The subject tests will still be offered for international students, but only for two more sessions — in May and June of 2021.
Students already registered for subject tests will be automatically refunded, the organization said. Those registered for the SAT essay will still be able to take the test through June 2021.
In response to why the organization is discontinuing the SAT essay, College Board again referenced the “changing needs” of students and colleges.
“This change simply streamlines the process for students who have other, more relevant opportunities to show they can write an essay as part of the work they’re already doing on their path to college,” it said in a statement.
Though this change by College Board is permanent, the last few months have seen many schools temporarily step away from requiring college-readiness exams.
At the same time, more and more students and parents have argued that the tests should be optional on a permanent basis, saying that the tests aren’t a true reflection of a student’s intelligence or academic ability.