For some high school students, conquering the optional SAT essay can be a significant advantage in their college applications.

THE SAT ESSAY has been optional since 2016. However, for some students, mastering the SAT essay can become a significant advantage. Consider signing up for the SAT essay if you fall into one of the following three categories:

• Students who want to demonstrate improvement in their analytical writing skills.
• Students planning to major in a field where writing skills are highly valued.
• Students who have not had the opportunity to showcase their writing skills in other exams.

Students who want to demonstrate improvement in their analytical writing skills

Students who start high school with weak writing skills can take the SAT essay to show their progress. A good score on this section can be valuable evidence for students who have struggled with English or writing in grades 9, 10, and 11. Additionally, students who have completed remedial English classes during high school and have shown improvement should also consider taking this essay.

In short, if students are concerned that their lower English or writing scores might negatively impact their college application, they should consider taking the SAT essay.

Students planning to major in a field where writing skills are highly valued

In addition to majors like English, History, Law, and Philosophy, there are many other fields that involve analytical writing, such as science disciplines that require publishing research. Even in fields like Math and Physics, which seem to focus purely on numbers, writing skills are necessary when presenting results to colleagues, drafting conference speeches, or publishing research findings. Therefore, strong writing skills are valuable in most fields.

Students who have not had the opportunity to showcase their writing skills in other exams

Not every student worldwide has access to AP and IB programs or has registered for enough relevant courses for their college applications. In all these cases, high school students can consider taking the SAT essay to demonstrate their writing skills. If your high school does not offer AP English, CLEP, or similar classes, the SAT essay can be a reasonable alternative.

In summary, while this section of the SAT is optional, the SAT essay is essential for the three types of students mentioned above. Admissions committees can use this essay to evaluate your writing skills along with other components of your college application.