How important are the SAT essay scores?

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

Hi,

I took the New SAT this March. I got 740 on CR/W and 800 in Math, but I didn’t do so well on the essay-- I got a reading score of 6, analysis score of 5, and a writing score of 4 for a total of 15 / 24. Can anyone tell me how low of a score this is relative to my 1540 score on the multiple choice? Also, how much does the essay matter if I am planning to major in a STEM field?

I am planning to apply to some more selective schools like Cornell, NYU, URochester, or Northwestern. I’ve heard that Cornell does not recommend taking the essay, but I am not sure if the essay score will still be considered if I send it.

Should I consider studying for the essay, and retaking the SAT to get a better score on it? I am already planning to study for 3 other SAT subject tests, so studying for the essay will take time out of those.

2

Bump. I would really like to know how much the essay matters.

3

Depends on the college. There is no one answer fits all.

4

@happy1 Would you happen to know anything about how much it matters for the UC system schools or any schools in particular?

5

I’ve decided that I’m really interested in CMU and Northwestern in particular, too. Can someone tell me how important the essays are for those schools?

6

This information can be easily found on the web sites of the colleges.

For example:;

CMU:

https://admission.enrollment.cmu.edu/pages/new-sat-and-changes-to-admissions-policy