When Should You Take The SAT, ACT With Essay?

In light of the recent changes colleges have made regarding their consideration of essay on the SAT and ACT for admissions purposes, we are updating this blog. Please see the blog with recent changes here:

Collegeboard announces SAT ESSAY and SAT II Changes

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A question students ask when preparing for the SAT and ACT is: “Should I take the test with or without writing?” The answer has evolved since the new SAT was introduced in March 2016.

The Essay was always optional on the ACT.  Prior to the launch of the new SAT, the Essay was required. Scores from the Essay were combined with the scores on the SAT Writing section.  Since the Essay was a required section on the Old SAT, students taking the ACT needed to take the ACT with Essay as well.

With the advent of the New SAT, Collegeboard has made the Essay optional, just like the ACT.  This change has impacted what colleges are requiring and the trend has even accelerated in the recent couple of years.  For the overwhelming majority of students, taking SAT and ACT test with writing has become unnecessary.

Our SAT-ACT Essay recommendation for students is the following:

For high school juniors – Since your college list has barely taken shape, consider a more conservative approach. While COVID has reshaped and modified much of the requirements for admissions this year, things may revert next year. For those who might consider applying to colleges like Duke and Amherst, consider taking the SAT/ACT with writing.

For high school seniors – Since you already have a defined list of schools, research each of your school’s essay policy.  This information is available on the school’s website or the following websites:

List of colleges with their SAT -ACT Essay Policy

Below is also a limited compilation of schools and their stated essay policy.