What's Tested?: The SAT World History Subject Test evaluates your knowledge of the topics most commonly taught in high school World History courses. You are expected to be familiar with political and social changes over time, and with the defining characteristics of different cultural and religious groups. Many questions deal with the geographical locations and political motivations of world events.
Should I Take the SAT World History Subject Test?: The World History Subject Test is not a requirement for college admissions. But some universities require proof of each applicant's competency in social studies and history, and will accept a good score on the SAT World History Subject Test as a demonstration of competency.
Since it's not required, consider taking the SAT World History Subject Test if both of these apply to you:
1. Your future college offers credits or advanced placement for SAT World History Subject Test scores, or advises you to take a few SAT subject tests.
2. You have taken at least one year of World history in high school.
How Do I Prepare For the SAT World History Subject Test?:
A good year-long course in World History should be the basis of your preparation. I recommend either skimming your class textbook and notes for a refresher of important points, or buying a SAT-specific preparation book for the World History test. As you study, pay attention to the geographical location and defining characteristics of each society and nation. And pay attention to significant political, social, and philosophical changes. The World History Subject Test often asks questions about major trends rather than specific events.
A good year-long course in World History should be the basis of your preparation. I recommend either skimming your class textbook and notes for a refresher of important points, or buying a SAT-specific preparation book for the World History test. As you study, pay attention to the geographical location and defining characteristics of each society and nation. And pay attention to significant political, social, and philosophical changes. The World History Subject Test often asks questions about major trends rather than specific events.
Do I Need a Test Prep Book? : Your class notes and world history textbook probably contain all of the information that you will be tested on. But if you can, I recommend getting a test prep book that is specifically targeted to the World History Subject Test. This test covers a lot of information, and it will be more efficient for you to go through a book that summarizes the topics that are most commonly seen on the test. A test prep book will also emphasize the major social and political changes and events that you need to know.