SAT Subject Tests were one-hour, multiple-choice exams covering specific academic subjects like Math, Biology, and U.S. History. The College Board discontinued them in 2021, and AP exams are now the primary way to demonstrate subject-specific mastery.
What Were SAT Subject Tests?
SAT Subject Tests were standardized exams that measured knowledge in specific academic areas, allowing students to showcase strengths beyond what the general SAT captured. First introduced in 1937 as "Achievement Tests," they were scored on a 200-800 scale like the main SAT. At their peak, 20 different tests existed across mathematics, sciences, history, English, and foreign languages. The College Board discontinued them in January 2021 (U.S.) and June 2021 (internationally), citing the expansion of AP exams as an adequate replacement.
Key Takeaways
- SAT Subject Tests were discontinued in 2021 and are no longer available
- 20 subjects were offered including Math Level 1 & 2, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, U.S. History, and 12 foreign languages
- AP exams are now the primary alternative for demonstrating subject-specific knowledge
- No colleges require prior Subject Test scores, and most won't consider them in admissions
- Homeschoolers can demonstrate mastery through AP exams, portfolios, and standardized achievement tests
Why They Were Discontinued
By 2021, Subject Test popularity had declined significantly—only about 220,000 students in the graduating class of 2017 took them, down 30% from 2011. Meanwhile, over 1.3 million students in that same class took at least one AP exam. Most colleges had already dropped Subject Test requirements, recognizing that transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, and AP results provided sufficient academic information. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the decision, as the College Board sought to reduce testing burdens on students facing unprecedented disruptions.
Subjects That Were Offered
AP Exams as the Primary Alternative
Advanced Placement exams have essentially replaced Subject Tests for demonstrating subject mastery. With 38 AP courses currently available, most academic areas are covered. AP exams are more rigorous—lasting multiple hours with essay components—and scores of 4-5 can earn college credit or allow students to place out of introductory courses. Harvard's dean of admissions has noted that AP tests are the "best predictors" of college grades. About 20% of selective schools explicitly encourage AP score submission from homeschool applicants.
Demonstrating Subject Mastery as a Homeschooler
Without traditional transcripts, homeschoolers benefit from external validation of their academic work. Strong SAT or ACT scores remain important, and homeschooled students actually average higher (1190) than public school students (1060). Taking AP exams in your strongest subjects provides colleges with standardized evidence of achievement. Homeschoolers can access AP content through self-study with prep books, online AP courses, or classes from AP-certified teachers. Beyond testing, detailed course descriptions, portfolios of work, and letters from instructors or mentors all help document academic rigor.
The Bottom Line
While SAT Subject Tests are now history, the need for homeschoolers to demonstrate subject-specific competency remains. AP exams have stepped into this role, offering both validation of knowledge and potential college credit. For subjects without AP equivalents, detailed documentation of coursework, outside evaluations, and standardized achievement tests can fill the gap. The good news is that colleges have adapted their expectations—they're well aware Subject Tests no longer exist and have adjusted admissions review processes accordingly.
