PEMBROKE PINES, FL - MARCH 06: Suzane Nazir uses a Princeton Review SAT Preparation book to study for the test on March 6, 2014 in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Yesterday, the College Board announced the second redesign of the SAT this century, it is scheduled to take effect in early 2016. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)The College Board announced it is discontinuing the subject tests and optional essay on the SAT for college applicants in the U.S. The decision comes following nearly a year of adaptability by students and colleges amid the coronavirus pandemic, which “accelerated a process already underway” to “reduce and simplify demands on students.,” College Board said in a note to members. U.S. students registered for subject tests will automatically have their registrations canceled and be refunded.