I got an 800 on reading, 780 on math and a 730 on writing. However, I got a 7 on the essay, with a 78/80 on the writing multiple choice. Is it noticeably bad that my essay score is so low, and is that worse than if I had a lower mc and higher essay?
Nobody ever look at your essay score. You never have to report it eather. Congratulations on a great SAT scores.
Some schools will and do look at SAT Essay scores. It says something about your writing and articulation skills… You should get at least a 9 with the scores you received on the other sections.
If schools do look at the essay, they’ll often request a copy of the essay itself - they trust their own readers far more than the College Board’s.