If you're wondering why College Board didn't keep the essay optional, the org explained that they are "adapting to respond to the changing needs of students and colleges" and that the "change simply streamlines the process for students who have other, more relevant opportunities to show they can write an essay as part of the work they’re already doing on their path to college."
The decision was brought about by the 2020 pandemic and how it “accelerated a process already underway at the College Board to reduce and simplify demands on students.”
As part of this change, the SAT Test Subjects would also be removed from the exam.