How important is the Writing section of the SAT to Harvard?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>I know some schools such as Cornell don't even consider the Writing section.</p>

<p>How much weight does Harvard give it?</p>

2

<p>See last sentence of 3rd paragraph below: [Guidance</a> Office: Answers From Harvard’s Dean, Part 2 - NYTimes.com](<a href=“http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/11/harvarddean-part2/]Guidance”>Guidance Office: Answers From Harvard's Dean, Part 2 - The New York Times)</p>

<p>"Standardized tests are generally more predictive of academic success at selective colleges than at others, but you make an important point: it is abundantly clear that one size does not fit all when it comes to testing. Some colleges have found that standardized tests are not particularly helpful in predicting grades at their campuses and have de-emphasized tests or made them optional.</p>

<p>That said, our studies consistently demonstrate that standardized tests are helpful in predicting Harvard grades. Of course many other factors are important too, including high school grades, teacher and counselor recommendations, and intangible personal qualities that are reflected throughout the application.</p>

<p>We have found that the best predictors at Harvard are Advanced Placement tests and International Baccalaureate Exams, closely followed by the College Board subject tests. High school grades are next in predictive power, followed by the SAT and ACT. The writing tests of the SAT and ACT have predictive power similar to the subject tests."</p>

3

<p>“We have found that the best predictors at Harvard are Advanced Placement tests and International Baccalaureate Exams, closely followed by the College Board subject tests. High school grades are next in predictive power, followed by the SAT and ACT. The writing tests of the SAT and ACT have predictive power similar to the subject tests.”</p>

<p>So does that mean that the Writing section is more important in Harvard admissions than the CR and M sections?</p>

4

<p>From the above statement, it would appear so. I wouldn’t worry about it though.</p>

5

<p>No, that’s good for me. I scored an 800 on Writing :)</p>