Many schools that I am interested in list the SAT and ACT writing section as “optional,” however, I have recently spoken with a friend who is a student at a competitive college who said that when applying to competitive schools, optional doesn’t actually mean optional. He said that not taking the writing section shows lack of dedication/laziness and that I should send my scores regardless of whether they are optional or not. Could someone please tell me if there is any truth to this? I have not taken the writing section yet, should I schedule it on my next SAT test?
Recommend and optional are not the same. A good writing score is not that important even when it is required. If the school do require or recommend writing score, you may want to retake the test with writing. Optional usually means not required.
http://www.■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■/act-writing-and-sat-essay-requirements/
I would always recommand taking the test with essay though.
I agree that you should take the essay just in case.