The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) organizer has decided to drop the optional essay from the examination. The college board announced it on January 19, 2021. SAT scores are used for taking admissions in most US-based colleges and Universities. The committee also decided to drop subject tests in US history, languages and math and few other topics.
The organizer has decided now to focus on a new digital version of the SAT. The main reason cited by the organizer for these changes was coronavirus pandemic. Since March 2020, many group testing sessions for SAT getting cancelled, leading many colleges to eliminate SAT score from their admission criteria.
Earlier SAT consisted of three-hour multiple-choice questions on math and English proficiency. The optional essay and other subject tests add one hour each on top of it. This exam pattern is hectic, particularly at the time of the pandemic.
The SAT organizer already released the instruction to drop subject tests for US students immediately. This will be applicable for the international students by June 2021. As per the report, 2.2 million high school graduates of 2020 batch appeared for the SAT before coronavirus pandemic. But after the outbreak, the SAT testing process has been affected badly. The impact is affecting spring admissions, as well.
US students registered for subject test for SAT in 2020 will get their refund immediately. The college board will give two last subject administrations in May and June for international locations. Subject tests will be discontinued from the month of June 2021.
The essay section was playing an essential role in raising the SAT score from 1600 to 2400 for 15 years. It was considered as one of the integral parts of student’s admission to various US colleges for years. As per the college board, they are also working on streamlining the digital tests as well.
Courtesy: TimesNowNews
One Reply to “Study Abroad Exams: SATs drop optional essay and subject tests due to Covid”