SAT Subject Tests are no longer offered. The College Board discontinued all SAT Subject Tests in January 2021. If you're researching whether you need Subject Tests for college applications, the answer is no because they no longer exist.
SAT Subject Tests (formerly called SAT II tests) were hour-long exams in specific subjects like Math Level 2, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, U.S. History, World History, and foreign languages. Students took them to demonstrate mastery in particular subject areas beyond the general SAT.
The College Board cited several reasons for ending Subject Tests:
Before discontinuation, only a handful of highly selective schools required or recommended Subject Tests:
Colleges now evaluate subject mastery through:
AP Exam Scores. Advanced Placement exams test similar content to what Subject Tests covered. Strong AP scores demonstrate subject expertise.
IB Scores. International Baccalaureate exam scores serve the same purpose as AP exams for IB students.
Coursework and Grades. Colleges look more closely at your high school transcript, especially grades in advanced courses.
Class Rank and GPA. Overall academic performance carries more weight without Subject Tests.
A few programs require their own placement or assessment tests:
Foreign Language Placement. Some colleges test language proficiency for placement purposes, not admissions.
Math Placement. Some schools give math placement tests to determine which math course you should start with.
Program-Specific Requirements. Certain specialized programs (like nursing or architecture) may require portfolios or specific assessments.
These are different from SAT Subject Tests and are usually taken after you've been admitted.
If you took Subject Tests before they were discontinued:
Without Subject Tests, colleges emphasize:
Challenging Coursework. Taking rigorous classes (AP, IB, Honors) shows academic readiness.
Strong Grades. Maintaining high grades in difficult courses matters more than ever.
Standardized Test Scores. SAT and ACT scores remain important at schools that require them.
Extracurriculars. Leadership and activities outside class play a bigger role.
Essays. College application essays help you stand out when test scores can't differentiate candidates.
MIT. Now requires either SAT or ACT. No longer requires or accepts Subject Test scores.
Caltech. Test-optional but accepts SAT or ACT if submitted. Does not require Subject Tests.
Both schools adjusted their admissions processes when Subject Tests ended.
Subject Tests previously helped homeschooled students demonstrate content mastery. Now, homeschooled students can:
The SAT Essay was also discontinued in June 2021. Like Subject Tests, colleges adapted by focusing more on application essays and coursework.
No. Colleges updated their admissions processes when tests were discontinued. You're not at a disadvantage for not having Subject Tests. Focus your energy on areas colleges actually evaluate:
Without Subject Tests, your core academic performance and standardized test prep matter more. At LifeWorks, we provide comprehensive test preparation for SAT and ACT, academic tutoring to help you excel in challenging courses, and college essay support to craft compelling applications.
Get in touch to learn how we can support your college preparation.
Can I still take SAT Subject Tests?
No. SAT Subject Tests are no longer offered anywhere in the world. The final U.S. administration was in June 2020, and the final international administration was in June 2021.
Will colleges accept old SAT Subject Test scores?
Some colleges will still consider Subject Test scores taken before discontinuation, but none require them. Check each school's specific policy on whether they'll review pre-2021 scores.
What should I take instead of Subject Tests?
Focus on AP exams in subjects where you want to demonstrate expertise. AP exams serve the same purpose Subject Tests once did and also earn college credit.
Did SAT Subject Tests hurt my application if I didn't take them?
No. Colleges evaluated applications fairly whether students submitted Subject Tests or not. Now that they're discontinued, no one can take them, so everyone applies on equal footing.
Are there any other subject-specific tests for college admissions?
No standardized subject tests exist for U.S. college admissions. However, some specific programs may have their own assessments or portfolio requirements separate from general admissions.
How do international students show subject mastery without Subject Tests?
International students use IB scores, A-Levels, national exam results from their country, or AP scores if available. Colleges evaluate international credentials based on the education system in each country.
