Decent SAT score, but bad essay score...

Test Preparation
1

I’m a junior at an ultra competitive private school. Although we don’t rank, my grades are A+'s in all subjects except for one A in Freshman English. Without disclosing too much, I’m a nationally ranked debater, engage in a sport outside of school (but not committed or strong enough to be recruited…but pull decent numbers) and very active in several clubs at school (started one this year).

I spent a solid amount of time on the 8 CB released tests and got a score of 1560 on the SAT (ERW 760/M 800). Not gonna lie, was disappointed upon receiving the score only because it was below every practice test I’ve taken. But I understand that colleges don’t really distinguish between a 1550 and 1600 (true? who knows…) The troublesome part is that my essay score is only 18/24 (7/4/7).

I am struggling with whether I should retake the SAT (for not only a better essay score, but also to better the 1560 as some peers from school achieved 1580+); or take my hand at the ACT (haven’t explored this yet); or just call it a day.

My other standardized test scores are strong. 800’s on subject tests, perfect PSAT score.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

2

Forget about the essay. I don’t know of a school that uses it.

3

My son had the same kind of scores, it won’t hurt you. I suspect some just look at it to confirm that you were capable of writing the essays on your application. Yours is certainly in the good enough range that they won’t question whether you were the one to actually write your essays.

4

Thanks @“Erin’s Dad” Many of the schools I will be applying to require the essay portion of the SAT. If they require it, I assume they will use it…but to what extent it will be used is the mystery.

@youcee, I hope your suspicion is correct.

You guys think I should be satisfied with the 1560 and call it a day?

5

Only on CC would a 1560 be “decent”. At any school out of the top 20, that score would make you a shoo in if grades match it.

6

Yep, call it a day. you’re done.

7

Thanks @a20171 Given the competitive nature of the admissions process for the schools I will be applying to, I don’t think anything is a “shoo in”. Much will depend on the essays and the narrative I am able to convey to the AO in my overall application package. I just don’t to give them the slighted excuse to not consider me for admission. My 760 in EBRW is just average for some of the schools I’m applying to, that’s the reality of the numbers that are staring at me…

On any given SAT that is administered by the CB, there is just as much chance that I will get an 800 on the EBRW as there is that I will get a 750. I find the reading section that random and quirky.

8

Oh I’m sure someone with as impressive credentials as you is applying in the top 20 and none of those is a shoo-in, but a 1560 is sufficient for those, too. I was just pointing out that your score is great and there are many good schools that you’ll almost definitely get into. Good luck!

9

You might not get into the hyper-competitive schools that you’re applying to. But it won’t have anything to do with your SAT score. Call it a day.

10

@SouthernHope Thanks so much for your reply.

As an update, I’ve have indeed taken the advice on this thread and have decided to call it a day. Just taking one more SAT Subject test in June in a language to give the AO’s another data point from which to consider my application. I have my teacher recommendations lined up and am working on a balanced list (based on the crazy acceptance rates from this year…I’ll have to include many schools with a 40%+ acceptance rate if I want to make sure I go to college next year). Just need to work on my essays (which I hope my NSLI-Y experience abroad this summer will help me with).

Thanks all for your input. Really appreciate it.