Why is there an optional essay on the SAT?

If your school does not offer AP English Language, CLEP or a similar class, the SAT essay can serve as an alternative way of demonstrating that you are prepared for college-level writing. Although it remains an optional section of the SAT, the essay merits serious contemplation by these three types of high schoolers.

Do colleges need the SAT essay?

The SAT Essay used to be required at many top colleges, but it has become optional at many schools. Now, among elite schools, only the University of California schools require the Essay. Other selective colleges like Duke University, Amherst College, and Colby College recommend the Essay, but it’s not required.

Is a 1330 SAT score good?

Yes, a score of 1330 is very good. It places you in the top 90th percentile nationally out of the 1.7 million test takers of the SAT entrance exam. The score indicates you’ve done a significantly above above average job answering the questions on the Math and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing sections of the test.