What are SAT II tests?

Pervin Malhotra
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Q.I have heard that some colleges in the US require foreign students to take SAT II subject tests before they seek admission to their bachelor’s-level courses. Could you please tell me something about this? — Samaira Juneja

A.True, while several colleges in the US are satisfied with SAT Reasoning test scores, many others require SAT Subject Test (SST) scores be submitted as well. 

As the best schools typically receive a large number of applications from students with excellent SAT scores and GPA's, they often fall back on SSTs as an academic barometer to measure students' competencies in particular subject areas, as well as their ability to apply that knowledge. 

While some colleges may specify the Subject Tests they need for admission or placement, others allow you to choose which tests to take. 

There are 20 SAT Subject Tests in five general subject areas: English, history, languages, mathematics and science to test your knowledge of the subject at a high school level. 

Each one hour-long SST has multiple-choice questions and is scored on a 200–800 scale. They are generally given six times in any given school year, on the same days and in the same test centers as the SAT — not all 20 tests are offered on every SAT date. The Language with Listening tests are only offered in November.

You can take one or multiple (max. 3) Subject Tests on any test date. However, you can’t take the SAT and an SAT Subject Test on the same day. 

While you have to decide what tests to take when you register, it’s possible to add, subtract, or switch tests — with some limitations on the test day. 

Also, balance the test schedule with college application deadlines. If you’re applying under Early Decision or Early Action to any college, many colleges advise you to take the SSTs by October -- November of your final year. Some colleges accept Subject scores till January for normal applications.

And lastly, the good news: while the SAT has been redesigned, the Subject Tests are staying the same, for now.

Some useful tips: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat-subject-tests/taking-the-test/test-taking-tips

You can take advantage of some of the free and affordable SST practice tools on the www.collegeboard.org online store to familiarize yourself with the tests.

Scholarship for studying in Australia

Q.Could you please suggest how I can get a scholarship for pursuing higher education in Australia? — Arpit Mehra

A.Some of the most common parameters for obtaining a scholarship to study in Australia are academic merit and financial need. However, some scholarships are awarded for community participation as well. The best way is to leverage your language proficiency to gain a high score and earn the scholarship on merit. 

There are three leading options for English assessment — IELTS, TOEFEL and PTE Academic. Of these tests, perhaps the fastest and most accurate is PTE Academic. 

A relatively newer entrant, the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) is a computer-based assessment that uses Artificial Intelligence and cutting-edge technology to ensure score reliability and integrity of the testing process. It also offers the fastest score reporting in the market, with test takers receiving their results typically within five business days. Unlike other English tests, PTE Academic testing can be taken 365 days of the year across the global test centre network. 

As far as acceptability is concerned, the PTE Academic is accepted by academic programmes of top-rated universities in the USA, UK, Canada, Singapore, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. 

In partnership with James Cook University, Brisbane in Queensland and Australia’s leading university in the tropics, PTE Academic offers a scholarship of AUD $13000 to test takers who score 64 in PTE Academic. So this might be an option to consider.

You could check out the details on: https://in.pearson.com/assessments-and-certifications/pte-academic.html

Prospects in highway engineering

Q.I am a student of civil engineering. Could you please tell me about the scope of highway engineering and where it is taught? — Veeresh Khetrapal

A.Highway engineers are in great demand for designing, planning, surveying, constructing and repairing all types of roads, bridges and other structures that connect cities and dwellings. 

The projects are executed after detailed design and calculations. The work also involves supervising work at the construction site, to ensure quality and stability. 

Construction companies – both in India and abroad that handle large projects such as townships and housing complexes employ highway engineers. There are openings in the state and central government sector, defence services, railways, harbours and ports as well as in consulting, testing and research. 

You could consider the following options of further study that are offered at colleges such as: 

• PEC, Chandigarh (MTech in Civil Engg (Highways)
• JNTU, Hyderabad (MTech Highway Technology),
• JNTUA, Anantapur (MTech Highway Technology),
• Anna University (www.annauniv.edu) (Masters in Highway & Transport Mgt)
• Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Nalanda Parisar, Indore (MP) 
• Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering (MTech Highway Technology), 
• Maharishi Institute of Technology, Lucknow (MTech Highway Engg)
• RV College of Engineering (ME Highway Technology) 
• SASTRA University (MTech Highway & Transportation Engg)
• St Mary’s Technical Campus, 24 Parganas WB) (MTech Highway Technology)
• Indian Academy of Highway Engineers (www.iahe.org.in). Formerly NITHE, this is the apex training institute for Refresher Courses for Mid-level Engineers (PG Diploma in Highway Engg).

Also do look at courses that go under the nomenclature of MTech Transportation Engg or MTech Construction Engg, besides ME/MTech Civil Engg (Highways)