Should You Take the ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍøWith or
Without Writing
Wondering if the ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍøwriting test is for you? You're not alone. Taking the ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍøwith writing can give you an edge in college admissions by showcasing your writing skills and adding depth to your college applications with a special ELA score (English language arts).
Let's explore the ins and outs of the ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍøWriting Test to help you make an informed decision.
What is the ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍøWriting Test?
The ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍøwriting test is an optional 40-minute essay that comes after the main ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍøexam. It's designed to measure your writing skills — skills you've been honing in high school and will need in college.
You'll get a prompt with a complex issue and three perspectives. Your job? Craft your own viewpoint and analyze how it relates to the given perspectives.
Your writing sample will be evaluated on these four components:
Ideas and Analysis
Show you understand the issue and can generate relevant ideas.
Development and Support
Back up your argument with solid reasoning.
Organization
Structure your essay clearly to guide the reader through your argument.
Language Use and Conventions
Use clear, effective language that resonates with your audience.
The writing test complements the English and reading tests, offering colleges a fuller picture of your skills.
Is the Writing Portion of the ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍøRequired?
The ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍøwriting test is optional, but some colleges and school districts do require it, so do your homework. Check the requirements for your target schools and your district's graduation policy.
What is the Difference Between Taking the ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍøwith Writing vs. Without Writing?
Taking the ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍøwith writing won't affect your Composite score, but it does add an English Language Arts (ELA) score to your report. Opting out means you'll miss out on this additional score. Learn more about ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍøwriting scores.
Why You Should Take the ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍøWith Writing
The ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍøwith writing offers a unique platform to articulate your thoughts and viewpoints, and it's a chance to go beyond grades and scores, allowing you to connect with admissions officers on an intellectual level. Whether you're set on a dream school or still charting your course, the ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍøwriting test is a valuable tool in your college application toolkit. Here are a few more factors to consider:
1. Your School or State Requires It
Some colleges, highs schools, and states require the ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍøwriting test. Check this early on to avoid surprises.
2. You Want Your Application to Stand Out
A strong writing score can make your application more competitive. It's a chance to showcase your logical reasoning skills.
3. Your Grades in English or Language Arts Aren’t the Best
If your grades in English or language arts courses are not stellar, a high score on the ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍøwriting test can help balance your academic profile.
4. You Aren’t Sure Where You Want to Apply Yet
If you're still exploring your options, taking the ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍøwith writing keeps all doors open, as some colleges may require it.
Why Take the ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍøWithout Writing
If none of the above reasons apply to you, and if none of your target schools require the ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍøwriting test, you might opt to take the ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍøwithout writing. This can also save you time and reduce test-day stress.
How To Prepare for the ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍøWriting Test
Crafting a standout ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍøessay is all about strategy and focus. Allocate time for planning, writing, and reviewing. Understand the prompt and use optional planning questions to guide your thoughts. Keep your argument focused and support it with sound reasoning. Before submitting, review your essay for clarity and accuracy.
By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to writing an essay that not only showcases your writing skills but also makes your college application stand out.
Resources to Help You Prepare for the ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍøWriting Test
Additional ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍøWriting Test Resources
Explore these resources for more information on producing your best work on test day.