My Writing and Language subscore on the SAT isn't that great compared to my other sections. Should I be worried about this when applying to schools like Columbia and Amherst? How much do these scores influence admissions?
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Your Writing and Language subscore on the SAT typically has less impact on college admissions decisions than your overall composite score. Top schools like Columbia and Amherst take a holistic approach when reviewing applications, considering your entire academic profile rather than focusing heavily on individual section scores.
College admissions officers understand that students may perform differently across various sections of standardized tests. They're more interested in your demonstrated writing abilities through your personal essays, academic performance in English classes, and other writing-focused activities. Your application essays, in particular, carry significant weight as they provide a current and authentic sample of your writing capabilities.
The best way to address concerns about your Writing and Language subscore is to showcase your writing skills through other parts of your application. Strong grades in English courses, thoughtfully crafted application essays, and writing-related extracurricular activities like journalism or creative writing can help offset lower standardized test scores. Consider having teachers who can specifically speak to your writing abilities write your letters of recommendation.
If you're still concerned, remember that many highly selective colleges, including Columbia and Amherst, have adopted test-optional policies. This means you can choose whether to submit your SAT scores at all. If your overall SAT score is strong and aligns with the school's middle 50% range, the impact of one lower subscore will be minimal in the broader context of your application.
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