Two Big Changes to the SAT  

Do you hear that? It’s the sound of students everywhere rejoicing. Though the essay and Subject Tests were optional for students, colleges often used them to assist in making their admissions decisions.

According to the College Board’s most recent press release, “the expanded reach of AP and its widespread availability for low-income students and students of color means the Subject Tests are no longer necessary for students to show what they know.”  And the decision to eliminate the optional essay portion of the exam was made because “there are other ways for students to demonstrate their mastery of essay writing. At the same time, writing remains essential to college readiness, and the SAT will continue to measure writing and editing skills.”

By removing these testing hurdles, the College Board is essentially reducing some of the barriers to college acceptance while also minimizing the demands placed on students in today’s challenging academic environment.