SAT Subject Tests were discontinued in 2021. If you're seeing outdated advice, here's what you need to know and what to do instead to demonstrate subject mastery.
What Were SAT Subject Tests?
Format (Before Discontinuation)
- 20 different subjects: Math, Science, Languages, History, English
- 1-hour tests: Multiple choice
- Score range: 200-800
- Offered: Multiple times per year
Popular Tests
Math:
- Math Level 1 (algebra, geometry)
- Math Level 2 (precalculus, trigonometry)
Science:
- Biology E/M (Ecological/Molecular)
- Chemistry
- Physics
History:
- U.S. History
- World History
Languages:
- Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, etc.
- With or without listening
English:
Why They Existed
- College admissions: Demonstrated subject mastery
- Course placement: Advanced standing in college
- Homeschool validation: Proved curriculum rigor
- Competitive advantage: Distinguished top students
Why They Were Discontinued
Official Reasons (College Board, 2021)
1.
Redundancy: AP tests cover similar material
2.
Access barriers: Not all students had preparation resources
3.
Reduced importance: Fewer colleges required them
4.
Streamlining: Simplify college admissions process
Real Reasons
- COVID-19: Logistical challenges during pandemic
- Equity concerns: Disadvantaged low-income students
- Declining registrations: Students prioritized AP/IB
- College test-optional movement: Less emphasis on standardized tests
What Colleges Required Subject Tests
Before Discontinuation (Pre-2021)
Required (2-3 tests):
- MIT
- Caltech (Engineering: Math + Science)
- Harvey Mudd
- Some Ivy League programs
Recommended:
- Many competitive universities
- Specific programs (engineering, pre-med)
Optional but considered:
- Used for placement
- Considered if submitted
Current Policy (2024-2025)
ALL colleges: No longer require or consider SAT Subject Tests
Why: Tests are discontinued; colleges can't require what doesn't exist
Alternatives to Demonstrate Subject Mastery
1. AP Exams (Best Alternative)
What they are:
- College-level courses and exams
- Score: 1-5 (5 = highest)
- Offered: Once per year (May)
Advantages over Subject Tests:
- College credit (saves tuition)
- Demonstrates college readiness
- Widely available in high schools
- Self-study options
Popular APs for subject mastery:
Math:
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Calculus BC
- AP Statistics
Science:
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- AP Physics 1/2/C
History:
- AP U.S. History
- AP World History
- AP European History
Languages:
- AP Spanish/French/German/Chinese/Japanese
English:
- AP English Literature
- AP English Language
Strategy: Take AP exams in your strongest subjects
2. IB Exams
What they are:
- International Baccalaureate program
- Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL) exams
- Score: 1-7
Advantages:
- Internationally recognized
- Demonstrates rigor
- Holistic curriculum
Disadvantages:
- Only available in IB schools
- Full program commitment (for diploma)
3. Dual Enrollment / College Courses
What it is:
- Take actual college courses while in high school
- Earn college credit
- Transcript shows course grades
Advantages:
- Real college experience
- College credit
- Demonstrates readiness for college-level work
How to use it:
- Take courses in intended major
- Earn strong grades (A/A-)
- List on college applications
Popular courses:
- Math: Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations
- Science: General Chemistry, Physics, Biology
- Humanities: College Writing, History, Economics
4. Olympiads and Competitions
Math:
- AMC 10/12 (American Mathematics Competition)
- AIME (American Invitational Mathematics Examination)
- USAMO (USA Mathematical Olympiad)
Science:
- USABO (Biology Olympiad)
- USNCO (Chemistry Olympiad)
- USAPhO (Physics Olympiad)
Other:
- National History Day
- Science Olympiad
- Academic Decathlon
Advantages:
- Demonstrates exceptional ability
- Highly regarded by top colleges
- Competitive distinction
5. Research and Projects
Science research:
- Intel ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair)
- Regeneron STS (Science Talent Search)
- Local science fairs
Other projects:
- Independent study with faculty mentor
- Published papers (even in high school journals)
- Poster presentations
Advantages:
- Shows deep interest
- Demonstrates initiative
- Real-world application of knowledge
6. High School Transcript and GPA
What colleges look for:
- Rigor: Honors, AP, IB courses
- Grades: Consistent high performance
- Trend: Improvement over time
How to demonstrate subject mastery:
- Take advanced courses in subject area
- Earn A/A- grades
- Show progression (Honors → AP → College-level)
What to Do If You Already Took Subject Tests
Before June 2021 (Last Administration)
Scores still valid:
- Can be sent to colleges
- Shows historical achievement
Current usefulness:
- None for admissions: Colleges don't consider them
- Possibly for placement: Some colleges use for course placement
Should you send?:
- Generally no: Waste of money (score send fees)
- Exception: If college specifically requests for placement (rare)
After June 2021
Can't take them: Tests no longer offered
Don't worry: Colleges don't expect them
Strategic Plan for Demonstrating Subject Mastery (2024-2025)
For Math Excellence
Freshman-Sophomore:
- Honors math courses
- AMC 10/12 participation
Junior:
- AP Calculus AB or BC
- AIME qualification (if AMC score qualifies)
Senior:
- Dual enrollment: Linear Algebra or beyond
- Math competitions
For Science Excellence
Freshman-Sophomore:
- Honors science courses
- Science Olympiad or science fair
Junior:
- 2-3 AP sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- Science research (if available)
Senior:
- Additional AP science or dual enrollment
- Science competitions (USABO, USNCO, USAPhO)
- Research publication or presentation
For Humanities Excellence
Freshman-Sophomore:
- Honors English and History
- Writing competitions
Junior:
- AP English Language
- AP U.S. History or AP World History
- National History Day
Senior:
- AP English Literature
- AP European History or AP Government
- College-level writing or history course
How Colleges Evaluate Subject Mastery Now
What They Look For
1. Course Rigor:
- Number of AP/IB/Honors courses
- Challenging yourself in intended major area
2. Grades:
- Consistent high performance
- Upward trend
3. AP/IB Exam Scores:
- Scores of 4-5 on relevant APs
- Demonstrates college readiness
4. Extracurricular Depth:
- Competitions
- Research
- Projects
- Clubs and leadership
Application Components
Transcript: Most important (rigor + grades)
AP Scores: Self-report on application
Essays: Explain passion for subject
Recommendations: Teachers in subject area
Activities List: Competitions, research, projects
Common Questions
"Will I be disadvantaged without Subject Tests?"
No. Since no one can take them, colleges don't expect them.
"Should I take more AP exams instead?"
Yes, if you can handle the workload. Quality > quantity.
"What if my school doesn't offer many APs?"
Use alternatives: Dual enrollment, self-study APs, online courses, competitions
"Do colleges miss Subject Tests?"
Some do (for placement and assessing prep), but they've adapted. Focus on what you CAN control.
Final Advice
Don't Stress About What's Gone
Subject Tests are history. Focus on current opportunities.
Maximize Available Options
- AP exams (take strategically)
- Dual enrollment (if available)
- Competitions (show mastery)
- Research (demonstrate depth)
Build a Holistic Profile
Subject mastery is shown through:
- Transcript rigor
- Strong grades
- AP exam scores
- Meaningful extracurriculars
The discontinuation of SAT Subject Tests leveled the playing field. Use the alternatives to your advantage.
