I took the May SAT, got an 8/8/7. Not perfect but it’s an ok score. I’m taking the SAT again in October but since I am satisfied with my essay score and it is a “separately reported section,” do I not have to retake the essay even if I am applying to, say, a college that does not superscore but requires an essay score? Sorry if that is confusing. Also how will it work for colleges that have a minimum “in one sitting” SAT score, will the essay have to be taken in that one sitting or does it not matter because it is a separately reported section?
No one knows how schools will assess the essay yet, but the consensus is that it is probably not that important. Therefore, go ahead and take the essay part again in October as some schools may not accept an SAT without essay. By the way 23 out of 24 is a great score and it is likely that you will do well again on the October SAT essay.
It depends on the school. DS is in the same spot with a 7,8,8 essay I’d rather not pay extra to take the essay again since we are happy with his essay score. His target school is UT Dallas, they list the essay as “suggested” but not “required” and they superscore. I was told that he doesn’t have to take the essay again since they would only take the best score anyway. Other schools may have different policies you need to ask the particular schools you will be applying to.
“I took the May SAT, got an 8/8/7. Not perfect but it’s an ok score.”
@SATurdays, you really serious with that statement? It’s more than “ok”.
Those few schools which have officially chimed in on the new SAT essay have declared it will not be a consideration for applications. Between those statements and the fact that the essay is not being graded consistently, I don’t think it’s going to have any impact on your chances one way or the other. Ignore it.
[According to a Kaplan poll in which 300 schools were surveyed, most schools will not require the optional SAT essay. However, some still do recommend or require it, particularly in the most selective tier of institutions.
Notably, elite schools like the Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, and the University of Chicago are divided on the issue, with some requiring the essay and some neither requiring or recommending it. In the Ivy League, Harvard, Princeton, Dartmouth and Yale will continue to require the SAT essay, and Columbia, Cornell, UPenn, and Brown will not.](Does the SAT Essay Matter? Expert Guide)
Here’s the full run-down of colleges’ SAT Essay policies:
[College SAT Essay Policies](Home – SAT Suite of Assessments | College Board)
Thanks everyone! Still on the fence about taking it or not…I think I’ll call all the schools and programs I’m interested in and ask. If I don’t get a clear Yes/No consensus, I’ll just take it again and not sweat it.
@mmk2015 Sorry if that sounded conceited! didn’t want to portray my score as “good” or ‘perfect’ (it’s not :P) because I don’t know what the typical score is. If everyone gets 8/8/7s than it’s just average isn’t it? Thanks for the kind words though