<p>Last March, I took the SAT and received a composite score of 2310 (800 CR, 760 M, 750 W). When I first looked at my scores, I was shocked to see my Writing score; I had always thought that the Writing section was my strongest section on the SAT, and I had expected to achieve an 800 on Writing. I discovered that I had scored 49/49 (80) on the multiple choice portion of the Writing section, but I had received a horrifying 7/12 on the essay. I found myself in a state of massive disbelief, for I had been expecting to receive at least 10/12 on the SAT.</p>
<p>Should I be worried about my SAT essay score? I will be applying to Harvard SCEA and MIT, Stanford, Caltech, Princeton, Yale, and a host of other highly selective schools RD this fall. According to the College Board website, Princeton uses the SAT essay as a validity on the application essay, and Harvard uses it for admissions, placement, and advising. I am wondering whether I should retake the SAT this October to address the essay problem or take a third SAT Subject Test.</p>