Submit slightly higher SAT Essay with lower MC?

Applying to College
1

Hi all,

I’m self-reporting my SAT scores in my college applicant portals, and I’m debating whether to report both test dates or just one.

My first test date I had a score that was 20 MC points lower and an essay score was 7-7-8.

My second test date I had a score that was 20 MC points higher and an essay score of 8-5-8.

I’m definitely submitting my newer score, but I was wondering whether there was any benefit/harm in submitting my old score as well with the slightly lower MC score but higher analysis score on essay? Superscore unfortunately does not help me, as my 20 point improvement was all within one category.

I’m sure in the end it won’t make a great difference, but I’d appreciate advice on how to move forward for colleges that do consider essay scores. Thanks!

2

What colleges are you applying to that consider the Essay? AFAIK, the list is down to near zero.

You’re correct that 1 net point on the essay will be nearly meaningless. As most schools either superscore or take the best single date, sending both isn’t going to hurt. If you’re applying to one of the very few schools that require all test dates, the difference in the two scores is extremely small. And you need to provide both scores anyway.

I’d go ahead and send both, but I don’t think it will make a difference either way.