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 that it will discontinue the optional essay component of the SAT, and it will no longer offer subject-specific tests in U.S. history, languages and math, among other topics. The organization, which administers the college entrance exam in addition to several other tests, including AP exams, will instead focus efforts on a new digital version of the SAT. 

In the announcement, the organization cited the pandemic for these changes: "The pandemic accelerated a process already underway at the College Board to simplify our work and reduce demands on students."

College entrance exams have had a hard go of it during the pandemic. Many in-person testing dates for the SAT 

 due to social distancing and closed high school buildings, 

a previous digital version of the SAT was scrapped

 in June after technical difficulties, and hundreds of colleges have 

removed the exam from admissions requirements

Education News

Elissa Nadworny 

Author

The College Board, citing the pandemic for the changes, will shift focus to a new digital version of the college entrance exam.  

SAT discontinues subject tests and optional essay

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