SAT Subject Tests and College Requirements

SAT Subject Tests are no longer required or considered for college admissions at any US universities, including Harvard. The College Board permanently discontinued these tests in 2021. You now only need to focus on either the SAT or ACT for standardized testing requirements.

Even top-tier universities like Harvard have adjusted their testing policies. Most schools now operate under test-optional or test-free policies, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application. However, if you do plan to submit test scores, you'll only need to provide results from the main SAT or ACT exam.

Your academic strength is now demonstrated through other components of your application. College admissions officers focus more heavily on your high school grades, course rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exam scores can also help showcase your academic abilities in specific subject areas.

When preparing your college applications, concentrate your energy on maintaining strong grades in challenging courses and developing a well-rounded profile rather than worrying about Subject Tests. If you're particularly strong in certain academic areas, consider taking AP or IB exams instead, as these can demonstrate subject mastery while potentially earning you college credit.

For international students, some universities may require English proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS if English isn't your first language. These language assessments have replaced the role that SAT Subject Tests once played in evaluating international applicants' English abilities.