As the SAT has dropped its writing portion, many colleges are adjusting their policies on the writing test. When a college recommends that I take the writing portion, does that mean that it’s essentially required?
If it is a selective school, I am going to guess yes. And you can’t just take writing on its own, it needs to be taken at the same time as the test. If even one of your colleges recommends it, I think you need to consider it.
At present, none of the schools on my daughter’s list require it. But that might change at any time, who knows? So she will take the essay section, just to cover her bases. Better safe than sorry!
@Lindagaf I’m signed up to take writing on the SAT in May and ACT in June, I just want to know if I really need to stress about it. I’m afraid I’ll get a good multiple choice score but not a good writing score.
Do you need to stress about anything? No. You do need to prepare. Both websites will have sample essays and prompts. Have a look and do a few samples. A friend’s son is applying to U Del, PennSate and others. He didn’t know those schools req the ACt writing section, until I told him. He had a week to prep. Don’t be like that guy.
^Penn State is no longer requiring the writing sections of SAT or ACT for applicants for Fall 2017 (“with or without writing accepted”). Many schools are changing this year. Best to check 15-16 CDS (or ask the school if they haven’t posted the newest one yet).
@Lindagaf Thank you for the help