If you've seen older college application guides or articles mentioning "SAT IIs" or "Subject Tests," you've encountered a part of the SAT suite that no longer exists. College Board retired SAT Subject Tests in June 2021. Here's what they were and what the current landscape looks like.
What Were SAT Subject Tests?
SAT Subject Tests (formerly called SAT II tests or Achievement Tests) were one-hour, multiple-choice exams in specific academic subjects: Math Level 1, Math Level 2, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, US History, World History, Literature, and several foreign languages including French, Spanish, German, Latin, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.
Students took them to demonstrate depth of knowledge in specific subjects beyond what the general SAT measured. Many highly selective US universities — particularly the most competitive Ivy League schools — used to either require or strongly recommend two or three Subject Tests as part of a complete application.
Why Were They Discontinued?
College Board announced the discontinuation of SAT Subject Tests in January 2021, with the last US administration in June 2021 (international administrations had already been phased out earlier). The stated reasons included reducing the testing burden on students and the proliferation of AP courses and exams, which served a similar purpose of demonstrating subject-level academic ability with the added benefit of potentially earning college credit.
The shift toward test-optional admissions at many universities during and after 2020 also created an environment where additional standardised testing requirements were under increasing scrutiny from both colleges and applicants.
What Replaced Them?
For demonstrating subject-level mastery in a US college application, the primary alternatives now are AP (Advanced Placement) exams, IB (International Baccalaureate) Higher Level exams, and A-Level results. All three are recognised by US universities and can demonstrate the same kind of specific subject depth that Subject Tests once provided.
For Indian students specifically, strong IB HL scores, A-Level grades, or AP exam results in relevant subjects serve as the current equivalent of what Subject Test scores once communicated. If you're studying IB or A-Levels, those results are directly useful for this purpose.
Impact on Indian Students
If you are currently preparing for US university admissions, SAT Subject Tests are not part of the process — they no longer exist. You do not need to find a workaround or substitute for them specifically. The general SAT (plus your IB/A-Level/AP results if applicable) is your standardised testing profile.
If you encounter an older college guide, admissions blog, or test prep resource that mentions Subject Tests as part of a recommended strategy, that resource predates 2021 and its advice on this point is outdated.
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Can I still submit old SAT Subject Test scores?
No. SAT Subject Test scores can no longer be sent through College Board. The program has been fully retired, including the score-sending infrastructure.
Do any US colleges still require SAT Subject Tests?
No. Since the tests were discontinued in 2021, no college can require them. Any requirement language you find on a college website should be treated as outdated — verify with current admissions information directly.
What should Indian students submit instead of Subject Tests?
IB Higher Level exam scores, A-Level results, AP exam scores, or strong performance in your school's senior year subject exams. These demonstrate subject-specific ability in a way US universities understand and value.