What Colleges Require the SAT Essay: Lists With Explanations

Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) plays a crucial role in determining the right individuals who must receive an admission. Basically, most colleges rely on the SAT test to assess learners’ ability to analyze texts and present their ideas through writing. In this case, students need to prepare for the SAT test to ensure that they secure an admission position in college. Also, prudent learners should consider the policies used in specific colleges of interest to ensure that they provide the necessary SAT essay score. Then, students should consider taking the optional SAT essay to increase the number of colleges they can make an application. In turn, some institutions may change their admission requirements and require learners to submit SAT essays. Moreover, one should seek assistance from recognized government programs like Competitive College Clubs (CCC). Hence, students need to know which colleges require the SAT essay to achieve their life goals.

SAT Essay and Colleges That Require This Test

Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) consists of tests in reading, writing and language, mathematics, and an optional essay. Basically, the College Board administers the SAT test to determine if high school students have the required knowledge and skills to pursue tertiary education. In this case, learning institutions use the SAT essay to compare applicants and ascertain those who meet the criteria for college admission. Also, students need to prepare for the SAT test to ensure that they secure an admission position in college. Since college focus on molding individuals into all-rounded citizens, the SAT essay plays a crucial role in determining the right individuals who must receive the admission.

Optional SAT Essay

The optional SAT essay provides learners with a unique opportunity to showcase their reading, analysis, and writing skills. Basically, such capabilities are fundamental in showing the student’s level of readiness for college education and future career. In this case, one must read a given text and write an essay that analyzes how the author built the main arguments. Moreover, prudent students make adequate preparation for the SAT essays. Although some colleges do not require one to write an SAT essay, a distinct advantage of preparing for this paper is opening up potential college choices. Hence, having the ability to develop the piece enables one to have a wide selection of the right colleges.

Definition of the SAT Essay

The SAT essay refers to a standardized test that helps the tertiary institutions to assess the qualifications of the students. For instance, the College Board administers the SAT essay, which entails reading, writing and language, mathematics, and an optional essay. Basically, each of the three sections of the SAT test requires a student to prepare adequately. In this case, the SAT essay requires applicants to evaluate an argument by analyzing the evidence presented. Moreover, students must evaluate a given text and identify how the author uses different elements. In turn, one may consider evidence, reasoning, and stylistic elements presented in the article provided in some cases. Besides, the instructions given determine the aspects that one must examine. Hence, the SAT essay refers to a composition where students evaluate a given text following the instructions provided.  

Increasing the Chances of Securing a College Admission

Students complete the SAT essay to increase their chances of securing a college admission. For example, some colleges require learners to complete SAT essays before admission. In this case, applicants who can write such papers increase the chances to enter their colleges. Also, one can apply to a wide range of colleges by writing the SAT essay successfully. Hence, SAT essays are essential since they increase the chances of securing a college admission.

Writing the SAT Essay

One requires writing an SAT essay when joining college. Basically, the College Board uses the SAT essay prompt when examining the learner’s readiness for tertiary education. In this case, college education involves extensive writing exercises. Then, the SAT essay plays a significant role in determining the learner’s ability to meet the writing demands. In turn, some institutions consider this section of SAT as crucial in recruiting the right candidates. Hence, one completes the SAT essay when applying for tertiary education.  

Learning

Students require learning about SAT essays after completing high school education. For instance, people who aspire to pursue higher education should consider the SAT essay as a viable option to enhance their learning. Basically, one should find appropriate guidance and assistance to learn about SAT essays before applying for different colleges. In this case, applicants should find proper advice and support to learn about SAT essays before applying for various colleges. Hence, visionary high school learners require to learn about SAT essays to increase their chances of securing a college admission.

Colleges That Require the SAT Essay

1. Benedictine University
2. City University London
3. Delaware State University
4. DeSales University
5. Dominican University of California
6. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
7. Howard University
8. John Wesley University
9. Kentucky State University
10. Martin Luther College
11. Molloy College
12. Soka University of America
13. Southern California Institute of Architecture
14. Texas A&M University—Galveston
15. United States Military Academy (West Point)
16. The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
17. University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
18. The University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
19. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
20. University of California, Merced
21. University of California, Riverside
22. The University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
23. The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
24. University of California, Santa Cruz

Colleges Where the SAT Essay Is Optional

1. Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
2. California State University, Northridge
3. Central Connecticut State University
4. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
5. Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
6. Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
7. Indiana University South Bend
8. Inter-American University of Puerto Rico: Barranquitas Campus
9. Keiser University (West Palm Beach)
10. Marymount California University
11. Massachusetts Maritime Academy
12. Montana Technological University
13. Mount St. Joseph University
14. Rutgers University—Camden Campus
15. Rutgers University—Newark Campus
16. Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
17. University of Massachusetts Amherst
18. SUNY Farmingdale State College
19. University of Washington Bothell
20. Vander Cook College of Music
21. Webber International University
22. William Jewell College
23. SUNY Farmingdale State College
24. University of Minnesota: Twin Cities

Taking the SAT Essay When It Is Optional

Taking an SAT essay is a personal choice. Basically, students should decide whether to complete the composition, depending on the desired college. In this case, such a determination depends on the college that students may choose. However, one should remember that most colleges that do not require SAT essay as a mandatory requirement recommend learners to complete them. Hence, the following are the advantages and disadvantages of taking the SAT essay during college admission.

Advantages

Taking the SAT essay opens up one’s potential college choices. For instance, most colleges either require or recommend learners to submit the SAT essay. In this case, one should consider writing a paper to increase the choice of college. Moreover, learners who score exemplary grades in their SAT essays can apply for admission in many colleges. The strategy increases the chances of having a college admission. In other instances, some colleges may change their requirements to include SAT essays when it comes to application time. Also, failing to complete the SAT essay may deny one an opportunity to secure a place in such institutions. Hence, prudent learners should consider writing the SAT essay to increase the chances of having a college admission.

Increasing the Chances

Having SAT scores increases the chances of an individual to secure an admission. The majority of the colleges in the United States recommend the SAT essay as part of their admission process. In such cases, having SAT essay score places an applicant at the advantage of having admission in such institutions. Moreover, admission committees in such institutions give learners with the SAT essay scores a priority over those who ignore the writing test. Therefore, it leads to a logical argument that prudent learners consider completing the SAT essay during their admission process.

Read, Analyze, and Write

SAT essay provides learners with an opportunity to assess reading, analysis, and writing skills. For example, the SAT essay requires students to analyze how an argument works. Basically, the College Board gives prompts that allow learners to determine how a particular work engages or interests readers. In this case, one must read the assigned text and explore the use of various elements. Besides, the writing process enhances the ability to express thoughts clearly and independently. Then, such skills play a significant role in ensuring that people succeed in their college education and future career. In turn, the required scores obtained to allow an individual to have an insight into the strengths and weaknesses in the specific areas examined. Hence, visionary learners should consider taking the SAT essay to evaluate the reading, analyzing, and writing skills required in colleges and future studies.    

Disadvantages

The major disadvantage of taking the SAT essay is incurring avoidable costs. For instance, learners have to pay for specific SATs. Basically, those students who opt not to take the test can receive fee waivers. In some cases, the learner may take the test and secure an admission in colleges that do not require the essay’s grades. Also, the situation would cause students to lose money after paying for a test not required in the admission process. Hence, incurring unnecessary costs remains the major drawback in completing college admission essays.

Common Questions on Colleges That Require the SAT Essay

1. Prior Knowledge About the Topic

Most learners wonder if they have to prepare for a specific item in the SAT essay. Basically, the College Board provides random topics for learners to write. Also, one does not require prior knowledge about the topic to write an essay. Instead, one should consider having the right skills to write the essay as required by the examiner. Hence, a learner should not consider having prior knowledge about the topic.

2. Expectations About the SAT Essay

Most learners wonder the approach they should take when writing SAT essay. For example, one should not state what the assigned passage talks about or share personal opinions about the argument in practice. Instead, one should give a detailed explanation of how the author builds the central case. Then, the process requires one to identify the author’s point and the method used to present the main arguments. In turn, the successful SAT essay identifies stylistic elements, like the choice of words, appeals to emotions, and persuasive details. Hence, visionary learners ensure that their SAT essays analyze assigned texts fully.

3. Taking the SAT Without the Essay

Most learners wonder if they can take the SAT examinations without the composition. In practice, a student may register for an SAT and omit the essay part. Also, such arrangements depend on the requirements college that one intends to make an application. In turn, one can add the essay portion later, when necessary. Hence, one may decide to take the SAT without an essay and add it then.

5. Sending the SAT Essay Score

Learners raise concerns with the process of sending the SAT scores. In practice, the College Board assigns essay scores and other grades attained in a specific test day. Although Score Choice allows the learner to choose the SAT categories they can send to colleges, one can only submit all the scores for a specific test day. In turn, students must choose the right results to dispatch depending on each college’s requirements.

 6. College Policies in SAT Essay Scores

Most learners remain ignorant about the college policies that govern the SAT essay scores’ submission. Basically, prudent learners must check the Score Choice policies of each college they intend to apply to because learning institutions depend on different guidelines. In some instances, learning institutions require applicants to send scores every time they take the SAT. Moreover, the arrangement allows the college admission boards to consider the best grades. Hence, one must review the requirements and policies of each potential college.

Scholarships That Require the SAT Essay Scores

Most college scholarships require students to complete the SAT essay and achieve the necessary grades. Basically, tertiary institutions and independent sponsors in the United States consider several aspects, like GPA, SAT, and extracurricular activities when granting learners scholarships. In this case, the SAT essay grades directly impact one’s ability to secure a scholarship. Moreover, essay grades affect the overall SAT grades, which influences a learner’s ability to access good grades. Hence, the following is a list of awards that require learners to have high SAT scores.

1. ExxonMobile Engineering Scholarship

Candidates who qualify for this scholarship must achieve a combined SAT score of 1350. Basically, applicants must complete high grades in the essays to score the upper classes. In this case, the LILAC, League of United Latin American Citizens, and National Educational Service Centers provide the ExxonMobile Engineering Scholarship. Also, these institutions rely on the SAT essay scores to identify learners with unique analytical skills.

2. Furman Scholars Program

This scholarship program requires applicants to achieve a minimum overall SAT score of 1360. In this case, the Furman University of Greenville uses the SAT essay scores to identify talented learners who can express their thoughts through writing. Moreover, successful applicants must demonstrate the ability to analyze texts and transparently express their opinions.

3. Colorado Christian University Distinguished Achievement Scholarship

Successful applicants must score a minimum of 1410 in SAT. For example, learners who aspire to benefit from this scholarship must record exemplary grades in their SAT exams. In this case, Colorado Christian University uses the SAT essay scores to determine the applicant’s ability to analyze texts and express their thoughts adequately. Also, the SAT essay scores play a significant role in demonstrating the unique academic skills of the learners.

3. CCU Trustees’ Scholarship

Successful applicants must record 1320 in the combined SAT scores. For instance, the SAT essay scores play a significant role in determining the most outstanding learners who must receive the scholarship. Basically, the awarding committee evaluates the ability of students to analyze scholarly texts and express their ideas independently. In practice, aspiring beneficiaries must demonstrate unique writing abilities to increase their chances of receiving the award.

4. CCU World Changers Scholarship

Candidates who qualify for this scholarship must have a cumulative SAT score of 1320. In this case, the SAT essay plays a crucial role in ensuring that students achieve the necessary grades and increase the chance to win the competitive award. Moreover, the selection committee depends on the SAT essays to determine the unique academic abilities of the aspiring beneficiaries. 

5. Point the Way Foundation Scholarship

Qualifying candidates must achieve more than 1500 SAT scores. In this case, the SAT essay plays a pivotal role in boosting the required grades. Also, the Point the Way Foundation Scholarship targets students from military families, where the SAT essay plays a crucial role in determining each learner’s analytical and academic abilities.

6. University of Georgia Foundation Fellowship

This scholarship targets Georgia’s residents and intends to allow them to achieve their academic dreams. Basically, the Foundation Fellowship from the University of Georgia focuses on learners with exemplary academic performance. In this case, the SAT essay reveals the student’s potential to examine different concepts and express their thoughts. Besides, focusing on writing the essay increases one’s chance to achieve a cumulative SAT score of 1460.

7. U.S. Air Force ROTC High School Scholarship

This scholarship targets people who intend to join the United States Air Force service. For example, qualifying candidates must score cumulative SAT scores of 1240. In practice, the SAT essay plays an instrumental role in demonstrating a learner’s ability to communicate through written language. Moreover, the awarding committee focuses on identifying learners who can engage in productive military service after completing their education program.

8. Delaware Department of Education B. Bradford Barnes Memorial Scholarship

This program targets talented learners who intend to pursue their higher learning at the University of Delaware. Basically, the SAT essay scores play a significant role in ensuring that learners score the required minimum of 1290 SAT scores. In this case, educators who focus on warding students this scholarship use the SAT essay scores to determine their ability to communicate through writing.

9. Hanover College Blythe, Parker, and Hendricks Scholarships

Qualifying candidates must achieve a minimum of a combined SAT score of 1190. In this case, learners must achieve higher grades in their SAT essays to ensure an increase in their chances of receiving the scholarship award. Moreover, the Hanover College Blythe, Parker, and Hendricks Scholarship selection committee uses the SAT essay to determine the ability to maintain good academic grades throughout their studies.

Colleges That Require International Students to Submit the SAT Essay

The following is a list of colleges that require international learners to complete SAT essay tests.

1. California State University, Northridge
2. Marymount California University
3. Southern California Institute of Architecture
4. The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
5. University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
6. The University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
7. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
8. University of California, Merced
9. University of California, Riverside
10. The University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
11. The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
12. University of California, Santa Cruz
13. John Wesley University
14. Howard University

Some countries do not require SAT essay scores from international students due to several reasons. For instance, learners with English as a second language must provide SAT scores. Basically, admission committees in various higher learning institutions consider native English speakers as having unique potentials to learn without many challenges. In this case, they do not find the SAT essay scores as a requirement for admission. Moreover, other countries consider ACT writing as an adequate examination for international learners. In turn, those who may not access the SAT in their countries use CAT to qualify for abroad countries’ admission. Hence, some states provide alternative examinations for college or university qualifications.

International students have an option to apply to colleges that require SAT essay. For instance, the College Board offers SAT for international students in March, May, August, October, and December. In this case, learners from other countries may require the SAT to qualify for a college education. Hence, international learners can take the SAT essay to be eligible for higher learning in the United States.

Grading in the SAT Essay

The SAT essay has three sections that determine the grade that one must score. For instance, learners get scores of 1-4 in each of the three categories, which include reading, analysis, and writing. In this case, one must demonstrate the ability to evaluate the assigned text and express thoughts through writing. Also, the examiner adds the scores together to give rise to a score that runs between 2 and 8 for each of the three dimensions. Hence, the grading for the SAT essay depends on the categories given for each count.

Learners can improve their SAT essay scores through adequate training and support from recognized government institutions. Basically, taking regular test practice for not less than a month can help learners to enhance their grades. In turn, the government supports the Competitive College Clubs (CCC) as cohort-based advising programs that help talented students to apply for college. Also, CCC organizes student activities like study groups and intensive SAT and ACT preparation. Hence, aspiring college learners can rely on CCC to prepare for a college education.

Summing Up on Which Colleges Require the SAY Essay

SAT plays a crucial role in determining the right individuals who must receive the admission. Basically, most colleges rely on the SAT essay to determine the ability of learners to analyze texts and present their ideas through writing. In this case, students need to prepare for the SAT to ensure that they secure an admission position in college. Hence, the following are the necessary tips that learners must consider when preparing for the SAT essay.

• A learner must consider the policies used in specific colleges of interest.
• A learner should consider taking the optional SAT essay to increase the number of colleges they can make an application.
• Engage in adequate practice.
• Seek assistance from recognized government programs like CCC.