Co-authored by Renae Hintze

If you saw our infographic blog that explains what’s different on the new SAT, then you know by now that the SAT portion is now optional. You do not HAVE to take it.

But, it’s still there.

So what’s the deal? Do you take it or no?? 

Here’s a breakdown that may help you decide.

First, what’s different?

For one thing, you have more time to write. The new SAT essay gives you 50 minutes where the old one only gave you 35.

There’s also no more obscure, abstract prompts for you to answer. Instead, there’s a passage that you have to read and analyze.

The prompt for the passage is more or less the same every time, but the reading will vary from one test to another.

What am I graded on?

The new SAT essay is scored based on 3 categories:

1. Reading
2. Analysis
3. Writing

Some elite universities require it, others don’t.

I bet you’re tired of hearing this buuut… it depends.

It really does! Some schools will require the SAT essay whereas some schools will not. Other schools won’t require it, but will recommend it (in which case you should view it as a competitive requirement)

Pros

1. Full Coverage

If you DO choose to take the new SAT essay, you will be covered across-the-board for college admissions. Whether or not a school requires the score, you’ll have it handy.

In the case of a school that recommends but doesn’t require the score, you may gain a slight competitive advantage over students who opted not to take it.

Cons

1. Longer Test-Time

If you choose to take the essay portion of the SAT, then you will be looking at a longer overall test time.

When the non-essay writing students finish their tests, they’ll be given a portion of time to turn in their tests, collect their things, and leave.

You, the essay-writing student, will be given another 50 minutes to complete the essay portion.

The old SAT was 3 hours and 45 minutes long. The new SAT is only 3 hours… Plus 50 minutes if you take the essay portion. So you’re looking at about 4 hours total for you SAT with writing. For some students, an extra 50 minutes may be a strain.

2. Additional Cost

The SAT itself costs $43.00. If you choose to take the essay, there’s an additional fee of $11.50 that gets tacked on to make it $54.50 total.

3. Increased study time

If you’re looking to score well on the essay portion of the SAT, you’ll probably need to practice reading and analyzing different passages of a common nature.

You may even need to invest in a writing tutor.

Conclusion

If you are absolutely positive you won’t be applying to any schools that require the SAT essay, then by all means — skip it. It’s extra money, time, and effort to do it.

However, if your school requires or recommends it, then you should probably take it to be safe!

Will you be taking the new SAT essay? Why or why not? Tell us about it in the comments below!

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Laura Petersen

Co-Founder at Student-Tutor

Laura earned a Master's degree in Secondary Education plus Teaching Certification for Mathematics and Psychology in both AZ and CA. Her undergraduate work was in Psychology with a minor in German from UCLA where she graduated magna cum laude. She has been tutoring since the 90's, was a high school teacher 2006-2011, and still teaches for a local college. Laura is passionate about teaching, learning, entrepreneurship, and traveling the world with her husband, their dog Tuck, and her Macbook Pro. -- Join Laura on Linkedin & Twitter!

Latest posts by Laura Petersen (see all)

• 10 No-Calculator Tips for SAT Math - July 27, 2016
• Score High: Evidence-Based Reading on the SAT - July 20, 2016
• 4 Types of Questions You’ll See on the New SAT - July 13, 2016
• Top 7 Ways to Help Your Teen Prepare for the SAT - July 11, 2016
• Should I Take the SAT Essay? - June 29, 2016