Do you think when schools like Harvard now say “writing optional” for SAT/ACT they actually mean optional, or is it the same as SAT II tests (NOT optional unless you’re very poor)?
In this case, I think they really mean it. They can get a sense of your writings skills from your essays. Harvard basically said as much:
https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2018/3/20/harvard-drops-writing-scores/
Evwry school is dropping requirements lets them hand pick applicants and fill classes as they choose “hollistically”.