I'm spinning my wheels trying to figure this out - do most colleges require the essay portion for the SAT/ACT? I'm working on my study plan and don't want to overlook anything important.
Actually, as of 2021, the SAT discontinued its essay portion entirely, so you won't need to concern yourself with that component on that exam. Also, very few colleges still require the ACT writing test. Most schools only consider the main composite score from the ACT, which doesn't include the essay.
A key thing for you to remember is that the idea of "most colleges" can be misleading because it depends on which colleges you're interested in. While most colleges in the U.S. don't require the ACT essay, if the particular schools you're aiming for do require it, then that's what's most important.
Thus, it's crucial to research your specific schools of interest and understand their individual admissions criteria. It is always okay to prepare for and take the ACT essay if you are unsure, though it may not be compulsory at all schools. You can check the admissions requirements on the school's website or directly reach out to the admissions office if the information isn't clearly listed.
Just remember, every opportunity you get to showcase your skills can potentially be useful, so taking the ACT writing section might be a way to demonstrate your writing skills, even though it may not be required.
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