The List of Schools That Require the SAT Essay in 2025 is smaller than in previous years, as many universities and colleges have dropped the requirement. However, some institutions still ask for the SAT Essay as part of their admissions process. If you are applying to colleges that require SAT Essays, it is essential to check their SAT Essay Requirement 2025 policy before registering for the test. The number of universities that need SAT Essay is limited, and many have adopted a test-optional policy. Below, we discuss the importance of the SAT Essay, schools that still require it, and how it impacts your admission chances.

What Is the Optional SAT Essay?

Being part of the SAT examination, the SAT Essay was initially created as a tool by which to measure a student's writing, analytical, and reasoning skills. However, as of 2021, the College Board announced it would be discontinued for most students. Nevertheless, some colleges and universities still set the score for the SAT Essay as a requirement. The essay component is intended to analyse the passage with an organised response.

Significance of the SAT Essay

Many colleges have eliminated the SAT Essay score requirements, but a few consider it. Taking the SAT Essay may improve the student application process for these schools. Aside from some highly selective institutions that use SAT Essay scores to evaluate student writing ability, others grant students who take the essay a chance to demonstrate (if slightly) stronger analytical skills in the admission process.

SAT Essay Structure

The SAT Essay is structured in the following way:

• Time: 50 minutes
• Prompt: Analyze a passage given
• Scoring: based on reading, analysis, and writing (each score out of 2-8)
• Length: usually 650-750 words

The SAT Essay score is reported separately and does not affect the overall SAT score. Colleges requiring SAT Essay 2025 will consider it alongside other application materials.

List of Schools That Require the SAT with Essay

Some colleges still require applicants for the SAT Essay in 2025. However, the list has decreased over time. Below is a table with universities that require the SAT Essay:

It is essential to visit the official websites of these institutions to confirm their SAT Essay requirement 2025 policies. Some schools may recommend rather than require it.

Why do Some Schools Still Require the SAT Essay?

The SAT Essay might have been dropped for most students; however, some universities still regard it as an indispensable part of the testing procedure. These colleges believe that the essay part provides insight into a student's writing skills that cannot be gained from test sections taken by multiple choice. This way, SAT Essay assessments enable universities to gauge students' analytic and argumentative skills- the very foundation of any course at the college level. 

How do you determine if you should Take the SAT Essay?

The choice of whether to take the SAT Essay or not depends on the application requirements of schools to which a student is applying, writing abilities, and foreseeable course plans. If a student is applying to colleges for which the SAT Essay 2025 is required, taking it is non-negotiable.

Factors to Consider

1. College Application Requirements: Check if the schools you are applying to require the SAT Essay.
2. Writing Skills: The essay can boost your application if you excel at writing and analysis.
3. Scholarship Applications: Some merit-based scholarships consider SAT Essay scores.
4. Future Goals: If you plan to transfer to a college that requires an SAT Essay, taking it in high school could save time later.

SAT and ACT scores are crucial in the college admissions process. While many colleges have adopted test-optional policies, strong scores can still enhance an application. Scoring the SAT Essay is one aspect of how colleges evaluate standardised testing performance.

SAT vs. ACT: Which One Should You Take?

The SAT and ACT have different scoring systems; students should choose based on their strengths.

The Role of SAT Essay Scores in Admission

Although most colleges have removed the SAT Essay requirement, some still consider it. A high SAT Essay score can demonstrate a student's ability to write effectively under timed conditions. If applying to schools that require SAT Essay, preparing with SAT Essay practice prompts 2025 can improve performance.

Tips to Improve Your SAT Essay Score

1. Understand the Prompt: Read carefully and identify the main argument.
2. Use Evidence: Support your analysis with examples from the passage.
3. Stay Organized: Write a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
4. Practice: Use SAT Essay Preparation Tips 2025 to refine your writing skills.