Do You Send the SAT Essay Score to Schools That Don’t Require It?

It is a common question among students and parents during the college application process: Is it advantageous to send your SAT essay score to colleges that don’t require it? Many students believe that having a strong essay score could give them an upper hand in the admission process. However, in reality, this belief often turns out to be a misconception.

Understanding the Recruitment Policies of ScrollView Schools

When the SAT includes the essay section, the College Board automatically sends the essay score to all universities listed on the registration form. Yet, many students, like my youngest daughter, may encounter situations where the SAT essay score is absent from the application even when it was sent to the university. This is particularly the case for schools that either do not require or do not evaluate the essay score as part of the admissions process.

For instance, many universities that super-score the SAT, often exclude the essay score from the final score report. Since the essay score is generally not considered in the evaluation process, sending it might not provide the expected advantage.

Strategies for Demonstrating Strong Writing Skills

Instead of relying on the SAT essay score, students are encouraged to showcase their writing skills through various means:

Writing high-quality essays for their college applications. Participating in writing contests and winning awards. Taking advanced placement or capstone courses. Contributing articles to the school newspaper. Receiving strong recommendations from teachers or advisors.

These activities not only highlight your writing abilities but also demonstrate your overall preparedness and dedication to your academic pursuits.

Pitfalls of Sending Unnecessary Scores

Some colleges, like Hampshire College in Massachusetts, explicitly state that sending SAT scores may result in your application being ignored. Such actions might appear amusing but will not contribute positively to your admission portfolio.

Do your homework. Research the admission criteria of the schools you are applying to and adhere to their requirements strictly. Demonstrating the ability to thoroughly read and follow instructions is a valuable skill that admissions committees consider.

College Recruitment Policies Overview

Here’s a comprehensive guide to colleges that do not require the SAT or ACT scores:

Complete Guide: Colleges Not Requiring SAT Scores

While the SAT essay score might not significantly impact your application to schools that do not evaluate it, it is essential to submit relevant and valuable components that highlight your strengths and achievements.