Impact of SAT essay on Big 10 applications

The SAT essay section is no longer required by any Big 10 university for college applications. In fact, the College Board permanently discontinued the SAT Essay section in June 2021, making this consideration completely obsolete for current college applicants. When you apply to schools like the University of Wisconsin, Michigan State, or other Big 10 institutions, you'll only need to submit the core SAT sections focusing on Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing.

Your SAT strategy should instead focus on achieving strong scores in the required sections. Most Big 10 schools look for SAT scores ranging from 1200 to 1400 or higher, depending on the specific institution and program. For instance, competitive programs at schools like the University of Michigan or Northwestern University typically expect scores toward the higher end of this range.

Rather than spending time preparing for an essay that's no longer offered or considered, you should concentrate on strengthening your college application in other ways. Big 10 universities place significant value on your overall academic performance, including your GPA, the rigor of your course load, and your extracurricular activities. Consider channeling your writing skills into crafting a compelling personal statement and supplemental essays required by individual schools in the Big 10 conference.

If you're particularly concerned about demonstrating your writing abilities to Big 10 admissions officers, focus on maintaining strong grades in your English classes and consider taking AP English courses if they're available at your school. These elements will carry more weight in your application than the now-discontinued SAT essay ever did.