How the Pandemic Ended the SAT Subject Tests and Expanded the AP Exam

The College Board “will no longer offer SAT Subject Tests or the SAT with essay.”

It is true.
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The SAT Subject Tests Are Ending

In an effort to reduce the demands on students, the College Board, the organization that administers the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and Advanced Placement (AP) Exams, announced that they are phasing out the SAT Subject Tests

This decision was initiated because the college admissions process is changing and accelerated because of the pandemic.

As of early 2020, several universities recommended taking two or three subject tests for admission consideration while seven required the tests.

The AP Tests Are Expanding

The Washington Post reported that “the expanded reach of AP and its widespread availability means the Subject Tests are no longer necessary for students to show what they know.”

The transition from SAT Subject Tests to AP Exam should be easily accepted since over 1.24 million students took at least one AP test in 2019.

Many colleges already use AP Courses and AP Exams to assess their ability and interest.

Spring AP Exam Timeline

During the early spring, you should begin the process of choosing your AP Courses for next year. There are 38 courses to consider. Some courses have prerequisites and some help you earn college credit.

If you are currently enrolled in an AP Course, you should be working with your instructor and taking advantage of the AP Classroom resources.

The digital testing application becomes available in early April.

While the SAT Subject Tests were offered year round, the AP Exams are only administered in May or June. There are a few options to consider.

First, you need to choose your format: traditional (paper) or digital. Second, you need to choose your location: during school or at home.

Third, once you select the date, you need to confirm that your format and location preferences are offered.

Fourth, if you are taking more than one AP Exam, schedule them so they don’t interfere with other AP Exams and end of year testing.

Portfolios and research performances are due during the end of May.

AP scores will be released in July.

The SAT Essay Has Been Eliminated

The College Board will also “discontinue the optional SAT Essay after the June 2021 administration.” Instead, they will measure writing and editing skills throughout the test.

In addition, the SAT is being revised to allow students to take the test online instead of a high school cafeteria.

The college admission landscape is constantly changing. Connecting with your school counselor or an educational consultant will help you make the best decisions for your family.