What Colleges Require the SAT Essay? (Spoiler: Not Many)
Let’s face it, the SAT is stressful enough without adding an essay to the mix. You’ve got to tackle reading comprehension, math problems that make your head spin, and then there’s the dreaded essay. But hold on, before you start sweating bullets over that essay, let’s clear up the confusion about whether you even need to write it.
The short answer is: most colleges don’t require the SAT essay. It’s like that awkward friend who shows up to the party uninvited – they’re there, but no one really wants them.
Here’s the deal: The College Board, the folks who create the SAT, have officially decided to “retire” the essay section. It’s like they’ve sent the essay off to a tropical island to relax and enjoy its newfound freedom. So, if you’re taking the SAT on a regular test day, the essay is not included.
But wait, there’s a twist! Some states still have a love-hate relationship with the essay. They’re like those parents who insist on adding a dollop of ketchup to their spaghetti – they know it’s not the best, but they’re used to it. States like Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Delaware, Oklahoma, and New Hampshire still require the SAT essay for certain state-administered tests.
Think of it like this: If your state is a die-hard fan of the SAT essay, they’re making you take it. But if you’re taking the test on a regular Saturday, you can skip the essay and go straight for those delicious donuts your mom packed in your lunch.
So, who actually cares about the SAT essay?
Well, besides those states who are stuck in the past, the truth is, not many colleges are overly enthusiastic about seeing your SAT essay.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Most colleges don’t require it: They’ve moved on! They’re more interested in seeing your grades, extracurricular activities, and your ability to write a compelling personal statement.
- A few colleges might recommend it: It’s like a polite suggestion – they’ll say “Hey, if you want to impress us, write an essay.” But they won’t hold it against you if you don’t.
- And then there are those colleges who actually require it: These are the rare gems, the ones who still believe in the power of the SAT essay. But don’t worry – there’s a whole list of them, and we’ll get to that in a minute.
Why the sudden change of heart about the SAT essay?
Well, it’s like that outdated fashion trend that everyone’s finally given up on. The College Board realized that the essay wasn’t really “adding anything to the table,” as they say. It was like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole – it just didn’t work. Plus, the essay was adding a lot of pressure to students, and let’s be honest, we’re all for reducing stress, not adding to it!
So, you’re probably thinking, “Okay, so I don’t have to write the SAT essay, but what about those colleges that do require it? What are they, some kind of time traveler stuck in the 20th century?”
Here’s the list of colleges that still require the SAT essay (as of 2023):
Remember, this list could change, so always check the college’s website for the most up-to-date information:
Colleges That Require the SAT Essay:
- Abilene Christian University
- Austin College
- Benedictine University
- The College of Wooster
- Central Michigan University
- Delaware State University
- Dominican University of California
- Central Connecticut State University
- Allegheny College
- Cornerstone University (Michigan)
- Dallas Christian College (Texas)
- Martin Luther College
- Molloy College
- Schreiner University
- Soka University
Colleges that Recommend the SAT Essay:
- Abilene Christian University
- Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- Allegheny College
- Amherst College
- Barry University
- Berry College
- Boston College
- Bowdoin College
- Brown University
- California Institute of Technology
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Case Western Reserve University
- Chapman University
- Claremont McKenna College
- Colby College
- Colgate University
- College of the Holy Cross
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- Dartmouth College
- Davidson College
- Duke University
- Emory University
- Fordham University
- Franklin & Marshall College
- Georgetown University
- Grinnell College
- Hamilton College
- Harvard University
- Harvey Mudd College
- Haverford College
- Hobart and William Smith Colleges
- Illinois Wesleyan University
- Johns Hopkins University
- Kenyon College
- Lafayette College
- Lehigh University
- Lewis & Clark College
- Macalester College
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Middlebury College
- Mount Holyoke College
- New York University (NYU)
- Northwestern University
- Oberlin College
- Occidental College
- Ohio Wesleyan University
- Pomona College
- Princeton University
- Purdue University
- Rice University
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- Rutgers University
- Saint Louis University
- Scripps College
- Smith College
- Stanford University
- Swarthmore College
- Syracuse University
- Trinity College
- Tufts University
- Tulane University
- Union College
- University of Chicago
- University of Notre Dame
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Rochester
- University of Southern California (USC)
- University of Vermont
- University of Virginia
- University of Washington
- Vanderbilt University
- Vassar College
- Wake Forest University
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Wellesley College
- Wesleyan University
- Williams College
- Yale University
So, how do you know if you should write the SAT essay?
Here’s a quick guide:
- Do some research: Check the specific college’s admissions website for their requirements. It’s like reading the fine print on a contract – you want to make sure you know what you’re getting into.
- Talk to your counselor: They’re like your personal SAT essay guru – they can guide you and provide valuable advice.
- Consider your strengths: If you’re a strong writer and you think the essay will showcase your abilities, go for it! But if you’re not a big fan of writing, don’t stress about it – it’s not a deal-breaker for most colleges.
Remember, the SAT essay is just one piece of the puzzle. It’s not the be-all and end-all of college admissions. Focus on your grades, extracurricular activities, and most importantly, your personal statement. Show colleges who you are, what you’re passionate about, and why you’d be a great fit for their institution.
Don’t let the SAT essay stress you out! Relax, take a deep breath, and focus on your strengths. You’ve got this!
P.S. If you need more help navigating the SAT essay maze (or any other college admissions questions), don’t hesitate to connect with the JobLoving community for support and guidance. We’re here to help you conquer those college applications and achieve your dreams.