Senior here. I’m taking the October 2016 SAT (aiming for a 1500+) after taking the June 2016 SAT and getting a 1420 (700 CR + 720 M) and a 7/7/7 essay. I know that standardized testing essays aren’t a major factor in college admissions, but I was wondering if I should take the essay portion of the SAT again in case I either get a better essay score or get a better composite score (so that I don’t have to send two test scores and colleges won’t have to see my poorer score just for the sake of having my essay score). I know my essay score is pretty good, and I’m not really feeling having to sit through the additional essay time/spend the extra money, but if taking the essay again will help me in the long run, I’ll do it.
Just FYI, I’m applying to USC, NYU, Syracuse (requires all scores), UF, FSU, U Miami, Tulane, Pepperdine, and Chapman for communications. Thanks!
Most likely no need to retake the essay if you are planning to submit both tests or if your schools will superscore the results - but do check with your schools to get clarification. If they take scores from the single best sitting and require the essay then you will probably need to retake the essay.
Also, given your goal of a significant improvement, you are probably planning not to submit your first test unless required. In that case you should plan to re-take the essay.
Another thing to point out is that I don’t believe any of the schools to which you are applying requires the essay.
http://www.■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■/act-writing-and-sat-essay-requirements/. So it’s gravy if you do end up submitting your June scores.
I just checked all the websites and
USC, NYU, Syracuse, UF, FSU U Miami, and Tulane all superscore and say essay optional
Pepperdine does not clarify on superscoring or essay
Chapman recommends the essay, but does not require, and doesn’t say they superscore.
I say don’t do the essay again, as all the schools say it is optional and it is a good score anyway. Since most also superscore, you should be fine sending all your scores. I can’t verify whether admissions actually abides by what they say, but hopefully superscoring would indicate they will not look at your lower scores and it won’t hurt your chances.