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If you're not yet sure which colleges your child will apply to, the best approach may not be clear. We suggest that all students register to take the SAT and ACT Writing test. Because a student cannot take the Writing test by itself, it's probably best to at least register for it. That way, if you realize that the colleges to which your child will apply require this portion of the test, he or she will already be registered for it. Additionally, a student can drop the Writing portion of the test up to a few days before the test date and a receive a refund if it's later determined that the student does not need to take the Writing portion.

How do colleges use Writing scores during the admissions process?

Unfortunately, this question does not have a simple answer. Each individual college determines exactly how it uses SAT and ACT Writing scores during the admissions process. Some colleges use the scores for admissions purposes. Other colleges use the scores for placement purposes. Still other colleges have elected not to consider Writing scores at all.