Hello! Every single one of my D’s possible schools says the ACT or SAT essay is “optional.” What does that mean? She is is a fine writer but a slow writer, and she is getting stressed by the whole process. I’d like to tell her to skip the essay but I’ll be sick about it if it ends up being the difference between getting admitted or rejected. Also if she flubs the essay, schools that say it’s “optional” may still want that score. My son did the SAT essay last year b/c some of his schools wanted it. I noticed then that lots of schools are now asking to see everything, whether they actually require it or not – even AP test scores! Any advice vey much appreciated!!
I wish I had the answer. I think it’s unfair that colleges do this. IMO, I think it should be required or not and nothing “optional.”
D had several schools where you could “upload” additional information later. She chose not to. Hopefully this doesn’t hurt but I can’t help but feel like if you do it and specifically when “demonstrated interest” is important to the school, it might make a difference.
For the SAT/ACT, I think most will advise to submit if your scores are within average or above average range of the school. Again, this seems unfair - does that mean if you don’t submit, you have terrible scores?! Unfair.