The SAT, an abbreviation for the Scholastic Aptitude Test, was founded in 1926. This adaptation of the Army Alpha was created for the purpose of standardizing college admissions procedures and increase access to college. Modern day people argue that this system is outdated and unfair, with much evidence demonstrating that the SAT is not an accurate prediction of a student’s potential. Now, everybody’s favorite college “non-profit” organization (that was sarcasm if you couldn’t tell) is going through some major changes. No it is not permanently ceasing to exist (we can’t have it all), but they are discontinuing some major assessments that many people have mixed feelings on.

While few colleges require your score from the writing portion of the SAT, the option was still there. Out of the 4 SATs I have taken within my high school career, I have done the writing portion 3 times. As someone who was taking AP Seminar, the essay wasn’t too bad. Did I feel it was time consuming, unnecessary, and a waste of my time? Yes. But the process of writing and developing it was not bad. Well now, regardless of your opinions on the essay portion, it will no longer be an option. The pros of this are that no colleges can require it and it makes the test 50 minutes shorter. The cons are for those who felt this essay portion could make them stand out on their application. For those who feel that way, I can assure you that unless a college asks for them, most admission employees don’t heavily consider those scores.

The College Board is also discontinuing subject tests in U.S. history, foreign languages, math, and other topics. This decisions has a little more controversy as subject tests allow for students to show off their extensive knowledge in that particular area of study, especially when applying for Ivys and big name schools. Because I have never taken a subject test, I do not really have an opinion on this decision.

With these changes in place, the whole college application process will shift. Now that colleges will not be requiring certain subject tests and the SAT writing portion, more students will begin applying to the more selective/prestigious schools. In fact, the University of California schools no longer consider SAT/ACT scores when making decisions on acceptances. Standardized testing is slowly starting to lose its place in the American high school experience and it is about time.