My DD is taking the SAT on Saturday. I registered for SAT with essay, but thought it could be changed up until the date of the test. College Board told me it’s too late to change it. They said it may be possible to make the change at the testing center. So I asked what happens if she just leaves the essay section blank? They said she would get a score of 0. Since the essays are scored 2-8, I’m wondering if schools will just assume she opted out? None of her current schools require the essay which is why she wants to skip it.
I don’t want to give her bad advice, since I’m hoping she will do well enough to be one and done. Would a zero on the essay be a huge problem?? If anyone has any knowledge please let me know. Thanks!
It is possible to change the test type at the test center, but that is not guaranteed. Most users who tried to change in August were successful, but some were not. She should get to the center early. If, however, she is unable to change, then she should just take it with the essay and complete the essay.
@skieurope Thanks! She has not done well on her practice essays and the prep class hasn’t covered it. I’m worried that a really low score will offset a great regular score.
I’d be more worried that the CB cancels the entire score because the entire test was not completed. If none of the colleges require the essay, then a low score on the essay won’t hurt her. But think positively. Maybe she can change on Saturday. If that fails, maybe she will score well on the essay. Good luck to her.
Just circling back in case anyone reads this in the future. I called the college board again and they were more encouraging that she could drop the essay at the test center. Then my DD came home from school stressed because all the “smart kids” are taking the essay! I gave her the option but we decided since she wasn’t prepped for it and had scored poorly on her practice tests, that she would drop it if she could. We arrive at 7:30 and she was able to drop the essay. Now to wait for the scores!
Thanks for the update. Best of luck to her.