<p>Hi guys, I'm a junior and Williams is my top choice (will apply ED). My only question about the application process for Williams is whether it cares about the writing score on the SAT. I can not find a website saying it does not, but some people on CC (in past posts) have said it does not. Can someone give me a definite answer? The only reason I ask this is because on every practice test I have taken from the blue book, my SAT is broken down into: 790-800 Math, 770-800 CR, and 640-670 Writing. Thanks.</p>
<p>Not sure if this answers your question, but when you send your SAT scores, you don’t have the option of choosing to NOT send your writing subsection score (at least to Williams). 99% of colleges will look at your score for writing. Don’t worry about this, though. There are so many factors that make the actual test different than taking a practice test, so I’d say you don’t have the right to worry until you see your official score. Your projected scores for math and reading are obviously very good, and even if you have a lower writing score, you can at least partially make it up by having rockin’ essays.</p>
<p>Cheers!</p>
<p>I’m not sure if things have changed, but a few years ago a coach at Williams told us the writing section was viewed like a subject test score and could be used as one of 3 SAT IIs score (hers was above 750; she only submitted two other SAT IIs and was accepted). So it seems you could send three other SAT IIs and the writing shouldn’t be a problem. Others have said most top schools won’t think open the door for an 800 on the writing but still want to see this score above 700. It definitely appears to be less valued than the CR or Math - we were also told the CR section was the most important at Williams. Good luck</p>
<p>Thanks guys. Behrumt, I think Williams only requires two Subject Tests (as of right now).</p>
<p>Be careful when a school says they do not look at a score. The average writing score at Williams is still above 700. So assuming an even distribution (which it is probably is not - most likely skewed to higher end and lower ends), half are above and half are below 710. For that average to occur with a 650, then someone with at least a 770 must be accepted to make the average 710. I do not mean to give bad news, just realize it is not as simple as ignoring the score. They never ignore the score, if they have to offset low ones with higher admits. If they want you, they will offset. If they do not, then you are out. However, the score cannot be ignored when the average is above 700.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. Can anyone share a way to improve a writing score? I currently use the ultimate guide.</p>
<p>Which section are you having issues with: the essay or multiple choice? Both?</p>
<p>The multiple choice destroys me XD.</p>
<p>What part of the multiple choice? Just grammar things? Writing was my highest section (770) so I’d love to help out if you want :)</p>
<p>To improve your writing try: [The</a> Elements of Style, Fourth Edition: William Strunk Jr., E. B. White, Roger Angell: 9780205309023: Amazon.com: Books](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/The-Elements-Style-Fourth-Edition/dp/020530902X]The”>http://www.amazon.com/The-Elements-Style-Fourth-Edition/dp/020530902X)</p>
<p>I read on CC of someone who raised her SAT writing score by 200 points by using this and test prep books. You must know grammar and punctuation well for the test.</p>
<p>You missed the point of behrumt. If you submit 3 sat subjects instead of 2, then one can be a substitute for the writing score. In fact, when SAT’s aptitudes were only two parts, many colleges and the Ivies required 3 subject tests. When SAT’s included a writing section starting in 2000, they dropped down to two required subject tests. However, some schools wanted one of the three to be the English Composition test in the old days.</p>
<p>Hmmm. It seems I did miss the point, but unfortunately, I can’t find where Williams says this. If this was possible, I would be elated due to my subject test scores.</p>
<p>Agreed - I have never heard that substitution thing either, but could be true. Although, unless you hear that directly from an admin person or read it in Williams literature, be careful. </p>
<p>Why not make it real easy on yourself and go to the Williams Admin staff page on the website and email your regional admin counselor and ask? Getting the answer from the horse’s mouth is the best thing here.</p>
<p>As for preparing re multiple choice, you need to two parts: 1) understanding grammar and using an outside book as stated and 2) consistent practice on the actual SAT test format. Basically, get as many different test books and literally set aside one day a week to take a writing section review test (not the entire SAT, just the 2 multiple choice sections). </p>
<p>Not sure anything else you can do. Well, one more possibility - if you can supplement with a paid SAT review course on writing section, do that too.</p>
<p>About 30% of Williams students who submit SATs have below a 700 on the W section, so you won’t be out of the running with a score in the 600s. (see p. 10 here) <a href=“http://provost.williams.edu/files/12_13_common_data_set_final.pdf[/url]”>http://provost.williams.edu/files/12_13_common_data_set_final.pdf</a> </p>
<p>Rather than just practicing and estimating your score, you’ll want to sign up for and take the actual SAT soon, if you can. You may find you have different results on the real thing. Leave time in your schedule to re-test at least once before submitting your apps. Most people improve on their second sitting. </p>
<p>Also try the ACT w Writing at least once, and retest if you do reasonably well the first time. You might find you do better on the ACT than SAT. Even if your ACT results are in roughly the same range as SAT, submitting both sets of scores tends to bolster your overall academic credentials.</p>
<p>I definitely agree on taking the tests early too. But, I would do the serious prep also - that cannot hurt. </p>
<p>As for the writing score importance issue, I think the answer to the question can easily be inferred rather accurately. </p>
<p>The SAT is the one test where the sections cannot be chosen. However, if the SAT writing section is not looked at seriously, why then is it required to take the ACT with writing (see page 9, section C8B of common data set in post above by niceday)? </p>
<p>If writing does not matter, you would think they would then give the option to do the ACT without writing - but they do not. </p>
<p>My conclusion is it does not matter as much as M and R, but it does matter. How much? Well, that I assume really depends on the other parts of a student’s application.</p>
<p>I’m actually taking it on the 25th (so worried). I also think most people improve their second time around, but I really don’t want to take the test again (especially with the way my dad makes me study). Unfortunately, I don’t know a single person who is/was happy with their first score D:.</p>
<p>I seem to be missing verb tenses and pronoun antecedents the most.</p>