause-and-effect relationships, geography, and other data necessary for understanding major historical developments
- A grasp of concepts essential to historical analysis
- An ability to use historical knowledge in interpreting data in maps, graphs, charts, or cartoons
- One-year comprehensive course in U.S. history at the college-preparatory level
- Independent reading or study of historical topics covered on the test
- Review of U.S. history textbooks, with careful attention to areas of weakness and trends within major periods (timelines are useful tools for doing this)
| Material* | Approximate % of Test |
|---|---|
| Political history | 31–35% |
| Economic history | 13–17% |
| Social history | 20–24% |
| Intellectual and cultural history | 13–17% |
| Foreign policy | 13–17% |
*Note: Social science concepts, methods, and generalization are incorporated into this material
| Periods | Approximate % of Test |
|---|---|
| Pre-Columbian history to 1789 | 20% |
| 1790 to 1898 | 40% |
| 1899 to the present | 40% |
Download the SAT Subject Tests Student Guide (.pdf/6.3MB) for more information on the topics.
Download for free:
- The SAT Subject Tests Student Guide (.pdf/6.3MB) contains information on all 20 SAT Subject Tests, official sample questions, test-taking tips and approaches and more.
- Answer Explanations to the U.S. History Practice Questions (.pdf/733KB)
Buy at the bookstore:
The Official SAT Subject Test Study Guide in U.S. History
Get ready for the U.S. History Subject Test with official tests from the test maker. This guide features:
- Four full-length, previously administered U.S. History Subject Tests
- Detailed answer explanations for all test questions
- The most up-to-date test-taking tips and approaches
The Official Study Guide for All SAT Subject Tests, Second Edition
Get the only study guide available for all 20 SAT Subject Tests.
Features include:
- 20 full-length, previously administered Subject Tests
- Detailed answer explanations for all test questions
- The most up-to-date tips and approaches on selecting which tests to take, the best time to take the tests, and how to best be ready for test day
- The latest versions of the instructions, background questions and answer sheet
- Detailed descriptions of every Subject Test, including topics covered and recommended course work
- Two audio CDs for all six Language with Listening Tests
Additional Things to Know
Questions on the U.S. History Subject Test may be presented as separate items or in sets based on quotes, maps, pictures, graphs or tables.
Please note that this test reflects what is commonly taught in high school. Due to differences in high school classes, it’s likely that most students will find questions on topics they’re not familiar with. This is nothing to worry about. You do not have to get every question correct to receive the highest score (800) for the test. Many students do well despite not having studied every topic covered.