From the October test, I received a composite score of 36 (36 English, 35 Math, 35, Reading, 36 Science). However, I only received a 9 on my essay, which brings down my ELA score to a 33. I’m looking at a lot of schools that are really competitive, like CalTech, MIT, UC Berkeley, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and Stanford, and I’m not sure if I should retake it just for the essay, especially since most of these schools are STEM schools. It seems pretty pointless, but I feel anxious that my essay score will make my writing look bad…
They get to see how you write in your supplements and essays anyways.
I probably would as many of those colleges take the essay in account with your other scores. I am planning to do so, even though I am planning to major in a STEM field. As RiceFarmer says however, good essays could help you as well. Also congrats on your score.
There is zero chance I would retake with a 36 score and a 9 essay which is excellent all the way around. Agree that your application essays are your opportunity to showcase your writing skills further. Great scores - well done.
Don’t retake. Your supplemental essays will reveal your writing ability and the STEM schools care more about your critical thinking and reasoning ability shown through math & cr section of the SAT and math/science SAT IIs. Additionally they’ll see your individual section scores for the ACT and place more focus on math/science/cr over english.
Don’t retake. The essay and ELA scores are FAR less important than your composite. Top and bottom schools know that how you write a formulaic essay in 40 minutes is not an indication of what you’ll be as a college student. Your essays for the schools carry far more weight. Congrats on your success!
God no.