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is there a essay in sat

What Colleges Require the SAT Essay?

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If you’re going to be applying to college soon, there’s a good chance that you’re already thinking about the SAT. Most colleges still require standardized test scores, and millions of students across the country tackle this exam each year. 

As you begin your college search, it’s important to understand the exact standardized test requirements of the colleges on your list. Some will be test-optional . Others require scores from the SAT or ACT. In addition, some will require that you submit scores from the optional essay portions of these tests. There may also be schools that require or recommend SAT Subject Tests. Knowing the exact testing policy at each school you’re considering will help you plan your test taking strategy, and begin test prep well in advance. 

If you’re planning to take the SAT, you won’t want to miss this complete overview of what colleges require the SAT essay. 

What is the SAT Essay? How is it Scored?

Before we dive into which schools require it, let’s take a closer look at what exactly the SAT essay is, and how it is scored. 

On the SAT Essay, students are provided with a written argument that they must read and analyze. Students have 50 minutes to read the passage, plan the essay, and write their response. Most successful responses stick to the standard five-paragraph essay format. To see an example prompt and scoring rubric, check out the Essay Sample Questions on the College Board website. 

It’s important to note here that the SAT Essay score is separate from your overall composite SAT score. It does not impact the score ranging from 400-1600 as reported on your score report. Instead of being included in your composite score, it is provided in addition to it. 

The Essay is scored on a scale from 2-8 in three areas of evaluation—Reading, Analysis, and Writing. Each essay is reviewed by two scorers, and scores between 1-4 are awarded in each dimension. These scores are then added together so that you’ll receive three scores for the SAT Essay—one for each dimension—ranging from 2–8 points. A perfect score on the essay would be 8/8/8, but the mean score on the essay is a 5 for Reading and Writing, and 3 for Analysis. This means if you can achieve any score over 5/3/5, you have scored above average on the essay. For a more complete look at how the test is scored, don’t miss our post What is a Good SAT Essay Score?

Should I Take the SAT Essay?

First of all, the SAT essay is technically an optional section, so no, you are not required to take it. That being said, some colleges do require applicants to take the SAT with Essay. If you choose not to take the essay portion of the test, you will not be an eligible applicant for any of these schools. 

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. 

Take a look at the colleges on these lists, and see if there are any you plan to apply to. Also be sure to double-check on your schools’ webpages, as these policies can change. 

If you think you might change your mind about which schools you want to apply to, you should take the SAT Essay to leave those doors open. This is why we generally recommend taking the essay, regardless of whether or not it’s required. After all, you can’t go back and just take the SAT Essay if you decide to change your mind and apply to a school that requires it—you’d have to retake the entire SAT.

Some colleges don’t require the essay, but do recommend it. In these cases, we always direct students to do what the college recommends. 

That being said, there is currently no option to withhold your essay score if you do terribly on it. Your essay scores will always be reported with your other test scores from that day, even to colleges that don’t require them. 

What Colleges Require the SAT with Essay?

There colleges request scores from the SAT with Essay in order to apply.

Schools that Require the SAT Essay:

  • All of the University of California schools
  • Benedictine University
  • City University London
  • Delaware State University
  • DeSales University
  • Dominican University of California
  • Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
  • Howard University
  • John Wesley University
  • Kentucky State University
  • Martin Luther College
  • Molloy College
  • Schreiner University
  • Soka University of America
  • Southern California Institute of Architecture
  • Texas A&M University—Galveston
  • United States Military Academy (West Point)
  • University of North Texas
  • West Virginia University Institute of Technology
  • Western Carolina University

is there a essay in sat

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These schools do not require the SAT Essay, but do recommend that students submit it. At CollegeVine, our best advice is to always follow a college’s recommendations. 

Schools that Recommend the SAT Essay:

  • Abilene Christian University
  • Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
  • Allegheny College
  • Amherst College
  • Art Institute of Houston
  • Augsburg University
  • Austin College
  • Caldwell University
  • California State University, Northridge
  • Central Connecticut State University
  • Central Michigan University
  • Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
  • Coastal Carolina University
  • Colby College
  • College of Wooster
  • Colorado School of Mines
  • Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
  • Corban University
  • Cornerstone University
  • Dallas Christian College
  • Duke University
  • Eastern Illinois University
  • Eastern Nazarene College
  • Easternn University
  • Endicott College
  • Five Towns College
  • Gallaudet University
  • George Washington University
  • Georgia Highlands College
  • Greenville University
  • Gwynedd Mercy University
  • High Point University
  • Hofstra University
  • Holy Family University
  • Husson University
  • Indiana University South Bend
  • Indiana University Southeast
  • Indiana Wesleyan University
  • Inter American University of Puerto Rico: Barranquitas Campus
  • Juilliard School
  • Keiser University (West Palm Beach)
  • Lehigh University
  • Madonna University
  • Manhattan College
  • Marymount California University
  • Massachusetts Maritime Academy
  • McMurry University
  • Mercy College
  • Modern College of Design
  • Montana Tech of the University of Montana
  • Morehouse College
  • Mount Saint Mary College
  • Mount St. Joseph University
  • National-Louis University
  • New Jersey City University
  • Nichols College
  • North Park University
  • Occidental College
  • Ohio University
  • Oregon State University
  • Purdue University Northwest
  • Randall University
  • Randolph-Macon College
  • Reading Area Community College
  • Rowan University
  • Rutgers University—Camden Campus
  • Rutgers University—Newark Campus
  • Saint Michael’s College
  • Sciences Po
  • Seton Hill University
  • Shiloh University
  • Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
  • Silver Lake College of the Holy Family
  • Southern Illinois University of Carbondale
  • Southern Oregon University
  • Spring Hill College
  • Sul Ross State University
  • SUNY Farmingdale State College
  • SUNY University at Stony Brook
  • Tarleton State University
  • Texas A&M International University
  • Texas A&M University
  • Texas State University
  • The King’s College
  • United States Air Force Academy
  • University of Evansville
  • University of La Verne
  • University of Mary Hardin—Baylor
  • University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • University of Minnesota: Twin Cities
  • University of New England
  • University of Northwestern—St. Paul
  • University of the Virgin Islands
  • University of Toledo
  • University of Washington Bothell
  • VanderCook College of Music
  • Virginia Union University
  • Wabash College
  • Webb Institute
  • Webber International University
  • Wesleyan College
  • William Jewell College

If any of the schools you are considering appear on either of the lists above, we recommend taking the SAT with Essay. In fact, we recommend that most, if not all, students take the SAT essay since it leaves more doors open in your college search. However, if you’re absolutely sure you won’t be applying to colleges that require or recommend the SAT with Essay, you can skip it.

Regardless, as you consider which colleges to add to your list, you’ll want to be certain you know what colleges require the SAT essay so that you can plan ahead for this part of your test. 

For help figuring out which schools might be a great fit for you, don’t miss our customized and innovative Chancing Engine and School List Generator . Here, we use a proprietary algorithm backed by over 100,000 data points to develop a school list based on your real admissions chances and preferences.

Want to know how your SAT score impacts your chances of acceptance to your dream schools? Our free Chancing Engine will not only help you predict your odds, but also let you know how you stack up against other applicants, and which aspects of your profile to improve. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account today to gain access to our Chancing Engine and get a jumpstart on your college strategy!

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Everything You Need to Know About the Digital SAT

College Board

  • January 4, 2024

You’ve probably already heard that College Board has made the SAT digital. Here’s what you need to know.

Is the SAT still important to take?

It sure is! The SAT puts your achievements into context. That means it shows off your qualifications to colleges and helps you stand out.

Most colleges—including those that are test optional —still accept SAT scores. Together with high school grades, the SAT can show your potential to succeed in college or career.

Learn more about why you should take the SAT .

When is the SAT going digital?

Students testing outside the U.S. first started taking the digital SAT in spring 2023. If you’re in the U.S., whether you’re planning to take the SAT in a test center on a weekend or in school on a school day, the test will be digital starting in spring 2024.

If you took the PSAT/NMSQT this fall, you already know what to expect with the digital SAT.

If you're planning to take the digital SAT on a weekend, watch this video to find out more. 

is there a essay in sat

If you're planning to take the digital SAT in school on a school day, watch this video to find out more.

is there a essay in sat

Isn’t this just the same test but online?

No, College Board didn't just take the paper and pencil test and put it on the computer. We took the opportunity to make the SAT a far better test experience for you.

What’s staying the same?

  • Still measuring the knowledge and skills that matter most for college and career.
  • Still scoring the test on a 1600-point scale.
  • Still administering the test in schools or test centers with a proctor present (not at home). Test centers will continue to be open to all students, not just those enrolled in that school.
  • Still offering access to free, world-class practice resources.
  • Still supporting all students, including those who need accommodations on test day.

What’s changing?

  • You’ll take the SAT on a laptop or tablet.
  • You’ll take a shorter test, about 2 hours instead of 3. Find out how adaptive testing makes this possible .
  • You’ll have shorter reading passages instead of a few long texts.
  • You’ll be allowed to use your calculator on the entire Math section and there’s a calculator built right into Bluebook™, the digital testing application .

How do I register?

Registration is open for the spring 2024 digital SAT. You can check dates and deadlines here and find a test center close to you here .

Register Now

How do I practice?

Find everything you need to start practicing and preparing for the digital SAT here .

Have more questions? We’ve got answers!

Learn more about the digital SAT here .

Related Posts

What is digital sat adaptive testing, using a managed device for the sat.

Which Colleges Require the SAT Essay?

is there a essay in sat

Tests can be intimidating. And for some students, adding a timed essay is downright terrifying. So as you sign up for the SAT, it’s easy to look at that optional essay and say “fuh-getta-bout-it.”

I mean, who in their right mind would willingly sit for a fifty-minute essay?—Well, maybe you.

Before you immediately say no—or yes—to the optional essay portion, you need to consider which colleges require the SAT essay. Your decision will depend upon where you plan to continue your education.

Table of Contents

Why Some Colleges Have Dropped Essay

Several colleges have dropped the SAT essay as a requirement. One of the main factors behind this decision is concern about creating financial hardship or extra stress for students. Many school districts are providing in-school testing for high school students free of charge. But it does not always include the essay section. This means students who want to take the essay may need to sign up and pay for it on their own.

If your high school does not offer the essay portion as part of testing, you can visit the College Board registration page to find a testing center. Registering for the SAT essay portion is an additional $17. The SAT costs $47.50 with an allotted time of 3 hours. If you choose to add the essay, you will pay $64.50 and be given an additional fifty- minute session to end the day. There are fee waivers available for students who qualify due to financial hardship.

Should You Take the SAT Essay?

There are some schools that will not consider the SAT essay with your application. California Institute of Technology and Georgetown University are two well-known schools that have recently announced your essay will not be considered with your application—they won’t even look at it. However, as grandma always said—don’t put all your eggs in one basket. In other words, you may want to leave your options open by writing that essay.

If you decide not to take the SAT essay you are limiting the schools that you can apply to. Yes, many schools have dropped the requirement. But if you decide not to take the essay, you limit your college options. Even if the schools on your current college list don’t require it, things can change. Finding the right college is a process. You may discover your ideal school does require the essay.

Several schools that no longer require the SAT either recommend it or make it optional and will consider it with your application. If a school recommends the essay, they are politely telling you that it will be a factor in your application. Schools that consider the essay optional or even those that say it is not required still look for evidence of your academic abilities.

Most colleges, even those that have dropped the essay requirement, have stressed that evaluating writing skills continues to be an important part of their selection process. They will seek a writing sample in some form. The SAT essay is a good opportunity to display your writing skills. And, because the prompt and format is always the same, you have opportunities to practice so you go into it well-prepared .

Top College SAT Essay Requirements

In the chart below, I have compiled a list of the top-ranked U.S. colleges and their SAT essay requirements. If you don’t see your school here, check the College Board SAT Policies page. Remember that colleges and universities often re-evaluate and make changes to their policies. Use this as a guide, but always check your prospective school’s admissions page for the most updated requirements.

RankCollege or UniversitySAT Essay Requirements
1Harvard UniversityOptional – “you may choose to submit with or without the writing component”
2Yale UniversityOptional – “self report (your) essay or writing subscore on your application”
3Stanford UniversityNot Required
4Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyNot Required
5Princeton UniversityNot Required
6California Institute of TechnologyNot Required—will not be considered
7University of PennsylvaniaNot Required
8Brown UniversityOptional
9Dartmouth CollegeNot Required
10Duke UniversityRecommended
11Williams CollegeNot Required
12Georgetown UniversityNot Required—will not be considered
13Cornell UniversityNot Required
14University of California, BerkeleyRequired
15Columbia UniversityNot Required
16Amherst CollegeRecommended
17Bowdoin CollegeTest Optional School—may submit any scores that accurately reflect your academic abilities
18University of ChicagoOptional—you may choose to submit your scores, but the essay “will not be an essential part of the application review”
19Pomona CollegeOptional
20Northwestern UniversityNot Required
21University of Notre DameNot Required
22University of Michigan, Ann ArborNot Required
23Harvey Mudd CollegeNot Required
24Swarthmore CollegeNot Required—will not be considered
25Johns Hopkins UniversityOptional
26Claremont McKenna CollegeNot Required—will not be considered
27United States Military AcademyRequired
28Rice UniversityOptional
29Bates CollegeOptional—along with all other test options
30University of Southern CaliforniaOptional—will be considered
31United States Naval AcademyOptional—will be considered
32Vanderbilt UniversityOptional
33Tufts UniversityNot Required—may submit
34University of VirginiaNot Required
35Washington University in St. LouisNot Required

As you look at which colleges require the SAT essay, it is clear that many of the top schools have dropped the requirement. But essays continue to be considered if you submit them with your application. My best advice—and your least limiting option—is to sign up, prepare for, and take the essay portion. It is a well-spent $17 and fifty minutes of your time when compared to your future.

  • https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2018-09-10/colleges-drop-sat-act-essay-what-students-should-know
  • https://www.forbes.com/top-colleges/list/#tab:rank
  • https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/application-process/application-requirements
  • https://admissions.yale.edu/standardized-testing
  • https://admission.stanford.edu/apply/freshman/testing.html
  • https://mitadmissions.org/apply/firstyear/tests-scores/
  • https://admission.princeton.edu/updated-application-requirements
  • http://www.admissions.caltech.edu/apply/first-yearfreshman-applicants/standardized-tests
  • https://admissions.upenn.edu/admissions-and-financial-aid/what-penn-looks-for/testing
  • https://www.brown.edu/admission/undergraduate/apply/first-year-applicants/standardized-tests
  • https://admissions.dartmouth.edu/glossary-term/sat
  • https://today.duke.edu/2018/07/duke-makes-sat-essay-act-writing-test-optional-applicants
  • https://admission.williams.edu/apply/
  • https://uadmissions.georgetown.edu/firstyear/preparation
  • https://admissions.cornell.edu/standardized-testing-requirements
  • http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/requirements/examination-requirement/index.html
  • https://undergrad.admissions.columbia.edu/apply/first-year/testing
  • https://www.amherst.edu/admission/apply/firstyear
  • https://www.bowdoin.edu/admissions/our-process/test-optional-policy/index.html
  • https://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/contact/faq
  • https://www.pomona.edu/admissions/apply/application-overview
  • https://admissions.northwestern.edu/faqs/high-school-courses/
  • https://admissions.nd.edu/apply/evaluation-criteria/
  • https://record.umich.edu/articles/admissions-office-drops-requirement-act-sat-writing-components
  • https://www.hmc.edu/admission/apply/first-year-students/application-materials/
  • https://www.swarthmore.edu/admissions-aid/standardized-testing-policy
  • https://apply.jhu.edu/standardized-test-information/
  • https://www.cmc.edu/admission/first-year-application-instructions
  • https://westpoint.edu/admissions/steps-to-admission
  • https://admission.rice.edu/policies/standardized-testing
  • https://www.bates.edu/admission/optional-testing/
  • https://admission.usc.edu/apply/first-year-students/#/checklist
  • https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Apply/index.php#fndtn-panel1-Steps-for
  • https://admissions.vanderbilt.edu/quickguide/
  • https://admissions.tufts.edu/apply/first-year-students/sat-and-act-tests/
  • https://admission.virginia.edu/admission/testing
  • https://admissions.wustl.edu/apply_site/Pages/Frequently-Asked-Questions.aspx

More From Forbes

Why the college board is dropping the sat subject tests and optional essay.

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An answer sheet and a pencil are seen on a table (Photo by Rasit Aydogan/Anadolu Agency/Getty ... [+] Images)

When the College Board announced it would no longer offer SAT Subject Tests and the optional SAT essay, it framed the changes as student-centered and equity-driven. It said the changes were a way to “simplify our work and reduce demands on students.” However, according to Bob Schaeffer, interim Executive Director of FairTest , “The College Board is simply acknowledging the economically inevitable.” 

The Board also, as is now par for the course in all College Board announcements, touted the benefits of the AP program as an alternative to the Subject Tests. Compass Prep, the California-based test prep company that first leaked the changes wrote “So was this a compassionate act aimed at simplifying the lives of students? Or was this a pragmatic decision to cut one’s worst losses? It was both.”  

The SAT Subject Tests, which were called Achievement Tests in the 1990s and SAT IIs in the 2000s, were long overdue to be cancelled. Fewer and fewer colleges have required the exams in recent years. Some universities like MIT , that required the tests long after peer universities stopped doing so, no longer consider the tests. Prior to the pandemic, fewer than 5 colleges required Subject Tests for admissions and 12 colleges recommended them. The number of students taking the tests plunged in response to colleges’ policy changes. Some subjects, such as modern Hebrew with only 305, have only a few hundred test takers each year. Since 2010, the number of Subject Tests administered has decreased by about 45%. 

When there are drops in demand, high cost of production, and questions about quality, businesses typically revamp their product lines. The College Board is technically a non-profit organization but operates very much like a corporation that has to protect investors. 

Facing criticism for the cheating scandals , a huge growth in colleges adopting test optional policies , and increasing cost of maintaining 20 different subject tests, it follows that the College Board would discontinue the products with the least viable future. 

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues And Answers For Friday, August 16

Harris will propose $25,000 in down payment aid for first-time homebuyers as part of economic agenda, kamala harris releases economic agenda—here’s what to know.

Many in the high school community will celebrate the removal of an additional barrier to college admission, no matter what the motivation. Esperanza Borrero, associate director of college counseling at the The Masters School, an independent 5 - 12 school in Westchester, NY said, “The subject exams were already a dying practice with only a few colleges breathing air into their lungs (we all know who you are…) and as a college counselor I only saw them as barriers put in front of candidates, especially if they were from an underrepresented groups or an international students.” 

The discontinuation of the optional essay on the SAT should also not be a surprise to observers of college admissions. The essay was first added to the SAT in 2005 after the University of California system threatened to stop requiring the SAT and instead use only the SAT Subject Test, which it found to be better predictors of college success. The latest change to the SAT may again be largely attributed to announced changes at the University of California, which in 2020 said that it would stop considering the SAT or ACT in admissions . 

The SAT essay was never fully embraced by colleges. When the essay was a required part of the SAT and included in the overall score, from 2005 to 2016, many colleges simply ignored that portion of the score. Even Georgetown University, which is somewhat notorious for its testing requirements, has never considered either the SAT or ACT essays in admission. And from its introduction to today the essay has lost rather than gained favor in admissions offices. 

Much like with the SAT Subject Tests, student practices follow college policies. In 2017, when more colleges required the essay, 70% of SAT test takers took the optional essay. In 2019 - 2020, that number dropped to 57%. The discontinuation of the SAT essay is again a smart strategy for a product that has lost favor. 

Raquel Maysonet-Sigler, School Counselor at Brooklyn Technical High School, a selective public high school with 6,000 students, was excited to hear of the change, saying “SAT or ACT, Subject Tests, AP tests – it’s a testing company dream but a parent and student nightmare. Dropping these tests will be great for students.”

Akil Bello

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Digital SAT – Everything you need to know

  • Author: Litera Centre
  • Updated: January 11, 2023
  • Language: English

Digital SAT

Globalization is at its zenith in the current times. Nearly 30 lakh aspirants across the globe attempt the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) every year at various test centers in more than 170 countries to study in various national and international institutions. SAT is conducted at least five times every year in the months of March, May, August, October, and December for different groups of students whether international or belonging to US schools.

SAT is a comprehensive test globally accepted by colleges and universities for admission into various bachelor or undergraduate study programs across the world. It is conducted for a full score of 1600 of which a score range of 1200-1600 opens the aspirants to a plethora of admission and scholarship opportunities worldwide.

The test hitherto has been a three-hour long PBT or pen & paper-based test. But the College Board of the United States has come up with a transition to the digital mode called the Digital SAT . This transition will be effective from 2023 at all the international test centers and 2024 at all the US schools. The recent SAT conducted on 3 December 2022 was the last ever pen-paper version of the test.

According to the College Board, the new Digital SAT has been introduced to solemnize the test and make it the best possible option for students. Let’s dive into the intricacies of the new SAT.

1. Digital SAT:

Digital SAT

Digital SAT is the newly transitioned digital version of the existing Scholastic Assessment Test popularly known as SAT. This will be conducted digitally, meaning online on an electronic device such as a laptop or a tablet.

Students are supposed to take the test on the Digital SAT Suite Application administered by the College Board’s digital testing application. But that doesn’t imply the test can be taken anywhere. The candidates should take the test at a test center where they can carry their devices and will be guided to download the testing application for the assessment, or the candidates can download the same on their own.

The Digital SAT will be first made available for international students in the spring of 2023 and then to US students in the spring of 2024. If the international students missed the 2022 SAT on 3 December, which was the last pen-paper-based test, their only option is the next Digital SAT of March 2023, which will be the first-ever digital test.

2. SAT Vs DSAT:

SAT vs DSAT

The existing version of SAT which is a pen-paper test is an exhaustive version of SAT with separate Reading & Writing Language Sections and Math, aimed to assess the skills and knowledge of the aspirants for their required course of study and career.

It takes place for three hours for a full score of 1600. The digital transition of SAT is called Digital SAT or DSAT. In contrast to the exhaustive nature of the current SAT, DSAT will be an adaptive version aimed at optimisation of the candidate’s scoring accordingly.

Similarities:

  • Both versions of assessments are divided into two sections each of which has two modules adaptive to the candidate’s performance.
  • They both aim at the evaluation of the candidate’s skills and readiness.
  • The test is for a total score of 1600.
  • The test has to be taken at a scheduled test center.
  • Practice materials free of cost are available for both modes of assessment.
  • Their validity is similar for both course admission as well as for scholarships.

SAT Vs DSAT(Differences):

Following is the overview of major changes from SAT to DSAT:

WrittenOnline/Digital
ExhaustiveAdaptive
3 hours 50 min with essay (3 hours without essay)2 hours 14 minutes
4+1(Essay) sections:
1. SAT Reading
2. SAT Math (no calculator)
3. SAT Math (calculator)
4. SAT Writing and Language)
5.  SAT Essay writing (optional)
Two sections each divided into 2 modules:
1. SAT Reading and Writing section    2. Math
61-62 seconds1.15 minutes
2-4 WeeksFew days

3. The New SAT:

The New SAT

The conventional SAT had 4+1 sections with an optional Essay writing section, each section separately timed and assessed.

The breakdown is as follows:

  • SAT Reading (65 questions – 65 minutes)
  • SAT Math (no calculator) (20 questions – 25 minutes)
  • SAT Math (calculator) (38 questions – 55 minutes)
  • SAT Writing and Language (44 questions – 35 minutes)
  • SAT Essay Writing (optional) (1 question – 50 minutes)

The Digital SAT has both Reading and Writing sections combined into one and a separate Math section. Both areas have 2 modules each adaptive and separately timed. In the Reading and Writing Sections earlier, a specific passage format was followed in which one long passage and multiple questions were given to answer comprehending the same.

Now, each question will have 1 or 2 short passages or texts specific to the question. So, a wide spectrum of contexts and genres could be covered and assessed.

DSAT follows an adaptive model i.e., each module has 3 levels – easy, medium, and hard. The level of Module 2 depends on the candidate’s performance in Module 1. 

  • If Module 1 has more correct responses, Module 2 will be a harder one but the scoring range will be higher.
  • If Module 2 has lesser correct responses, Module 2 will be an easier one but the scoring range will be lower.

SAT Reading and Writing Section : 2 Modules – 64 minutes

  • Module 1: 20 operational & 2 pre-test questions – 32 minutes
  • Module 2: 20 operational & 2 pre-test questions – 35 minutes

SAT Math : 2 Modules – 70 minutes

  • Module 1: 20 operational & 2 pre-test questions – 35 minutes

4. What’s New?

What’s New in DSAT?

While the traditional pen-paper SAT has its own merits, the new DSAT has scores of interesting elements facilitated by technology. Some of them are:

  • The first feature is the reduced exam time which earlier was over 3 hours (50 minutes more with essay) down to just 2 hours 14 minutes now.
  • The test is taken digitally on a wide range of devices like laptops and tablets.
  • The Digital SAT Suite has a separately timed sections feature which helps the candidates keep an eye on the timer and pace accordingly.
  • SAT has two Math sections, one no-calculator section and one allowing calculator use. DSAT moves away from the no-calculator attribute. The DSAT suite application has an in-built Desmos Graphing Calculator to facilitate the working of arithmetic operations.
  • Various topics and areas are covered in the passages or texts which offer a personally relatable and interesting view similar to the ones of one’s school or college examinations. 
  • The application displays only one question at a time to fully focus on one thing at a time.
  • The number of sections has been reduced to only 2 equally-lengthed and separately timed ones with a 10-minute break in between.
  • Increased average time per question. From just 60-62 seconds in the case of SAT to 75 seconds in Digital SAT.
  • It is based on a multi-stage adaptive model in which the performance is assessed for the initial module and the following one whether an easier or a harder one is accommodated accordingly. [ Refer to DSAT in 3. The New SAT]
  • The application is equipped in such a manner that it is made tolerant of minor interruptions such as a momentary power cut, internet buffering, device battery run-out, and other minor network issues.
  • Testing time loss is taken care of. The DSAT suite application survives the cases of battery drain or a momentary power off etc in the case which, one has to only plug in an adapter or a charger to the device and resume immediately. It autosaves the responses and allows the resume of the test without losing much testing time.
  • Options such as mark for review and view reference sheet are available.
  • One can even highlight, annotate and make a note whenever and wherever required.
  • Digital SAT greatly subtracts the hassle of printing, shipping, packing-unpacking, and distribution of test materials to test centers.
  • It lowers the admin time including the time for pre and post-test activities in case of a pen-paper test.
  • DSAT amplifies the feasibility and flexibility of taking the test.
  • Delivers faster results than the traditional SAT which is 2-3 weeks whereas DSAT results can be accessed in only a few days.
  • The digital SAT is flexible, more secure and easier. It nullifies the probability of copying or malpractice during the test making it more reliable.

5. Litera Center SAT:

Litera Center SAT

Litera Center is a globally renowned Ed-tech platform catering to the educational needs of students of grades 6-12 of IB and IGCSE curriculums, AS & A level classes, SAT tuitions and guidance to the students in fulfilling their academic aspirations.

It is a student-friendly, reliable and affordable online tuition platform for students. Litera Center offers complete and comprehensive SAT classes and guidance to aspirants. Click here to get complete information about SAT tuition and guidance from Litera Center.

International students of the 2023 class aspiring for SAT will be the first ones to take the Digital SAT or DSAT in the spring of 2023 i.e., in March 2023 and they will not be able to go for pen-paper SAT again since the College Board has decided to make SAT completely digital 2023 onwards.

While the conventional SAT for international students is a missed opportunity, the students of US schools can attempt the pen-paper SAT in 2023 while they still can since SAT will go entirely digital across the world notwithstanding whether a US school or international student from 2024 onward.

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ )

Does the digital sat have an essay.

No, the Digital SAT (dSAT) does not have an essay section. The essay section was optional in the traditional pen-and-paper SAT, but it was removed in the digital format transition. The dSAT evaluates skills in Reading, Writing, and Math content, but no essay component exists.

What is DSAT vs SAT?

The Digital SAT (DSAT) is the digital version of the SAT exam. It is administered on computers or other digital devices like laptops and tablets. The DSAT has several features facilitated by technology, including reduced exam time and separately timed sections. It is designed to provide students with a more efficient and streamlined testing experience. On the other hand, the SAT refers to the traditional pen-and-paper version of the exam. It consists of sections in Reading, Writing, and Math, with an optional essay section. The SAT has been administered in this format for many years before the introduction of the DSAT 

Is there an essay on the Digital SAT ?

No, the Digital SAT does not include an essay section. The essay section was removed from the linear SAT in 2021 and is not part of the digital exam version. The Digital SAT consists of combined Reading and Writing sections and a separate Math section, all taken digitally on devices like laptops and tablets.

What is the DSAT?

The DSAT stands for Digital SAT, the same as the DSAT mentioned earlier. The digital version of the SAT exam is taken on a computer or other digital devices. The DSAT retains the same content areas as the traditional SAT, including Reading, Writing, and Math, but it does not include an essay section. The DSAT offers features such as reduced exam time and separately timed sections to enhance the testing experience for students.

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10 Best SAT Essay Examples to Prepare for SAT 2024

Are you spending a lot of time preparing for the SAT essay? The College Board administers the SAT and is a crucial factor in college selection. Furthermore, the essay is valued on the SAT because writing is crucial for all fields of study. Therefore, your SAT essay score may influence not just how well you do on the test overall but also how you are admitted to colleges. To figure out how to write the best essay possible, it could be useful to look at a few sample essay prompts.

Prompt: “In his speech, President Abraham Lincoln argues that the nation’s greatest strength comes from its commitment to freedom. Analyze how Lincoln builds this argument, using specific examples from the speech.”

Answer: In his speech, President Abraham Lincoln emphasizes that the nation’s strength lies in its dedication to freedom, which he supports through various rhetorical strategies. Lincoln uses historical references to the founding principles of the United States, particularly the Declaration of Independence, to underline the nation’s commitment to liberty. He invokes the memory of the Founding Fathers, who envisioned a country based on freedom and equality. By highlighting the sacrifices made by soldiers and the importance of preserving the Union, Lincoln reinforces his argument that freedom is central to the nation’s identity and strength. His effective use of pathos, ethos, and historical evidence persuades his audience of the enduring importance of freedom.

Prompt: “In the article, the author argues that technological advancements do not always benefit society. Evaluate the author’s argument, discussing how they use evidence and reasoning to support their position.”

Answer: The author argues that technological advancements can negatively impact society by presenting evidence of unintended consequences. For instance, the author discusses the rise of social media and its effects on mental health, citing studies that link excessive use to increased anxiety and depression. The author also points to the erosion of privacy as another drawback of technological progress. By using empirical evidence and real-world examples, the author effectively illustrates that technological advancements, while innovative, can have detrimental side effects. The logical structure of the argument, combined with credible sources, strengthens the author’s position on the potential harms of technology.

Prompt: “In his editorial, the writer claims that educational reform should focus on improving teacher quality rather than increasing funding. Analyze how the writer supports this claim.”

Answer: The writer’s editorial argues for educational reform centered on enhancing teacher quality rather than merely increasing funding. To support this claim, the writer uses statistical data showing that higher teacher effectiveness correlates with better student outcomes, even in underfunded schools. The writer also presents case studies of schools that have seen improvements through targeted teacher development programs, rather than through financial investments alone. By contrasting these examples with schools that received additional funding without corresponding improvements, the writer demonstrates that teacher quality is a more critical factor in educational success. The logical argument and supporting evidence make a compelling case for prioritizing teacher quality in educational reform.

Prompt: “The author suggests that economic growth should not be the primary goal of a nation. Discuss how the author develops this idea using examples and reasoning.”

Answer: The author argues that prioritizing economic growth as a national goal can lead to social and environmental issues. The argument is developed through examples of countries that have experienced economic growth at the expense of environmental degradation and social inequality. For instance, the author cites the rapid industrialization of certain nations, which resulted in pollution and a widening wealth gap. The author also discusses alternative measures of success, such as quality of life and environmental sustainability, to argue for a broader perspective on national progress. By presenting evidence of the negative consequences of unchecked economic growth and advocating for a more holistic approach, the author effectively supports the argument that economic growth should not be the sole focus of national policy.

Prompt: “In the passage, the author argues that community service is essential for personal development. Evaluate how the author uses examples and reasoning to make this argument.”

Answer: The author argues that community service plays a crucial role in personal development by providing real-world examples and reasoning. The passage includes anecdotes of individuals who experienced significant personal growth through their involvement in community projects, such as developing leadership skills, empathy, and a sense of responsibility. The author also cites research showing that volunteer work can enhance personal well-being and career prospects. By connecting these benefits to the broader concept of personal development, the author demonstrates how community service contributes to individual growth. The use of specific examples and research-based evidence strengthens the argument and illustrates the value of community service in fostering personal development.

Prompt: “The author argues that political leaders should prioritize environmental issues over economic concerns. Analyze how the author supports this argument.”

Answer: The author supports the argument that political leaders should prioritize environmental issues by presenting compelling evidence and reasoning. The author highlights the long-term consequences of environmental neglect, such as climate change and resource depletion, which can have severe economic impacts in the future. The argument is bolstered by examples of successful environmental policies that have led to sustainable economic benefits, such as the promotion of green technologies. Additionally, the author discusses the ethical responsibility of leaders to protect the environment for future generations. By providing both immediate and long-term perspectives on the importance of environmental issues, the author effectively argues for their prioritization in political decision-making.

Prompt: “In the text, the author suggests that literature has the power to influence social change. Evaluate how the author supports this suggestion with evidence and examples.”

Answer: The author supports the suggestion that literature can influence social change by providing historical and contemporary examples. The text references influential works like Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin , which played a role in shaping public opinion on slavery, and more recent examples of literature that have brought attention to social issues like inequality and injustice. The author also discusses how literature can raise awareness and inspire action through its emotional and intellectual impact on readers. By showcasing these examples and explaining the mechanisms through which literature can effect change, the author effectively supports the idea that literature has a significant role in driving social progress.

Prompt: “The author argues that globalization has both positive and negative effects on cultural identity. Analyze how the author supports this argument.”

Answer: The author argues that globalization impacts cultural identity in both positive and negative ways by presenting a balanced view of its effects. On the positive side, the author notes that globalization facilitates cultural exchange and understanding, leading to greater appreciation of diverse traditions and practices. For example, the proliferation of international cuisine and art enhances cultural diversity. On the negative side, the author discusses the risk of cultural homogenization, where dominant cultures overshadow or erode local traditions. By providing examples of both cultural enrichment and loss, the author effectively illustrates the complex relationship between globalization and cultural identity. This balanced approach helps to convey the nuanced effects of globalization on cultural heritage.

Prompt: “In the speech, the speaker argues that innovation is essential for progress in society. Evaluate how the speaker builds this argument with specific examples and reasoning.”

Answer: The speaker builds the argument that innovation is essential for societal progress through a combination of examples and logical reasoning. The speech includes examples of historical innovations, such as the invention of the telephone and the internet, which have significantly advanced communication and information sharing. The speaker also discusses the role of innovation in addressing contemporary challenges, such as renewable energy technologies that combat climate change. By illustrating how innovation drives improvements in various sectors and contributes to overall progress, the speaker effectively supports the argument that innovation is a key driver of societal advancement.

Prompt: “The author suggests that traditional educational methods are less effective than modern approaches. Analyze how the author supports this suggestion using evidence and examples.”

Answer: The author suggests that traditional educational methods are less effective compared to modern approaches by presenting evidence from educational research and practical examples. The author cites studies showing that traditional methods, such as rote memorization, often result in lower engagement and retention compared to more interactive and student-centered methods. Examples of modern approaches, such as project-based learning and technology-integrated instruction, are provided to demonstrate their effectiveness in fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By contrasting the outcomes of traditional and modern methods and using research-based evidence, the author effectively supports the suggestion that modern educational approaches are more effective in meeting contemporary learning needs.
Also Read: Recent 100+ SAT Exam Math Questions 2024: Download Free Practice Test Top 7 SAT Prep Courses and Classes for 2024 – Best Reviews & Rankings SAT Preparation Tips & Tricks 2024

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In a first, U.S. students will take the SAT entirely online (no pencils required)

Elissa

Elissa Nadworny

is there a essay in sat

Efi Chalikopoulou for NPR hide caption

The SAT, a college admissions exam that for nearly a century was completed using paper and pencil, is now officially all-digital.

This week, students in the U.S. will begin taking the new SAT on their own devices — including a tablet or a laptop — or on school devices. The test is also one hour shorter (down from three hours), has shorter reading passages and uses digital tools, like a highlighter, a graphing calculator and a bookmark to go back to skipped questions.

The revamped test, which ditches the paper and pencil, aims to make cheating harder and grading easier.

Students will still take the exam at a test center or at a high school.

"Today's students, they do a lot of their living digitally, they do a lot of their learning digitally and they do a lot of their test taking digitally," says Priscilla Rodriguez, who oversees the SAT for the College Board, the organization behind the test.

Dartmouth will again require SAT, ACT scores. Other colleges won't necessarily follow

Dartmouth will again require SAT, ACT scores. Other colleges won't necessarily follow

She says in focus groups the College Board conducted, students said they felt more confident and more natural taking tests on a digital device. "They were kind of telling us in so many words, 'You're a little behind us at this point, actually. Can you please catch up?' "

A digital SAT isn't a big leap for many students

Throughout March and April, the College Board expects more than 1 million students to take the new digital SAT. Students can take the exam on Saturday test dates or during SAT School Days, where participating high schools offer the test to upperclassmen free of charge during the school day.

Stephany Perez, a high school junior from Houston, says the transition to online is "not that significant."

"We're so used to being on our laptops, like it's something we do on the regular, in every class."

SAT Discontinues Subject Tests And Optional Essay

SAT Discontinues Subject Tests And Optional Essay

Perez has been prepping for the online version in school, using test prep material from CollegeSpring, a nonprofit that partners with high school teachers.

She says she's still nervous and anxious for the test, because she feels a lot of pressure to do well. "It's a very important test," she says. "It dictates what's going to happen for your college life."

She's taking the test Tuesday morning at her high school using school laptops.

This isn't the first time the College Board has administered a digital exam. International students took a digital-only SAT in 2023, and a digital-only PSAT was given to younger U.S. high school students last fall.

Students will take the digital exam on Bluebook, an app that was built in-house by the College Board. Schools were given time ahead of testing dates to download the app onto their devices. Internet access is key to start the test, though Rodriquez says it requires very little bandwidth during the test and is designed to autosave locally, so students won't lose work or time if they lose their internet connection.

The SAT and ACT still hold power in admissions

All this comes as the relevance of the SAT and ACT, another college entrance exam, is being called into question in the college admissions process. More than 1,800 U.S. colleges are not requiring a test score for students applying to enroll in fall 2025, according to the National Center for Fair & Open Testing. But in recent weeks, some elite private colleges, including Brown University and Dartmouth College , have reinstated the test requirement, saying it provides helpful context for the admissions process.

Perez would be the first in her family to go to college in the U.S. She says, "I know a lot of schools say that they're test optional," but when she looked up colleges she was interested in, she found they still listed average SAT scores on their websites.

What to know about Florida's 'classic' alternative to the SAT

What to know about Florida's 'classic' alternative to the SAT

"So you do have to care," she says, "because [colleges] might still be looking at them, even if they say they're test optional."

Even with many schools trying to de-emphasize the exams, Rodriquez, of the College Board, says the SAT can still be an important piece of a larger admissions puzzle.

"[The SAT] can give any student a way to show what they've learned in a standardized way, and that's especially important when other parts of the college application, things like extracurricular activities and essays, are more easily influenced by parental wealth."

The SAT and ACT are also still deeply ingrained in the American high school experience. Many states require one of the exams to graduate, and several states have contracts with the College Board to offer the test during the school day for free to their students.

Before this new digital format, the SAT had already gone through several changes. In 2014, the College Board revealed it would drop its penalty for wrong answers, make the essay portion optional and remove the obscure vocabulary section. And in early 2021, the organization announced it would discontinue the optional essay component of the SAT, as well as the subject tests in U.S. history, languages and math, among other topics.

Test-Optional Policy

First-time first-year applicants may choose to submit their application without standardized test scores to be considered for admission to New York Institute of Technology. Effective May 1, 2020, this policy provides flexibility to applicants to demonstrate their educational success and removes challenges due to changes with SAT/ACT preparation and exam schedule from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Important Information

We conduct a comprehensive evaluation of each applicant’s school records, essays, recommendations, and any other information provided through the admissions process.

WHAT IS A TEST-OPTIONAL APPLICATION?

If you apply to New York Tech as a test-optional applicant, then you are choosing to be considered for admission without submitting your SAT/ACT scores. If you would like to be considered test-optional, you may either choose not to submit your standardized test scores as part of your application, or you may choose to allow New York Tech to select the testing plan that will best serve you. This means we will only consider your test scores for admission if it benefits you.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I SHOULD APPLY AS TEST-OPTIONAL?

If you feel your academic strength is best reflected in  both  your grade point average and your SAT/ACT test scores, then we encourage you to submit your test scores. However, if you feel your academic strength is better represented by your grade point average, personal essay, letters of recommendation, and any other supplemental materials, then consider applying as a test-optional applicant. 

The mid-range of admitted students submitting SAT scores is 1050 to 1270, with an average ACT equivalent of 21 to 28.  If your scores fall within this range, including them in your application could make you a more competitive candidate.   For reference, view our admitted student profile.

HOW DO I CHOOSE TO BE REVIEWED AS A TEST-OPTIONAL APPLICANT?

You will have the opportunity to choose your preferences when you submit the Common Application or the New York Tech Online Application.

CAN I STILL EARN MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS IF I AM REVIEWED AS A TEST-OPTIONAL APPLICANT?

Yes, students who apply test-optional will be considered for all merit awards. View qualifications for the merit scholarship  here .

ARE THERE PROGRAMS EXCLUDED FROM THE TEST-OPTIONAL POLICY?

Some programs require applicants to submit SAT/ACT scores:

  • Nursing, B.S.
  • Combined undergraduate/graduate health professions programs in life sciences and occupational therapy, physical therapy, and physician assistant studies.

International students are not required to submit SAT/ACT scores.

WHAT IF I APPLIED TEST-OPTIONAL AND LATER WANT TO BE CONSIDERED FOR A PROGRAM THAT REQUIRES TEST SCORES?

Students who have applied or been admitted through the test-optional admissions process may ask to be considered for a test-required major by submitting their SAT/ACT scores and contacting their  personal admissions counselor.  Pease keep in mind that test-required majors often have additional  admission requirements, application deadline dates , or limited enrollment. Admission to dual-degree programs such as occupational therapy, osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, and physician assistant studies are only offered to first-year applicants. It is not possible to switch into these programs of study once enrolled.

DO I HAVE TO SUBMIT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IF I CHOOSE TO APPLY TEST-OPTIONAL?

Two letters of recommendation are required. We may require test-optional applicants to submit a graded essay from any class. An additional essay prompt may be required for international applicants without a graded essay in English.

ARE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ABLE TO APPLY TEST-OPTIONAL?

International applicants are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores for admission for most programs. They are required to submit test scores for Nursing, B.S. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo results. Students applying through the test-optional admission process may still submit SAT or ACT scores as evidence of English proficiency only.

WHAT IF I CHOOSE TEST-OPTIONAL BUT I ALREADY SENT MY SCORES TO NEW YORK TECH?

We will only consider your test scores for admission if it benefits you. If you have questions about applying test-optional, please reach out to your  personal admissions counselor .

WHAT IF I ALREADY APPLIED TO NEW YORK TECH AND WAS DENIED DUE TO SUBMITTED TEST SCORES?

If you were denied, your admission decision still stands as you did not meet the admission requirements based on the information provided with your application. The decisions of the admissions committee are final. If you feel that documents meant to support your application were inadvertently excluded, please contact your  personal admissions counselor . We encourage you to consider New York Tech in the future as a transfer applicant.

I Was Forced Into An Arranged Marriage At 18. Then I Found A Chat Room That Promised Escape — For A Price.

Beatrice Weber

Guest Writer

"It has been nearly 11 years since I first found that chatroom, which exposed me to an underworld in the Hasidic community," the author writes.

My wife cooked a kosher meal, and I am dropping it off at the hospital. Meet you at the parking lot off Exit 43?

Yes , I responded. I’ll be there.

It was late winter, and Motty was the fourth man I’d met in person over the last few months — out of the dozens I’d chatted with since the fall — in an online chatroom while still in my Hasidic marriage.

Now, Motty’s breath felt heavy on my face as he leaned over me, his thin body pressing against mine. I froze against the seat.

I was terrified.

We were in the back seat of his gray minivan at the far end of a dark parking lot. His pants were pulled down enough to expose himself, but not low enough that we would get in trouble if the police arrived.

I felt his thin fingers claw under my skirt and lift my panties as he groped me.

“Stop it,” I said, barely above a whisper. “Stop it now.”

He edged himself off and slumped down, breathing heavily, just inches from me. He then grabbed a bunch of tissues from the front seat, and I saw the rectangular-shaped food container wrapped in silver foil, labeled simply: “ Mount Sinai, 3rd floor. ”

I quickly turned away.

“I need to go. I need to get to my kids,” I said.

I thought meeting with him would make me feel good, but instead I was both terrified and disgusted.

I was done.

At the age of 40, I’d asked for a divorce. My husband told me that if I left, I would never see our children. When my oldest son, the second of my 10 children, threatened that I wouldn’t be invited to his wedding if I left his father, I knew that my husband was serious about keeping the children from me.

I was trapped in a marriage I had never chosen.

I had gotten a laptop when I began college but only gained full internet access in the fall of 2013 after my computer crashed and needed to be reset. I rebelliously refused to reinstall the kosher internet filter mandated by the rabbis. Previously, the page would be blocked if I searched for anything outside of college work. Now, I had the freedom to research topics that had been inaccessible to me.

Can I leave my Hasidic marriage and take my children with me?

What happens in a divorce case when the house is owned by a nonprofit?

How can I get my husband to leave my home if he refuses to leave the bedroom?

Is there such a thing as rape in a marriage?

Then, I stumbled upon a chatroom for heimish people. This term was used in the Hasidic community to describe insiders, so I knew these were my people. On the surface, it seemed like a chatroom for general conversation, but most conversations veered quickly toward sex.

The comments moved furiously on the page, and I quickly figured it out. The conversations began on the main page, and individual discussions happened in private chat rooms, indicated by a row of tabs. Some of those conversations turned into exchanging phone numbers with a promise to schedule a meeting time.

I was one of just a few women who were desirable among this group of men. At times, I would have a dozen tabs open, juggling responses to an onslaught of Hasidic men on one side of the laptop screen as I worked on an essay on the other.

The laptop sat in the sewing room, a closet-sized space with white double doors that opened to the family room. When we’d moved into the large home my parents built us several years earlier, I worked as a seamstress. I later enrolled in college, and the room doubled as an office. I spent more time in the room when I began an online MBA program in 2012.

As my marriage fell apart, I would often fall asleep in my sewing room chair and stumble into bed in the wee hours of the morning. It was the only space in the house that felt safe. My husband controlled everything else. I didn’t even have the code for the safe where we kept our legal documents and most of my jewelry.

It began in late December 2013, when I had my first conversation with a man. I was alone at home. My six younger children had gone with their father to a Hanukkah party in New Jersey, and the older children were out of town for school. Things had gotten bad between me and my husband, and I knew I wasn’t wanted.

The message popped up in the chatroom: You should have gone to the party.

I know, maybe next time.

What are you wearing?

The next question came quickly: When was the last time you had sex?

I was confused. What intentions did this anonymous man have?

I am wearing tall black boots.

Tell me more.

Another man, to whom I had given my number, called and told me: I had amazing sex with my wife yesterday. Do you want to hear about it? Tell me. What are you wearing?

His tone scared me; who was this person anyway? I quickly hung up the phone and blocked his number.

Several days later, the fear was gone, and the intoxicating pull was back. I was back on my laptop, chatting with other men.

How was your day, sweetie?

Can you touch yourself?

Imagine coming with me to the beach. Have you ever worn a bikini? ( I hadn’t. He should’ve known this.)

The message continued: Go on , touch yourself.

I leaned back in my chair and did what he said, feeling the intoxicating pleasure wash over me.

I quickly learned to pretend to orgasm when I was actually at work or when I did the dishes. Some of the conversations became very personal, with men expressing their frustration with their marriage and asking to meet up.

Sometimes, I agreed.

I am not sure what I was hoping to gain from these meetings, but I knew that anything felt better than my current situation.

“That is what happens when you don’t go to the m ikvah , the ritual bath. I saw those disgusting messages. You are a m oredet , a rebellious wife,” said my husband, standing over me as I lay huddled in our daughter’s bed.

I’d moved to her bedroom after I’d stopped going to the m ikvah . Under the Hasidic rules, when a woman sees any sign of vaginal bleeding, she is immediately forbidden from physical contact with her husband. She must immerse herself in a special ritual bath after counting seven days. On that night, she is required to have sex.

For years, I had followed these rules without complaint.

But I had changed.

When I was first married off in an arranged marriage at 18, my husband was adamant about controlling the sex we had. He insisted that we would follow the directives of the Talmud and have sex only on Friday nights, the holiest day of the week, saying, “We aren’t regular people. We are special. Holier.”

The youngest of five boys, he was a precocious child and, as a teen, recognized as a future scholar. He took his role seriously, rarely involving himself in mundane matters and focusing on his studies. As a young woman, I was so proud to be matched up with a scholar, and I saw him as righteous and noble.

In my 20s, I would often beg for sex. I will never forget leaning on the banister and crying for him to come up. I craved the physical touch and attention. It was the only time he would ever kiss or hug me.

But by now, I was close to 40, had grown stronger, and refused to beg. I attended college and had a job outside the home.

Instead, on Friday nights, he would now come up to my bed hours after I had fallen asleep.

I was furious but felt helpless. The only recourse I had was to stop going to the mikvah. The fear of God would prevent him from touching me, not any moral compunctions.

Every time I met with a man, I was terrified of my husband finding out, but also secretly — desperately — hoping that he would so he’d be forced to divorce me. At the time, I felt like I was doing something to free myself. Chatting with these anonymous men made me feel like I had power over my husband, but I also felt ashamed.

After keeping it a secret for months, I told a friend what I was doing.

“Don’t go down this path. You’ll just end up hurting yourself,” she said, referring me to a therapist.

“You can leave this marriage,” the therapist encouraged me. “But why are you self-sabotaging? You will make it harder to leave.”

I burned with shame.

Coming home, I stood in front of the mirror in the master bathroom, my face staring back at me. Who was I becoming? After years of being in a bad marriage, I never imagined that I would cheat in this way.

“I will leave,” I promised myself. “ I deserve better.”

On the eve of Passover in 2014, I finally escaped with my four youngest under the cover of darkness. I told my attorney everything a few days before we were to appear in court: the chatting, the meetings, the sexually explosive emails.

“But I have stopped all that,” I said. “I am done.”

I was terrified that it would be used against me in court.

“Why?” he responded. “It’s a normal part of a woman leaving a marriage. I see it all the time.”

Ending my cybersex experiences for good was a process. The guilt and shame sometimes stopped me, while the powerful feelings drew me back.

It has been nearly 11 years since I first found that chatroom, which exposed me to an underworld in the Hasidic community. In so many ways, I regret that experience. But I know it was a vital part of my journey to own my power, as I found the strength to escape a marriage that was almost impossible to leave.

Do you have a compelling personal story you’d like to see published on HuffPost? Find out what we’re looking for here and send us a pitch at [email protected].

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Joining the infertility community is complicated. Leaving it can be, too

collage of stips of images of a woman, ultrasound and sky

Seven weeks into my pregnancy I said an emotional goodbye to my fertility doctor and favorite nurse, and “graduated” from the clinic to the obstetrician’s office one flight up. 

Every time I sat in the well-lit area awaiting my maternal care appointment, I noticed how vastly different this room was from the one downstairs. This new waiting room was filled with anxious anticipation, an excitement that vibrated through the room of women with various-sized bellies, all eager to see black-and-white images of babies who lived inside them. The fertility clinic, where I’d gone for appointments for years, had felt like a conveyor belt of people, overflowing with invisible grief and hope. 

After almost six years of disappointment, loss and unsuccessful fertility treatments , I’d finally made it to the coveted fourth floor. It would be one of many notable graduations in my pregnancy. 

I didn’t expect to be a member of the infertility club. Fortunately, I quickly found out about all the resources: support groups and meetups and message boards designed for people in my exact situation. After my second miscarriage, and a year before I turned to in vitro fertilization, I joined a group, in person. Months later it turned virtual due to the pandemic. 

The free virtual support group, organized by Resolve , was a place of safety and comfort for me. I never missed a meeting and felt more understood by my fellow, female strangers than anyone in my real life. We didn’t know each other outside of the group but our stories, and empathy for one another, bonded us — at least for one night each month. 

Over the next three years, I watched the tiny squares of women drop off my screen, gone from the group forever. They didn’t usually announce their departure; they just stopped attending the group. But once, a woman came to the meeting to say goodbye. 

“I feel so, so bad for all of you,” she said with tears in her eyes while she announced her good news, and prayed that we would all find our happy endings, too. 

Many congratulated her, but for me, the farewell garnered a different reaction — annoyance. I’m sure her words were intended to be hopeful and positive. But her tone of pity and sympathy seemed unfair and misplaced, and made me feel emptier than usual. 

I myself almost graduated from the support group a few times. But each time, I lost the pregnancy or had an unsuccessful fertility treatment cycle . Having to rejoin elicited a new level of pain. More new members were welcomed, and also eventually left. All while I remained. I was happy, at times even hopeful seeing their success. But each time, it was a reminder that the group was a transient place, meant to be a stepping stone — whether it ended with parenthood or not — and I was instead static. 

By the time I was a veteran of the infertility-treatment process, I’d become jaded. My bright-eyed naivete was gone, along with the excitement that starting a new cycle typically brought. I’d experienced too much. When a “newbie” spoke in the support group about things she was doing to try to improve her egg quality, I privately rolled my eyes. 

“Your egg quality ain’t changing unfortunately,” I told the group once. “No matter what the influencers say, that’s just the truth.” I realized that, as valuable as the group was, and even though I wasn’t a mom yet, I’d somehow outgrown it.

But I was still a part of the infertility community, and had made some friends. I was particularly close to one woman, and we’d talk frequently. When one of our transfers failed, or an IVF cycle got interrupted by any number of things, we turned to each other. 

Initially, our bond was borne out of shared misfortunes, and nurtured by our compassion for those similarities. Though our friendship eventually extended beyond our fertility stories to lunches, hair appointments and even a painting class, our shared struggles were its foundation.  

Then, one of my many embryo transfers finally worked, and I was pregnant. What had intertwined our lives now distanced them. 

“Don’t feel like you can’t tell me stuff,” my friend declared, when I told her the news at my seven-week mark, even then with some hesitation. Despite her insistence nothing would change, I knew it likely would. 

At 10 weeks, I was still pregnant. When my fertility doctor said, “This is the last time I’ll officially see you,” I cried, feeling more optimistic than ever before. 

At my 18-week appointment, which included an anatomy ultrasound, I breathed a sigh of relief so deep it shook my whole body. It was the milestone I’d been waiting for, the farthest I’d ever gotten in a pregnancy. I knew in my heart that this time it was really happening. 

Blake Turck with her baby

Pregnancy after infertility, or loss, can be filled with anxiety, ambivalent emotion and even guilt. But, as I learned, there are few resources to help navigate the nuanced transition.  

Infertility had been part of my social and personal identity for so long, and closing that difficult chapter of my life was all I wanted. When my time came, I was overjoyed. But hidden deep beneath my elation, a residue of grief remained for the community I was finally leaving behind. 

Graduating from the infertility community requires a certain level of emotional flexibility. I reached the other side but knew far too well what it took to get there. My battles had culminated with the miracle of a new baby on the way. But the scars of my experiences wouldn’t disappear so easily. They weren’t only a part of me, but a memory of what we all went through. I had perspective now. It was how I knew that unintentional shifts in friendship were often a consequence of new life milestones.

Graduating from the infertility community requires a certain level of emotional flexibility. I reached the other side but knew far too well what it took to get there. ... The scars of my experience wouldn't disappear so easily.

My friend and I didn’t see each other at all over the next nine months. Throughout my pregnancy I suggested meetups and coffee dates, and while I was never outright rejected, it didn’t lead to anything. As much as it hurt, I’d been on the other side and created my own distance too many times to push now. I knew space and understanding were required. 

In many Facebook infertility groups, a frequently used phrase at the beginning of a post is “trigger warning.” It’s used not just for difficult or traumatic stories, but as a precursor to happy ones as well. This sensitivity has led to intense debates between those who want to see baby news and find it positive or hopeful, and others who find it too difficult to handle.

But I’ve seen less discussion about how to navigate this sensitive terrain as the pregnant person, when you’re the person delivering, not receiving, the news. I wasn’t sure how to handle this new situation I found myself in.

I dreamt of having a baby, and struggled to become a parent. Though I’m ecstatic to have made it to my destination, I’ll continue to hold space and sensitivity for those still on the journey, no matter where it takes them. 

Recently I finally met up with my friend — our first time seeing each other in 10 months. We laughed, hugged, and she met my daughter. Our lives had veered off course from each other, but there was comfort in knowing we could still come together over a cup of coffee. I told her I was there for her, whenever she needed to talk about anything. She may not choose to do so, but I’ll always make sure she knows.

Blake Turck is a freelance writer and New York City native. She can be found most nights watching movies on the couch with her husband and 5-year-old goldendoodle, Chief Brody, or on Twitter at twitter.com/styleisland .

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Hurricane Ernesto maps: track storm as it aims at Bermuda, causes riptides in US

Hurricane Ernesto regained strength as it sat over Atlantic waters as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands recovered from the storm's broadside Thursday.

About 20% of residents and businesses in Puerto Rico remained without power as of Thursday, according to the island's energy provider LUMA Energy . Services remained under repair while parts of the island faced record breaking heat as 258,000 customers still lacked drinking water by 6 p.m., according to El Nuevo Dia.

The Category 1 hurricane was 450 miles south-southwest of Bermuda with sustained winds of 90 mph, according to the  National Hurricane Center's 8 p.m. update .

You can track the storm's path with the latest maps and models below and follow along with  USA TODAY's coverage of Tropical Storm Ernesto  as the fifth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season moves through the Caribbean.

Where is Ernesto heading?

Ernesto could become a Category 3 hurricane by Friday before approaching Bermuda on Saturday, according to the NHC.

"Ernesto strengthening as it approaches Bermuda,'' the NHC said, adding that the storm could become  a major hurricane  with sustained winds of at least 111 mph as early as Friday.

Projections currently show that the storm will drift over the Atlantic Ocean, avoiding the eastern seaboard but disrupting cruises .

Ernesto avoids east coast, causes riptides

While the hurricane is not projected to hit the east coast, the storm is set to cause rip currents and high surf from Florida to Nova Scotia.

"Best to stay out of the ocean Friday through Sunday (at least),” said the National Weather Service in Wilmington, North Carolina. The NWS issued a high rip current risk warning for the area for 6 a.m. ET through 6 p.m. ET Friday and a high surf warning for 2 p.m. ET through 11 a.m. ET Saturday.

Rip current risk for Friday remains high in Miami , Jacksonville and Charleston .

Tropical storm Ernesto path tracker

If the map above is not loading on your screen,  click here .

Tropical Storm Ernesto Spaghetti Models

Illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The hurricane center uses only the top four or five highest-performing models to help make its forecasts.

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Who Won the Olympics? All the Ways We Could Think Of to Track the Medal Count.

Which country won the most events involving nets, balls or weapons? We (over) analyzed the medal standings in Paris.

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Ben Blatt

By Ben Blatt

The United States had an excellent showing at the Summer Olympics in Paris. It won the most medals by far, and tied with China for most gold medals — the first such tie at a Summer Games.

United States 40 44 42 126
China 40 27 24 91
Britain 14 22 29 65

But that’s not all. The U.S. won the most medals looking only at men’s events, and the most counting only women’s. It won the most medals in team events and the most in solo competitions.

U.S. 13 16 23 52
France 11 14 13 38
China 17 10 7 34
U.S. 26 23 18 67
China 19 15 16 50
Australia 13 9 8 30
U.S. 12 9 8 29
Britain 7 5 9 21
China 8 6 5 19
U.S. 28 35 34 97
China 32 21 19 72
France 13 22 18 53

But Americans didn’t win in every way you could slice it. They didn’t win the most medals in events with weapons (yes, the javelin counts). And they didn’t win the most in sports scored by judges.

S. Korea 10 5 2 17
U.S. 3 5 3 11
China 5 3 3 11
China 14 8 5 27
U.S. 4 6 7 17
Britain 2 3 10 15
China 8 6 0 14
U.S. 3 2 3 8
France 1 5 2 8
France +6 +14 +11 +31
U.S. +1 +3 +9 +13
S. Korea +7 +5 +12

These are extremely unofficial categories. But they do reveal some interesting patterns — if it felt as if South Korean athletes dominated the archery and sharpshooting podiums, they did.

The U.S., by contrast, won the most medals in events that involved a race of some type. And even if we look only at sports that were also held at the 1900 Paris Olympics, the Americans have the most medals.

U.S. 23 22 19 64
Britain 8 17 13 38
Australia 14 14 9 37
U.S. 34 34 29 97
Britain 12 18 18 48
China 15 13 16 44

We should note that we are sorting these tables by total medals, not gold medals. Opinions differ on the proper approach.

And the U.S. is, of course, a large country with many resources. If you want to give the small countries a fair shot, the tables below can help out.

N. Zealand 10 7 3 20
Hungary 6 7 6 19
Denmark 2 2 5 9
Uzbekistan 8 2 3 13
Ukraine 3 5 4 12
Kenya 4 2 5 11

Which way of counting is best? That’s for you to decide. You can pick your favorite here.

United States 40 44 42 126
China 40 27 24 91
Britain 14 22 29 65
France 16 26 22 64
Australia 18 19 16 53
Japan 20 12 13 45
Italy 12 13 15 40
Netherlands 15 7 12 34
Germany 12 13 8 33
South Korea 13 9 10 32

Ben Blatt is a reporter for The Upshot specializing in data-driven journalism. More about Ben Blatt

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SAT Essay Prompts: The Complete List

SAT Writing , SAT Essay

feature_keepcalm-1.png

On every SAT Essay, you'll have to read an argument meant to persuade a broad audience and discuss how well the author argues his or her point. The passage you'll have to read will change from test to test, but you'll always need to analyze the author's argument and write a coherent and organized essay explaining this analysis.

In this article, we've compiled a list of the 14 real SAT essay prompts that the College Board has released (either in The Official SAT Study Guide or separately online) for the new SAT. This is the most comprehensive set of new SAT essay prompts online today.

At the end of this article, we'll also guide you through how to get the most out of these prompts and link to our expert resources on acing the SAT essay. I'll discuss how the SAT essay prompts are valuable not just because they give you a chance to write a practice essay, but because of what they reveal about the essay task itself.

UPDATE: SAT Essay No Longer Offered

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In January 2021, the College Board announced that after June 2021, it would no longer offer the Essay portion of the SAT (except at schools who opt in during School Day Testing). It is now no longer possible to take the SAT Essay, unless your school is one of the small number who choose to offer it during SAT School Day Testing.

While most colleges had already made SAT Essay scores optional, this move by the College Board means no colleges now require the SAT Essay. It will also likely lead to additional college application changes such not looking at essay scores at all for the SAT or ACT, as well as potentially requiring additional writing samples for placement.

What does the end of the SAT Essay mean for your college applications? Check out our article on the College Board's SAT Essay decision for everything you need to know.

SAT essay prompts always keep to the same basic format. Not only is the prompt format consistent from test to test, but what you're actually asked to do (discuss how an author builds an argument) also remains the same across different test administrations.

The College Board's predictability with SAT essay helps students focus on preparing for the actual analytical task, rather than having to think up stuff on their feet. Every time, before the passage, you'll see the following:

  • evidence, such as facts or examples, to support claims.
  • reasoning to develop ideas and to connect claims and evidence.
  • stylistic or persuasive elements, such as word choice or appeals to emotion, to add power to the ideas expressed.

And after the passage, you'll see this:

"Write an essay in which you explain how [the author] builds an argument to persuade [her/his] audience that [whatever the author is trying to argue for]. In your essay, analyze how [the author] uses one or more of the features listed in the box above (or features of your own choice) to strengthen the logic and persuasiveness of his argument. Be sure that your analysis focuses on the most relevant features of the passage.

Your essay should not explain whether you agree with [the author]'s claims, but rather explain how [the author] builds an argument to persuade [her/his/their] audience."

Now that you know the format, let's look at the SAT essay prompts list.

14 Official SAT Essay Prompts

The College Board has released a limited number of prompts to help students prep for the essay. We've gathered them for you here, all in one place. We'll be sure to update this article as more prompts are released for practice and/or as more tests are released.

SPOILER ALERT : Since these are the only essay prompts that have been released so far, you may want to be cautious about spoiling them for yourself, particularly if you are planning on taking practice tests under real conditions . This is why I've organized the prompts by the 10 that are in the practice tests (so you can avoid them if need be), the ones that are available online as sample prompts, and the ones that are in the text of the Official SAT Study Guide (Redesigned SAT), all online for free.

Practice Test Prompts

These 10 prompts are taken from the practice tests that the College Board has released.

Practice Test 1 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Jimmy Carter builds an argument to persuade his audience that the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge should not be developed for industry."

Practice Test 2 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Martin Luther King Jr. builds an argument to persuade his audience that American involvement in the Vietnam War is unjust."

Practice Test 3 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Eliana Dockterman builds an argument to persuade her audience that there are benefits to early exposure to technology."

Practice Test 4 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Paul Bogard builds an argument to persuade his audience that natural darkness should be preserved."

Practice Test 5 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Eric Klinenberg builds an argument to persuade his audience that Americans need to greatly reduce their reliance on air-conditioning."

Practice Test 6 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Christopher Hitchens builds an argument to persuade his audience that the original Parthenon sculptures should be returned to Greece."

Practice Test 7 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Zadie Smith builds an argument to persuade her audience that public libraries are important and should remain open"

Practice Test 8 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Bobby Braun builds an argument to persuade his audience that the US government must continue to invest in NASA."

Practice Test 9 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Todd Davidson builds an argument to persuade his audience that the US government must continue to fund national parks."

Practice Test 10 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Richard Schiffman builds an argument to persuade his audience that Americans need to work fewer hours."

Special note: The prompt for Practice Test 4 also appears on the College Board's site with real sample essays written in response. If you've written a practice essay for practice test 4 and want to see what essays of different score levels look like for that particular prompt, you can go there and look at eight real student essays.

body_nightsky.jpg

Free Online Practice

This prompt comes from the College Board website .

"Write an essay in which you explain how Dana Gioia builds an argument to persuade his audience that the decline of reading in America will have a negative effect on society."

This prompt comes from Khan Academy , where it is listed as an alternate essay prompt to go along with Practice Test 2:

"Write an essay in which you explain how Leo W. Gerard builds an argument to persuade his audience that American colleges and universities should be affordable for all students."

The Official SAT Study Guide 2020

The Official SAT Study Guide (editions published in 2015 and later available online for free) contains all 10 of the previously mentioned practice tests at the end of the book. In the section about the new SAT essay , however, there are two additional sample essay prompts (accompanied by articles to analyze).

Sample Prompt 1:

"Write an essay in which you explain how Peter S. Goodman builds an argument to persuade his audience that news organizations should increase the amount of professional foreign news coverage provided to people in the United States."

Sample Prompt 2:

"Write an essay in which you explain how Adam B. Summers builds an argument to persuade his audience that plastic shopping bags should not be banned."

body_plasticbag.jpg

How Do You Get the Most Out of These Prompts?

Now that you have all the prompts released by the College Board, it's important to know the best way to use them. Make sure you have a good balance between quality and quantity, and don't burn through all 14 of the real prompts in a row— take the time to learn from your experiences writing the practice essays.

Step By Step Guide on How to Practice Using the Article

#1: Understand how the SAT essay is graded .

#2: Follow along as we write a high-scoring SAT essay, step by step .

#3: Plan a set of features you'll look for in the SAT essay readings and practice writing about them fluidly. This doesn't just mean identifying a technique, like asking a rhetorical question, but explaining why it is persuasive and what effect it has on the reader in the context of a particular topic. We have more information on this step in our article about 6 SAT persuasive devices you can use .

#4: Choose a prompt at random from above, or choose a topic that you think is going to be hard for you to detach from (because you'll want to write about the topic, rather than the argument) set timer to 50 minutes and write the essay. No extra time allowed!

#5: Grade the essay, using the official essay rubric to give yourself a score out of 8 in the reading, analysis, and writing sections.

#6: Repeat steps 4 and 5. Choose the prompts you think will be the hardest for you so that you can so that you're prepared for the worst when the test day comes

#7: If you run out of official prompts to practice with, use the official prompts as models to find examples of other articles you could write about . Start by looking for op-ed articles in online news publications like The New York Times, The Atlantic, LA Times , and so on. For instance, the passage about the plastic bag ban in California (Official SAT Study Guide sample essay prompt 2, above) has a counterpoint here —you could try analyzing and writing about that article as well.

Any additional articles you use for practice on the SAT essay must match the following criteria:

  • ideally 650-750 words , although it'll be difficult to find an op-ed piece that's naturally that short. Try to aim for nothing longer than 2000 words, though, or the scope of the article is likely to be wider than anything you'll encounter on the SAT.
  • always argumentative/persuasive . The author (or authors) is trying to get readers to agree with a claim or idea being put forward.
  • always intended for a wide audience . All the information you need to deconstruct the persuasiveness of the argument is in the passage. This means that articles with a lot of technical jargon that's not explained in the article are not realistic passage to practice with.

What's Next?

We've written a ton of helpful resources on the SAT essay. I f you're just getting started, we recommend beginning with our top SAT essay tips for a quick overview of the essay task and what you need to know.

A little more familiar with the SAT essay but still not quite sure how to write one? Follow along with our step-by-step guide to writing the SAT essay .

Looking to earn a high score? Learn what it takes to get the highest score possible on the SAT essay here .

Plus, if you want a reference linking you to all of our great articles on the SAT essay, be sure to check out our ultimate SAT essay guide .

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Laura graduated magna cum laude from Wellesley College with a BA in Music and Psychology, and earned a Master's degree in Composition from the Longy School of Music of Bard College. She scored 99 percentile scores on the SAT and GRE and loves advising students on how to excel in high school.

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  1. The SAT Essay: Basic Principles

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  2. How To Write A Perfect SAT Essay

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  3. SAT Essay Tips: 15 Ways to Improve Your Score

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  4. The SAT Essay: An Argument-Centered Strategy

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  5. How to Write the SAT Essay

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  6. How to write sat essay. How To Write A SAT Essay: Full Guide With

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COMMENTS

  1. What Is the SAT Essay?

    The SAT Essay is a part of the test that is only administered in certain states. Learn how to prepare if it is included in your upcoming test ... There are 3 practice Essay tests. Once you submit your response, go to MyPractice.Collegeboard.org, where you'll see your essay, a scoring guide and rubric so that you can score yourself, ...

  2. SAT School Day with Essay

    The SAT Essay is a lot like a typical college writing assignment that asks you to analyze a text. It shows colleges that you're able to read, analyze, and write at the college level. The SAT Essay asks you to use your reading, analysis, and writing skills. You'll be asked to: Read a passage. Explain how the author builds an argument to persuade ...

  3. What's on the SAT

    The Math Section. The Math Section: Overview. Types of Math Tested. SAT Calculator Use. Student-Produced Responses. Top. Find out what's going to be on each section of the SAT so you can prepare for test day.

  4. The Most Reliable SAT Essay Template and Format · PrepScholar

    Aside from the "grid in" math questions, all you have to do for most of the SAT is answer multiple choice questions.. And then, if you've chosen to take it, there's the essay. Or, more accurately, "To finish up, there's the essay." Because the last thing you'll do on the SAT (with Essay) is read a passage and write an essay analyzing its argument, all in 50 minutes.

  5. The SAT Writing Section (Essay): Here's What You Need to Know

    Practice is key; you'll want to be able to read an essay quickly, pull out devices, and write a straightforward essay with a minimum of confusion and anxiety. Only practice and memorization of the right information will get you there. As you prepare to take the SAT, take a look at some example essays that scored highly. It won't be the same ...

  6. How the SAT Is Structured

    The digital SAT is composed of two sections: Reading and Writing and Math. Students have 64 minutes to complete the Reading and Writing section and 70 minutes to complete the Math section for a total of 2 hours and 14 minutes. Each section is divided into 2 equal length modules, and there is a 10-minute break between the Reading and Writing ...

  7. Ultimate Guide to the New SAT Essay

    The new SAT Essay is a lot like a typical college or upper-level high school writing assignment in which you're asked to analyze a text. You'll be provided a passage between 650 and 750 words, and you will be asked to explain how the author builds an argument to persuade his or her audience.

  8. Moving from Official SAT Practice to Official Digital SAT Prep on Khan

    The new Official Digital SAT Prep courses will fully replace our older Official SAT Practice product and materials by December 31, 2023. Students will still be able to use Khan Academy to prepare for the new Digital SAT through our two Official Digital SAT Prep courses (Math and Reading and Writing). These courses will allow students to:

  9. Should I Take the SAT Essay? How to Decide · PrepScholar

    There is no way to take just the SAT essay by itself, so if you take the SAT without the essay and then, later on, realize you need an essay score for a school you're applying to, you will have to retake the entire test. So, if a school you're interested in requires the SAT essay, your choice is clear: take the essay when you take the SAT.

  10. How to Write an SAT Essay, Step by Step · PrepScholar

    This is the argument you need to deconstruct in your essay. Writing an SAT essay consists of four major stages: Reading: 5-10 minutes. Analyzing & Planning: 7-12 minutes. Writing: 25-35 minutes. Revising: 2-3 minutes. There's a wide time range for a few of these stages, since people work at different rates.

  11. What Colleges Require 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.

  12. The Optional SAT Essay: What to Know

    Here are three things you should know about the 50-minute SAT essay as you decide whether to complete it: To excel on the SAT essay, you must be a trained reader. The SAT essay begs background ...

  13. Everything You Need to Know About the Digital SAT

    The SAT puts your achievements into context. That means it shows off your qualifications to colleges and helps you stand out. Most colleges—including those that are test optional—still accept SAT scores. Together with high school grades, the SAT can show your potential to succeed in college or career. Learn more about why you should take ...

  14. Which Colleges Require the SAT Essay?

    Registering for the SAT essay portion is an additional $17. The SAT costs $47.50 with an allotted time of 3 hours. If you choose to add the essay, you will pay $64.50 and be given an additional fifty- minute session to end the day. There are fee waivers available for students who qualify due to financial hardship. Should You Take the SAT Essay?

  15. The SAT Announces Dropping Essay and Subject Tests

    The College Board said it would discontinue the essay section on the main SAT test because "there are other ways for students to demonstrate their mastery of essay writing," including, it said ...

  16. Why The College Board Is Dropping The SAT Subject Tests And Optional Essay

    When the College Board announced it would no longer offer SAT Subject Tests and the optional SAT essay, it framed the changes as student-centered and equity-driven. It said the changes were a way ...

  17. Digital SAT

    SAT Vs DSAT 3. The New SAT: The New SAT. The conventional SAT had 4+1 sections with an optional Essay writing section, each section separately timed and assessed.. The breakdown is as follows: SAT Reading (65 questions - 65 minutes); SAT Math (no calculator) (20 questions - 25 minutes); SAT Math (calculator) (38 questions - 55 minutes); SAT Writing and Language (44 questions - 35 minutes)

  18. 10 Best SAT Essay Examples to Prepare for SAT 2024

    Furthermore, the essay is valued on the SAT because writing is crucial for all fields of study. Therefore, your SAT essay score may influence not just how well you do on the test overall but also how you are admitted to colleges. To figure out how to write the best essay possible, it could be useful to look at a few sample essay prompts. ...

  19. U.S. students will take the SAT entirely online this year : NPR

    In a first, U.S. students will take the SAT entirely online (no pencils required) The SAT, a college admissions exam that for nearly a century was completed using paper and pencil, is now ...

  20. The SAT

    Register Now for the SAT. Search test dates and nearby test centers before you register. Registration for the testing year 2024-25 is now open. Use these testing dates to plan to take the SAT. Dates and Deadlines. Find places near you that are offering the SAT. Remember: If you can't find a test center near you, consider other dates.

  21. Test-Optional Policy

    However, if you feel your academic strength is better represented by your grade point average, personal essay, letters of recommendation, and any other supplemental materials, then consider applying as a test-optional applicant. The mid-range of admitted students submitting SAT scores is 1050 to 1270, with an average ACT equivalent of 21 to 28.

  22. Why Isn't Kamala Harris Giving Interviews or Holding News Conferences

    Critics say the vice president has been too cautious with the press. Her supporters think it's the right strategy at the right time.

  23. I Was Forced Into An Arranged Marriage At 18. Then I Found A ...

    The laptop sat in the sewing room, a closet-sized space with white double doors that opened to the family room. When we'd moved into the large home my parents built us several years earlier, I worked as a seamstress. I later enrolled in college, and the room doubled as an office.

  24. Which Colleges Require the SAT Essay? Complete List

    With the College Board's decision to end the SAT Essay, no colleges now require the essay, ending a long trend in college admissions. CALL NOW: +1 (866) 811-5546 ... In general, most state schools also do not require the SAT with Essay, though there's still a significant portion that do. There tends to be some weird variance even within states ...

  25. Dinner at a Movie takes an unexpected day trip to Bremerton

    Moira: After wading to our hearts' content, we sat on a bench in the shade of one of those trees, overlooking the Sound, and took advantage of the fact that we were in no hurry to be anywhere ...

  26. Mom Shares Complicated Feelings After Leaving Infertility Group

    Seven weeks into my pregnancy I said an emotional goodbye to my fertility doctor and favorite nurse, and "graduated" from the clinic to the obstetrician's office one flight up.

  27. Track Hurricane Ernesto as it gathers strength barreling on Bermuda

    Hurricane Ernesto regained strength as it sat over Atlantic waters as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands recovered from the storm's broadside Thursday. About 20% of residents and businesses in ...

  28. Who Won the Olympics? All the Ways We Could Think Of to Track the Medal

    The United States had an excellent showing at the Summer Olympics in Paris. It won the most medals by far, and tied with China for most gold medals — the first such tie at a Summer Games.

  29. PDF The SAT® Practice Essay #1

    You have 50 minutes to read the passage and write an essay in response to the prompt provided inside this booklet. CD . 0 . REMINDERS • Do not write your essay in this booklet. Only what you write on the lined pages of your answer sheet will be evaluated. • An off-topic essay will not be evaluated. STANDARD TIME . Essay: 50 . minutes . This ...

  30. SAT Essay Prompts: The Complete List · PrepScholar

    In the section about the new SAT essay, however, there are two additional sample essay prompts (accompanied by articles to analyze). Sample Prompt 1: "Write an essay in which you explain how Peter S. Goodman builds an argument to persuade his audience that news organizations should increase the amount of professional foreign news coverage ...