<p>I'm a senior applying early action to Stanford and received SAT scores of 800 Math, 780 Critical Reading, 680 Writing (8 on the essay) as well as an ACT score of 35 (also 8 on the essay). My concern lies in the essay scores. I have been in a selective, rigorous honors english program at my school for four years, am currently enrolled in AP English, and have long considered writing to be one of my main strengths. My scores, however, don't reflect this. I even looked again at my SAT essay online and don't see why it deserves an 8 -- it is nothing brilliant, but offers a straightforward, well-written, clearly organized essay. I was wondering if anyone here has had similar experiences and/or knows how much Stanford and other schools value the essay score, especially since it is so new. My transcript, letters of recommendation and essays should display my ability to write, but I fear the essay scores will seem to contradict this. I have already rushed my prior SAT scores and will probably rush my ACT scores TODAY -- should I perhaps withhold the ACT scores, which are overall high, because receiving two 8's makes the scoring seem less subjective? Any thoughts are appreciated.</p>
<p>Since you said "any" thoughts would be appreciated, I'll offer some. But I'm only offering my impressions based on what others have said on CC over the months. None of this is absolute or documented.</p>
<p>From what I can tell, colleges don't know yet what to make of the writing scores and aren't really using them that much in making decisions. If it were me, I would not hold back on your excellent ACT score because of another 8.</p>
<p>There has been a lot of criticism of the writing tests, specifically that the grading seems to reward length and not quality. If I were an adcomm, I would give more credibility to your grades, essays, and recommendations and wouldn't give the 8's a second thought.</p>
<p>i cant really help you.. last year I got a 7, but no one looked at the writing last year... I can say this though, you haave done well in everyhting except that one essay. If your applicaation essays are good... that will really show ur strength.. but make sure they kick ass</p>
<p>Stanford has said that they weigh the writing section equally compared to math and Critical reading</p>
<p>The 200 to 800 portion of the writing section or the essay, too? I would be more inclined to credit the former than the latter if I were the one making decisions. But, alas, I am not ...</p>
<p>Anyone else hear from colleges about the graded essays and how they are likely to be viewed this year?</p>
<p>Too bad it can't be like the LSAT where the essays are not graded, but simply forwarded to law schools for their own analysis.</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses. Anyone else have thoughts on sending the ACT scores? Do schools only look at whichever they think is a better score (SAT/ACT)?</p>
<p>Send the ACT score, the lousiest combination for a 35 on the ACT is better than your SAT score.</p>
<p>Schools say they look at only the highest score. Human nature what it is I don't know if something there can be completely ignored, though.</p>
<p>I agree with Golden Bear. Send the SAT score only if you have some good SAT subject matter tests to report, too.</p>