Is the SAT Literature Subject Test for Me?

It’s getting to be the time of year when you might be starting to think about what subject tests you should take. You will hear a lot of chatter about which tests are “easy” and which to avoid. As with everything test-related, you should do research and pick the one that you feel is right for you, rather than take other peoples’ opinions as fact. You can start by looking at general information about the various SAT Subject Tests here.

One thing you might hear through the grapevine is that the SAT Literature Subject test is easy; after all, it’s just reading, same as the SAT Reading section right? In fact, it was the 6^th most popular SAT Subject Test in 2015. But hold your horses. There are definitely some considerations to take into account before you assume this is the test for you. Here are some questions to help you figure out if you are good fit for this test:

Do you like reading? The SAT Lit test is about reading. It’s literally one hour of straight reading. For readers, this is no big deal. But if you’re not a big reader, this might not be the nest option for you. Be honest with yourself: can you sit for 60 minutes and read? Can you sit for 60 minutes and read poetry, prose, drama, and some old stuff?

What level English class do you take? The SAT Lit test is very much in line with the AP Language and Composition exam, which AP students will take in May of their junior year. If you are in this level of English and doing well in class, the SAT Lit test will offer a great deal of crossover from class. If you are a in a lower level of English, you definitely want to look at the test and see if you are comfortable with it. Just because you are not in an AP class doesn’t mean you won’t be able to take this test, but you should definitely read about it and try practice questions before you decide.

Do you like poetry? The SAT Lit test is approximately 50% poetry. If your English class has done poetry units and/or you like reading poetry, you’ll probably feel comfortable with the content on this test. If you’re not a poetry person or if you have not covered the genre in class, proceed with caution. As always, check into resources about the test content to make an informed decision.

Are you comfortable with literary analysis? You are most likely to succeed on this test if you have a grasp of literary analysis and an ability to find the deeper, implicit meanings of a passage. If, for instance, you can read into “a rose by any other name would smell as sweet” and understand that the deeper meaning of this famous line from Romeo and Juliet is that what matters is not the name of something, but rather what it actually is, then this test will be doable. If that flew over your head (and that’s ok if it did), then you may want to consider one of the many other subject tests available.

Do you know rhetorical strategies? Can you spot anaphora or metonymy? Do you understand the three appeals that writers can use to persuade? Essentially, if you are skilled at determining why writers do what they do, you will have no problem answering the rhetorical questions on this test. Knowing the terms to describe writer’s rhetorical strategies is also important. So decide if this is in your wheelhouse and if you feel confident finding stuff like pathos, ethos, and logos and other literary strategies in a piece of writing.

The SAT Literature test is one of 21 tests, so if you weren’t enamored with your answers to the questions above, never fear: there is probably a different test for you. If you do feel the SAT Lit test may be a good fit for you, this is the time to begin prepping: don’t hesitate to seek out tutoring, try practice passage, and keep on reading!

Written by Phil Lane

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