Grantmom Posted November 17, 2017 Share Posted November 17, 2017 I am sure the answer to this varies depending on the school, but I would love to hear your thoughts on this. For schools that do not require the essay, how do you think they view a score on the essay if you do take it and send it? Would they just not even look at it at all? Would they look at, but maybe not consider it that much? Basically what I am trying to ask is, could a poor score on the essay affect your chances at a school that doesn't even require the essay, simply because you had to send it to them for them to see your best score on the other sections? This is not really a question that you want to call the admissions office and ask them. But, at the same time, how can you know? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowbeltmom Posted November 17, 2017 Share Posted November 17, 2017 If the college doesn't want the essay, I doubt they will even look at the score. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fourisenough Posted November 17, 2017 Share Posted November 17, 2017 If the college doesn't want the essay, I doubt they will even look at the score.This would be my guess, also. They couldn’t hold it against your student if they don’t even consider it for most students. I’ve heard repeatedly from admissions people that they consider the aspects of your application that paint the applicant in the best light. They may want you to send all test scores, but will consider only the best composite score (or the best sub-section scores in the case of schools that super-score). 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JanetC Posted November 18, 2017 Share Posted November 18, 2017 Rumor has it that even colleges that require the essay don't weight it very heavily. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisabees Posted November 18, 2017 Share Posted November 18, 2017 Agree with Janet. It isn't given much weight, even when required. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grantmom Posted November 18, 2017 Author Share Posted November 18, 2017 Thanks, all. I guess I am worried that, although they don't require it, they will still see it, and it might impact their opinion. DS has to send that score because that was his highest math score of the two times he took the SAT. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisabees Posted November 18, 2017 Share Posted November 18, 2017 I understand your fear! Believe me! Just remember that schools really only want the highest scores, because it makes them look better when the student looks better. When they say they're going to overlook certain scores, I really believe that they do. You could be a little strategic in how you report the scores, though. Make sure it isn't self-reported on the Common App. And make sure it isn't on transcript. I really don't think you need to worry, though! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Milknhoney Posted November 21, 2017 Share Posted November 21, 2017 I work in a university admissions office. We do not care about the writing score. It absolutely would not count against the student. Also, yes you can call and ask the admissions office how it is treated. That is what admissions counselors do, they counsel you on how best to approach things. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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