I am wondering if a poor SAT Essay score on my second sitting will hurt my chances at admission into university. The first time I took the SAT, I scored 1500 composite and 17/24 on the essay(6/8 Reading; 4/8 Analysis; 7/8 Writing). The second time I took it I scored 1550, but a 13/24 on the essay(5/8 Reading; 2/8 Analysis; 6/8 Writing). I hadn't taken the essay seriously, but upon reviewing it afterwards I determined it wasn't that bad (definitely not 13/24 bad). Regardless, I cannot appeal my essay score. But I also took the ACT, scoring a 10/12 on the essay(98 percentile).
My first question is if a university's admissions policy features super-scoring, will the 13/24 be viewed by admissions or just the 17/24? Could the 13/24 cast doubts as to my writing ability, or would it be discarded thanks to super-scoring?
My other question is if I apply to a university that only reviews one test sitting(UC), would the essay score be so hurtful that I should only submit my 1500 and 17/24. Or would my score on the ACT essay, my 5 on the AP English Language Exam, my well-crafted application essays, and my straight A's in Honours High School English ensure admissions personnel of my writing competence?
Also, should I just opt to only submit my single ACT (35/36 Composite and 10/12 Essay) and not send my impressive 1550 only because it is tainted by a poor essay?
I am interested in Law so my writing ability is important. I know this post is a bit verbose, but my SAT Essay score really threw me off. Looking for good answers. I really don't mean to brag with my relatively impressive scores.
Following as my kid is in a similar position. For people who will be responding to you, it might help if you mentioned whether you are a senior this year, and if the UCs are your top choices or if you have others where they don’t care so much about the essay.