SAT Subject Tests, previously known as SAT II: Subject Tests and, before that, Achievement Tests, were standardized tests offered by the College Board. This hour-long, content-based tests allowed high school students to showcase their expertise and interest in specific subject areas. However, as of January 2021, the College Board announced the discontinuation of these tests in the United States. This essay provides an in-depth examination of SAT Subject Tests, including the variety of tests offered, their scores, their discontinuation, and the reasons behind the College Board’s decision to stop offering them.
Overview and Types of SAT Subject Tests
SAT Subject Tests were designed to measure students’ knowledge and skills in particular subject areas and their ability to apply that knowledge. The tests were offered in five general subjects: English, History, Mathematics, Science, and Languages. Within these categories were 20 different tests, including Literature, U.S. History, World History, Math Level 1, Math Level 2, Biology E/M, Chemistry, Physics, and several language tests (some with listening components).
Scoring of the SAT Subject Tests
Each SAT Subject Test was scored on a scale of 200 to 800, much like the individual sections of the regular SAT. The raw score, the number of correct answers minus a fractional penalty for wrong answers, was then converted into this scaled score. The exact conversion could vary slightly from test to test, as it was designed to account for minor variations in difficulty from one test date to another.
There was no passing or failing score on an SAT Subject Test. Instead, colleges used the scores in various ways, such as assessing a student’s readiness for college-level work, understanding a student’s academic strengths, or making decisions about course placement.
Discontinuation of the SAT Subject Tests
The College Board announced in January 2021 that it would discontinue SAT Subject Tests immediately in the United States and by June 2021 for international students. This decision marked the end of a long history of these specialized tests, which had been a part of the college admissions process for many decades.
Why Were SAT Subject Tests Discontinued?
The decision to discontinue the SAT Subject Tests was part of a larger shift in the college admissions landscape. According to the College Board, the move was designed to “reduce and simplify demands on students.” The organization argued that AP (Advanced Placement) exams, which also showcase college-level knowledge and skills, were available in most areas covered by the SAT Subject Tests. Thus, keeping both was redundant.
The discontinuation of SAT Subject Tests also reflected broader changes in college admissions policies. Many colleges and universities had moved away from requiring SAT Subject Tests, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. The trend towards test-optional admissions policies, accelerated by the pandemic, further diminished the role of standardized testing in college admissions.
Moreover, there was increasing recognition of the socioeconomic disparities associated with standardized testing. Critics argued that SAT Subject Tests, like other standardized exams, tended to favor students from wealthier families who could afford test prep resources.
In conclusion, the SAT Subject Tests served as specialized tools for students to showcase their knowledge and skills in specific subject areas for many years. However, changes in the educational landscape, the redundancy of the tests, the move towards test-optional policies, and concerns about equity ultimately led to their discontinuation. Their cessation marks a significant shift in the college admissions process and prompts a reevaluation of how students can best demonstrate their academic strengths and readiness for college-level work.
