<p>Hello, I wanted to know since I wasn't able to find anything on college board if the writing portion of the test is optional. I heard from some people that it is and I just wanted to know if it's true. </p>
<p>It is required as of now.</p>
<p>There is going to be a change in the SAT that will state the essay as optional, beginning spring 2016.</p>
<p>Currently the ACT essay is optional. The SAT is required by the testing agency and no change is coming for two years and first class affected will be those applying to college for Fall 2017. Moreover, don’t assume it will actually be “optional” for a number of schools. Despite that it is optional for the ACT, many colleges, including most of your higher ranks require it for the ACT and likely will do so with the new SAT.</p>