How to Not Report Your Essay Score on the Common App: A Guide for the Test-Anxious (and Lazy)
Let’s be honest, the Common App is like navigating a labyrinth of questions, boxes, and confusing instructions. And then there’s that pesky essay score. You’ve spent months agonizing over those SATs or ACTs, and now you’re staring down the barrel of the dreaded essay score. Do you report it? Do you hide it? Do you run screaming into the night?
Fear not, dear reader, because we’re about to dive deep into the murky waters of Common App essay score reporting. We’ll equip you with the knowledge to navigate this treacherous territory with grace (and possibly even a little bit of smugness).
The Short Answer: You Don’t Have To
If you’re feeling a little shaky about your essay score, the good news is that you can choose not to report it. Now, before you start thinking that you’ve found a secret loophole, let’s be clear: this only applies to schools that have made their applications test-optional. That means they’re willing to consider your application without relying solely on your standardized test scores.
The Long Answer: A Guide to Avoiding Essay Score Reporting
So, how do you go about hiding this dreaded score? It’s a bit like a magic trick, except instead of pulling a rabbit out of a hat, you’re pulling a score out of a digital abyss.
- Find the “Testing” Section: On your Common App, navigate to the dreaded “Testing” section. This is where your dreams go to die, or, in this case, where your essay score is going to hide.
- Answer “No” to the Essay Question: You’ll see a question that asks something along the lines of “Have you taken the SAT essay?” This is your moment of truth. Take a deep breath, channel your inner Jedi, and confidently answer “No.” Don’t worry, the Common App won’t force you to write an essay on the meaning of life.
- The “Test-Optional” Box: Now, this is where the real magic happens. Make sure you’ve marked the “test-optional” box for every school where you don’t want them to see your essay score. Think of it as a digital shield, protecting your score from prying eyes.
The Fine Print: A Few Things to Keep in Mind
- Honest Reporting: While not reporting your essay score is perfectly acceptable (and even encouraged by some schools), it’s important to be honest about your test-taking history. If you’ve taken the SAT essay, don’t try to pull a fast one by claiming you haven’t. Admissions officers are pretty sharp, and they can sniff out inconsistencies like a bloodhound on the trail of a lost sausage.
- Additional Information: If you’re feeling a little guilty about not reporting your essay score or if you want to provide context for your decision, you can always use the “Additional Information” section of the Common App. This is your chance to spin a yarn about how you focused on other activities, how you’re a brilliant writer but just not a test-taker, or how your dog ate your essay (we’ve all been there). Just remember to be brief and professional.
- Superscoring: If you’re applying to schools that superscore, you can report your best scores from different test dates. This can be a good strategy if you have a killer SAT score but a less-than-stellar essay score. Just make sure to check each school’s policy on superscoring before you submit your application.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Stress About It
The college application process is already stressful enough without worrying about your essay score. If you don’t want to report it, don’t. Focus on the parts of the application that you can control, like your essays and extracurricular activities. Remember, colleges are looking for well-rounded individuals, not just perfect test scores.
Need More Help?
If you’re still feeling lost in the wilderness of the Common App, don’t despair! We’re here to help. We’re a community of college-bound students, parents, and educators, all united by our love of learning and our hatred of essay scores. Connect with us at JobLoving, and we’ll answer your questions, offer advice, and maybe even share a few laughs along the way. Because let’s face it, sometimes a little humor is the best way to survive the college application process. Good luck!