Latin
SAT Subject Test in Latin Practice
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Introduction
Looking for a way to stand out on your college applications? If you’ve studied Latin for more than two years, taking the Latin Subject Test is a great way to highlight your achievements. Not only can it substantiate your high school grades, but it can also enhance your admission profile.
Test Basics
Scoring, Timing, Number of Questions
| Points | Minutes | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| 200–800 | 60 | 70–75 |
| Multiple Choice |
Important Notes
Offered in December and June
Getting Ready for the Test
Anticipated Skills- Select appropriate grammatical forms of Latin words
- Choose Latin words from which English words are derived
- Translate from Latin to English
- Complete Latin sentences
- Choose alternative ways of expressing the same thought in Latin
- Answer a variety of questions based on short passages of prose or poetry
- 2–4 years of Latin in high school, or the equivalent
- Gradual development of your competence in sight-reading Latin over a period of years
Free Downloadable Practice Resources
- The Getting Ready for the SAT Subject Tests™ practice booklet contains information on all 20 SAT Subject Tests, official sample questions, test-taking tips and approaches and more.
- Answer Explanations to the Latin Practice Questions from the booklet.
Additional Things to Know
Although macrons do not appear in this online practice, they do appear on the actual test.
Variations of Latin words appear in parentheses on the test. For example: iudicium (judicium).
A set of questions following a poetry passage always includes one question requiring you to scan the first four feet of a line of dactylic hexameter verse or determine the number of elisions in a line.
When should I take the Latin test?
There are a few factors to consider as you decide when to take the test. You should have at least two years of strong preparation in the language, but the more the better.
It is recommended that you take the Latin test as close to the end of the most advanced Latin class that you plan to take, while still balancing college admission and placement requirements. You’re likely not to do as well if you take the test after you haven’t been in a Latin class for several months.
- For seniors studying Latin: If Latin is a strong subject for you, be sure it’s one of the SAT Subject Tests you take in time for colleges to see your score. If you’re only taking it for placement purposes, and not as part of your application for admission, wait until you’re as far along in your course as possible.
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.
