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Archive for the ‘SAT II World History’ Category

The SAT world history test is a very specific requirement made by some of the most prestigious collages to applicants to their more specialized degrees. There are less than 11.000 students who take the test so it can only be taken twice a year, once in December and once in June. So the logistics of applying to a collage if the first application fails can get complicated. However the test does cover the entire world history so studying can be an interesting experience for those who are already enchanted by history. Ultimately the SAT world history test is required or indicated by certain collages and there are many students that will need to learn for it.

So What Can You Expect at the SAT World History Test?

First of all when they call it SAT world history they really mean it as it covers the history of the entire world with the history of East Asia, Southwest Asia, South and Southeast Asia, Africa and the Americas (excluding US history) worth 10% each of the final score. If you do the math Europe and comparative history come in with only 25% each so it is important to understand not only the history but at least some of the geography of Asia and Africa. In fact many collages that will require a SAT world history test will also ask for the SAT Geography test.

As far as the chronological coverage of the SAT world history test it encompasses everything from prehistory which makes up 25% of the total exam to modern, post-1900 history which is worth 20% of the exam. In the middle you have the 500 to 1500 CE periods making up 20% of the test’s questions and 1500 to 1900 CE another 25%. The more mathematically developed of you will notice that there is also 10% part left that is allocated to cross chronological questions. All of these varied questions and percentages form a precisely 95 questions, one hour exam which is the SAT world history test.

The questions in the SAT world history test include not only recalling of facts and events but also a firm understanding of major historical developments such as modernization, imperialization. Also the examinee must explain how and why certain events have happen. There are also some questions on how historians perform research and analysis. The most interesting and challenging questions refer to interpretation of primary source material but these tend to be very scarce questions. Still the SAT world history test tries to be a very complete and complex examination of the knowledge of students.

Preparation for the SAT world history test

In preparing for the SAT world history test you should spend at least a year in a world history course as well as do a lot of reading on related content to whatever you are studying. One helpful hint is that the questions are similar to the AP world history exam so using the AP course in world history can be of great use. Also make sure you are comfortable using a Number 2 Pencil because that is the only resource you will be able to take with you when taking the SAT world history test.