<p>I read an article some months ago (I'll look around for it - I am sure I printed it) that questioned the entire validity of a hand-written essay in an age where many of the test takers have not hand-written anything in years. I guess there are still some high schools where kids take essay tests with pencil and blue book, but I would be 99% of kids use their computers for paper writing, even their rough drafts.</p>
<p>My S's friend just blew off the writing section entirely (actually took a nap during that part of the test). He's at PSU, SHC now (a junior, I think).</p>