Which colleges still require or recommend the SAT Essay?
I've been prepping for the SAT, and I noticed some talk online that a lot of schools don't look at the essay section anymore. I'm worried because I already signed up for the SAT with the essay. Are there any colleges that still actually require or recommend the SAT Essay, especially for the class of 2025?
It would be really helpful if someone could list a few examples, or just tell me if it would make a difference for my application if I don't take it. I'm interested in applying to schools on both the East and West Coasts, including UC schools and maybe some Ivy Leagues. Just really want to know if I should even bother taking the essay portion so I don't waste my time (or money).
It would be really helpful if someone could list a few examples, or just tell me if it would make a difference for my application if I don't take it. I'm interested in applying to schools on both the East and West Coasts, including UC schools and maybe some Ivy Leagues. Just really want to know if I should even bother taking the essay portion so I don't waste my time (or money).
4 months ago
•
55 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
You’re right: interest in the SAT Essay has dropped off a lot in recent years. As of 2024, almost no colleges require or even recommend the SAT Essay. The College Board officially discontinued the optional SAT Essay altogether nationally after the June 2021 session. This means most students in the class of 2025 will not even have the option to take the SAT Essay.
A few schools (like some state flagships and certain military academies) held out until 2021 or early 2022, but as of now, none of the major universities—including all Ivy League schools and University of California (UC) schools—require or even consider SAT Essay scores. UCs, for example, haven’t considered the essay (or even regular SAT/ACT scores) for admissions for several application cycles now. East Coast schools, including Ivy Leagues and other competitive universities, have also dropped the essay requirement they won’t factor it into their application decisions.
If you look at individual school admissions pages, you’ll see statements saying they do not require or review the SAT Essay. For instance, Princeton, Harvard, and Stanford have all posted about discontinuing the SAT Essay.
It’s always smart to double check any specific programs (like honors programs or combined degree programs), but as of now, you do not need the SAT Essay for virtually any college in the US, and sending an essay score won’t give you an advantage.
If you’ve already paid for an upcoming SAT with the Essay (in rare regional testing centers that still offer it for special circumstances), you might see if you can switch to the regular SAT and save some money. But in most cases, there’s truly no need to take or prep for the essay. Focus your effort on the main SAT sections and other parts of your application that will really move the needle. For example, developing your extracurricular story or getting strong letters of recommendation will be much more valuable for your applications.
In summary: for the class of 2025, the SAT Essay is not required or recommended by any US college, including those on the East or West Coast.
A few schools (like some state flagships and certain military academies) held out until 2021 or early 2022, but as of now, none of the major universities—including all Ivy League schools and University of California (UC) schools—require or even consider SAT Essay scores. UCs, for example, haven’t considered the essay (or even regular SAT/ACT scores) for admissions for several application cycles now. East Coast schools, including Ivy Leagues and other competitive universities, have also dropped the essay requirement they won’t factor it into their application decisions.
If you look at individual school admissions pages, you’ll see statements saying they do not require or review the SAT Essay. For instance, Princeton, Harvard, and Stanford have all posted about discontinuing the SAT Essay.
It’s always smart to double check any specific programs (like honors programs or combined degree programs), but as of now, you do not need the SAT Essay for virtually any college in the US, and sending an essay score won’t give you an advantage.
If you’ve already paid for an upcoming SAT with the Essay (in rare regional testing centers that still offer it for special circumstances), you might see if you can switch to the regular SAT and save some money. But in most cases, there’s truly no need to take or prep for the essay. Focus your effort on the main SAT sections and other parts of your application that will really move the needle. For example, developing your extracurricular story or getting strong letters of recommendation will be much more valuable for your applications.
In summary: for the class of 2025, the SAT Essay is not required or recommended by any US college, including those on the East or West Coast.
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Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
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5 years
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5.0 (5 reviews)