<p>I see on collegeboards website some schools are reporting the 25-75% range for the writing section- is this an indication that these schools are using the score in admission decisions?</p>
<p>It just means that they now have enough of a history to report the scores -- it is a question that would have been on the common data set commencing with applications for admission in 2005/2006 for the 2006-2007 school year. So as the data is coming in, it is being added to the college board site.</p>
<p>If you look lower on the same SAT/AP/CLEP page on which the CB reports the 25-75% SAT range, you can find out if the school is using the Writing Score for admissions, placement, as a check on the application essay, etc. </p>
<p>My very unscientific sample of a couple of dozen LACs in which DD is interested suggests that far more than half are now using the writing score for admissions. The page does not tell you if it's given equal weight with the Reading/Math.</p>
<p>
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If there is a very severe difference in writing skill and quality between the essay and the SAT writing portion, then colleges will suspect that the essay may have been professionally obtained
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</p>
<p>Interestingly, "as a validity check on the application essay" is an option that colleges can check off on the Common Data Set questions, yet <em>very</em> few schools do so. This doesn't mean that they're not using it in this way, but they're generally not saying so publicly.</p>
<p>It's an interesting point. I have a D who's interested in Georgetown and they told you unequivocally in their info session that they do not use the Writing score. But at the same time, most highly selective colleges say that they will look at any application information or materials submitted. So if an applicant comes in with a high Writing score, say > 750, wouldn't you think that someone on the other end would at least take note of it?</p>
<p>gadad- yes</p>
<p>I read somewhere that even though the colleges say they don't look at the writing score that they actually do. They consider it a better estimation of the true writing of the student. The regular essay that the student submits they know has usually been edited by a teacher or other source. My son got a 710 in the writing section, so of course I'm hoping they factor that in.</p>