How Important Are SAT Writing Scores for the College Bound Student?

NEW BRITAIN, CT (10/30/2007)(readMedia)-- Do all college bound students need to prep for the SAT Writing? How much does it matter to the top colleges and universities?

Now that October test scores are back for many students, many are asking, “How much does the Writing section matter to colleges? Which college-bound students should prep for this section?”

“Not all students need to prep for the Writing," according to Mark Greenstein, Founder and Lead Instructor of Ivy Bound Test Prep. “The University of California schools, and about 50 of the colleges that formerly required SAT II Writing will scrutinize the SAT I Writing scores for this year’s applicants. This set of colleges is limited to the most competitive “top 100” universities (as ranked by US News, about 50-60 National Universities, and 50-60 liberal arts colleges). Many college admissions committees do not trust how the SAT Writing is evaluated. Some say that having humans grade the essay is too subjective; others say that this is not subjective enough. Other college admissions committees think their current evaluation system, including well-crafted essays and letters of recommendation, is a better gauge of an applicant’s ability than a 'canned,' 'artificial' one-hour test.”

Ivy Bound’s suggestion regarding prep for the Writing depends on your situation. There are exceptions to all rules, but with a lot of experience behind them, and fairly current knowledge of college admission requirements, here is a general layout for students with the following expectations:

Class of 2009 seeking a Top Tier liberal arts college: prep for the Writing unless your PSAT score is 75+ ; plan on taking two additional SAT Subject Tests in the subjects of your choice.

Class of 2009 seeking a Top Tier math/science program: prep for the Writing unless your PSAT score is 75+ ; take SAT Subject Test in Math Level 2 and at least one science.

Class of 2009 with the time/commitment to do everything possible to assure the best admissions/scholarship opportunities: prep for the Writing irrespective of your PSAT score; plan on taking three additional SAT Subject Tests. Take as many AP tests as you can prep for.

Class of 2009 NOT currently seeking a Top Tier college: Don’t bother with Writing prep unless one of your target colleges says it is scrutinizing the SAT Writing scores. Put that time and effort into maximizing your Math and Critical Reading (and AP) scores. Be prepared to prep for Writing. Take the SAT in the Fall if your target colleges change or if the same colleges alter their standards for the class of 2009. Take SAT Subject Tests or AP tests in the subjects where you are strongest.

Class of 2010 seeking a top tier college: prep for SAT Math, Critical Reading, and Writing. Especially if you have a busy academic-year schedule, consider starting this summer so as to be ready for the October PSAT, and the November, December, or January SAT.

Class of 2010 seeking an athletic scholarship: prep for SAT Math, Critical Reading, and Writing. Start this summer so as to be ready for the October PSAT, and the November, December, or January SAT.

Class of 2010 seeking a 4-year college but otherwise undecided: prep for SAT Math, Critical Reading, and perhaps Writing. Prep when you have the most time; consider 3 weeks in the summer as a “part time job” doing SAT Prep.

About Ivy Bound Test Prep

Ivy Bound Test Prep is located is 18 states. Its SAT tutors are top 1% scorers on the SAT and ACT offering private and semi-private tutoring, small at-home classes and regular classes. Ivy Bound raises test scores with proven strategies and top notch tutors. Find more information at www.ivybound.net