In 2021, the College Board® announced that the SAT® Essay, which had been an optional section of the SAT since 2016, will no longer be offered. However, a few states will continue to require it for students who take the SAT as part of the SAT School Day program. The role of the SAT Essay in college admissions differs from school to school. While some colleges make the SAT Essay a requirement, others completely disregard it. This article will cover SAT benefits, which colleges require SAT Essay, and more.
Does The SAT Essay Matter?
The SAT Essay matters only as much as it matters to your desired college. If submitting essay scores is not required or recommended, it should not affect the admission decision. Check whether the SAT Essay plays a role in the admission decision of your prospective colleges before you decide to take it. To learn about the format, syllabus, difficulty level, and scoring pattern of the essay section, be sure to read our article on the SAT Optional Essay.
Benefits of taking the SAT Essay
Here are a few benefits of taking the SAT Essay for students applying to colleges that require or recommend sending the essay scores with admissions applications:
- Highlights your writing and rhetorical skills:
This is your opportunity to demonstrate your writing and rhetorical skills and stand out among other applicants. - Displays your college and career readiness:
Writing skills and critical thinking are essential in every academic field. Your essay section score demonstrates how well you will perform in your future studies. - Can be an additional advantage for getting scholarships:
Scholarship programs may require an SAT Essay score, so if you plan on applying for scholarships, check the requirements early.
Why are some colleges still accepting the SAT Essay?
The SAT Essay helps colleges gather additional information about students to gauge their potential as a successful student. A student’s writing and critical thinking skills are indicative of their likelihood of succeeding in college-level coursework. For colleges that recently started recommending the SAT Essay, it may be an opportunity to make your college application to stand out.
Which Colleges Require The SAT Essay?
We have compiled a list of colleges that either recommend or require you to take the SAT Essay (see below). However, don’t forget to go through the admission policies of your prospective college to check for any updates to admission eligibility requirements.
Do Ivy League schools require the SAT Essay?
Ivy League Schools do not require you to take the SAT Essay. The same goes for many other premier institutions like Stanford, Caltech, MIT, and NYU.