NOTE: SUBJECT TESTS ARE NOT THE SAT! READ FOR MORE INFORMATION.
At 9:00 AM, I dialed the number to CollegeBoard to discuss the "rumor" I heard about their SAT Subject Tests Program over the weekend. When I asked about the chatter that I had recently seen online from credible sources, the woman said, "it was untrue." Furthermore, she was sure that CollegeBoard would not be eliminating the SAT Subject Test Program and that students would have access to these tests throughout the year.
Unfortunately, she probably was not given the updated information.
After my phone call, I decided to dig a bit more online and found my answer in black and white. CollegeBoard is eliminating the SAT Subject Tests program!
WHAT ARE SAT SUBJECT TESTS AND WHY WERE THEY OFFERED?
Subject Tests were assessments in specific disciplines to help students show strength and/or interests. In reality, very few colleges or universities required this assessment for admissions, but students could show strength and interest by sitting for one of the subject tests. General subjects included the following areas: English, history, languages, mathematics, and science. These tests were one hour in length, and scores ranged from 200-800. Subject Tests are entirely different than the CollegeBoard SAT Assessment!
For more information, read the content for yourself here. For those that want the highlights, here is WHAT IS NEXT!
CollegeBoard wants to simplify its work and reduce demands on students.
"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."
CollegeBoard is not offering the Subject Tests in the U.S. and any students who registered will automatically have their registrations canceled and receive a refund.
Students should reference colleges' websites for the most up-to-date information on their application policies for member colleges.
CollegeBoard will no longer offer the SAT ESSAY Portion to students after the June 2021 administration. However, "the SAT will continue to measure writing and editing skills."
CollegeBoard has to compete with ACT, and therefore, the organization will be spending time, money, and energy on creating opportunities for students to complete the standardized testing digitally.
Williams Educational expects to learn more during a webinar hosted by CollegeBoard this week. As an administrator for the Secondary Schools Admissions Test (SSAT), I can tell you that the Enrollment Management organization offers their assessment to students at Home through an online platform, and it has not been problematic for some families. It will be interesting to see how the ACT and CollegeBoard SAT progress online. The community at large recalls the AP exams and their issues from this past Spring.
For now, students should focus on their high school academics as I believe that rigor, course selections, and grades will be the most important feature of any application for years to come.