SAT Subject Tests Discontinued
The College Board announced today that it has eliminated all Subject Tests and will do away with the optional SAT essay. Now more than EVER AP test scores, ACT/SAT test scores and grades will matter in admissions. After these data points it’s all about your application and how you showcase yourself to admissions officers.
SAT Subject Tests are college admission exams on specific subjects. The AP exams are similar and will replace the SAT Subjects Tests. (AP Advanced Placement).
This is actually good news. Students can now focus on getting strong AP grades and strong AP test scores and not have to worry about another test.
Here are the comments from College Board.
1. We're discontinuing SAT Subject Tests.
The expanded reach of AP® and its widespread availability for low-income students and students of color mean the SAT Subject Tests™ are no longer necessary for students to show what they know. AP provides students rich and varied opportunities to showcase their knowledge and skills through college-level coursework. Courses like AP Computer Science Principles and AP Capstone™ provide the type of hands-on learning experiences and practical, real-world work that colleges want to see from students.
We'll no longer offer the SAT Subject Tests in the U.S. Students in the U.S. will automatically have their registrations canceled and receive a refund. Because SAT Subject Tests are used internationally for a wider variety of purposes, we'll provide two more administrations in May and June of 2021 for students in international locations.
We've contacted our member colleges, and they'll decide whether and how to consider SAT Subject Test scores from students who have them. Students should check colleges' websites for the most up-to-date information on their application policies.
2. We're discontinuing the optional SAT Essay.
This decision recognizes that there are other ways for students to demonstrate their mastery of essay writing. At the same time, writing remains essential to college readiness, and the SAT will continue to measure writing and editing skills. The tasks on the SAT Reading and Writing and Language tests are among the most effective and predictive parts of the SAT. Students can still take the SAT with Essay through the June 2021 SAT administration.
After June 2021, we'll continue to provide the essay only in states where it's required for SAT School Day administrations for accountability purposes. Students who are registered for the SAT with Essay this spring can cancel the Essay portion at any time, free of charge.
It is important to take some AP classes in high school. If your high school does not offer AP classes or if you have any questions about this and would like to create a customized game plan as you finish up this semester, please contact me.
College Board's official announcement https://blog.collegeboard.org/January-2021-sat-subject-test-and-essay-faq
