How important is the SAT Essay section to colleges?

I'm trying to figure out if I need to take the SAT Essay when I sit for the SAT later this year. Some websites say that colleges don't really care about the essay, but others say that a few schools still require it. I'm a bit confused because I'm planning to apply to a mix of state and private schools, and I don't want my application to be incomplete anywhere.

Has anyone here been told by colleges directly whether they value the SAT Essay? Did any of you skip the essay and later regret it? I'm already feeling a little stressed about the SAT in general, so I’m hoping someone can clear up how significant the essay is these days.