College Board to Discontinue SAT Subject Matter Tests and Essay Section.
On January 19, the College Board announced its decision to terminate two key aspects of the SAT for students in the United States.
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They are the optional essay section, which boosted the SAT’s total score by 800 points ... ... and subject matter tests, a multiple-choice exam that allowed students to demonstrate proficiency in certain subjects.
Although the decision was “accelerated” by the COVID-19 pandemic, it had already been “underway” to reduce and simplify demands on students.
In a note published to its website, the College Board said SAT subject tests are “no longer necessary” because AP availability has been “expanded.”.
The expanded reach of AP and its widespread availability for low-income students and students of color means the Subject Tests are no longer necessary for students to show what they know, College Board, via statement.
U.S. students who are signed up for subject tests will automatically have their registrations canceled and be given a refund.
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The optional essay was discontinued because the College Board recognized there were “other ways for students to demonstrate their mastery of essay writing.”.
The SAT essay will now only be available in states where it’s required for SAT School Day.
In addition, the College Board said it was working to create a more “streamlined” SAT that is “digitally delivered” and “flexible.”.
The pandemic has highlighted the importance of being innovative and adaptive to what lies ahead.
We are committed to making the SAT a more flexible tool, and we are making substantial investments to do so.
, College Board, via statement
