How much does the SAT Essay Matter?

Literally what’s in the question. I got a 1450 (680 Reading and Writing, 770 Math), but only a 5/5/5 essay score. I was really shocked by this, since I’ve always been considered a relatively strong writer, and am taking IB HL English. Perhaps, I do not fully understand what I’m supposed to do for the essay? Can someone offer me advice on getting a higher essay score?

Bump

It matters to fulfill requirement of the schools that want it, but it does not need to be very high even for top schools.15 out of 24 s not bad.

US News, etc. do not report it. Many colleges say they don’t count it. It almost surely won’t make or break you, but make sure your college essay is well written and error free. Congratulations on the 1450! That part of your score will matter more.

Schools vary in the way they look at the SAT essay score so there is no one answer that will fit every college. Certainly it is a big positive that your HS transcript and grades show that you can write well.

@happy1 What about schools like Berkeley, UCLA, and USC?

Very little as long as you do decently and prove your writing abilities in your admissions essays and good AP Lang/lit scores