Should I take the SAT Essay?

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

Hey everyone,

Just a quick, probably dumb question.

I’m taking the October SAT as a junior, and I’m wondering if I need the SAT Essay. I didn’t even start prepping for the essay portion, though I’m currently preparing for the PSAT/SAT. I don’t know if it’s just a waste of $12…especially since I already took the ACT with writing and have a good enough score.

However, the writing portion on my ACT is not what I want (a 28/36…supposedly 96th percentile, but I don’t like to use those since they’re not too accurate). But I don’t know if writing an SAT essay will just distract me from my true goal of getting a good PSAT score and simply taking the SAT because Collegeboard requires it.

Thanks for your replies!

2

@LushLillies I would say it depends on the colleges you’re planning to apply to as many don’t require the essay but some do. I would dare to say it wouldn’t hurt to take the essay portion especially if you believe writing is a strength that you want to show to colleges. But as you said, it’s your priority whether you want to focus solely on PSAT/SAT prep or spend a little extra time on the essay which I personally believe doesn’t need too much preparation.