If a college says that they superscore the SAT, will they take an essay section from a test where the student’s Math and English scores are not the highest?
Example: if a student scores a 720 Reading and 750 Math on a test they took without the essay and then scores lower on both sections on a second test but has an essay score on that test, can the student send those two tests for the superscore? Or will colleges only consider an essay section from a test where they are actually considering one of the other section scores?
We’ve signed our S19 up for his first SAT without the essay and I don’t think I can change that now. I know he will at least take one more SAT junior year (the one given at his school during the school day) and that one will have the essay section. I thought we had no schools on his list that needed the SAT essay but now I’ve realized there are two. Ugh.
I’m not sure the answer to your first question but you can still switch your son’s August SAT registration to include the essay if you so wish. From the College Board website:
Switching Between the SAT and the SAT with Essay
You can change to or from the SAT with Essay without a change fee, but you do pay the price difference between the two tests if you’re switching to the SAT with Essay.
You may be able to switch on test day, but it’s up to the test center supervisor and depends on whether they have enough materials, space, and staff. You will be seated after other students.
@scholardad I guess we should consider that. It’s just that he’s been studying all summer for the other sections and is doing well. He has been so good about managing his time and studying well. I hate to throw him this curveball at such a late date. I don’t think it’s easy to prepare for the essay unless you actually practice and write. And then there’s no way to know to check how you’ve done. I also think he’s out of practice since he hasn’t written anything all summer!
@suzyQ7 he only has one school that requires it. And all of the juniors will take the SAT in school in April so he will have to do the essay part then. I feel like he’ll be more prepared then since he will be almost all the way through AP Lang and should be able to write the essay without any additional prep. My question remains, though. What if his math and reading scores are both higher on the Aug test and then he does the test again with the essay section in April? Will the schools that require the essay only look at the other scores on test days where they took the essay?
And why do you think it’s easy to prep for the essay?