The SAT Essay no longer matters, because it no longer exists. In January 2021, the College Board announced it would discontinue the optional SAT Essay after the June 2021 administration, keeping it only where states required it for school-day testing.
That means the essay plays no role in current college admissions. Older articles that list schools requiring or recommending it are out of date, including claims that selective schools still expect it.
Colleges now judge writing through application essays, coursework, and grades. Put your effort there instead of preparing for a test section that is gone. If you are still preparing for the exam itself, start with what the SAT exam is and these strategies for standardized admission tests.
If you took the essay before it was discontinued, old scores are simply a historical record. They will not help or hurt a current application. For the rest of your application plan, review top strategies for navigating the college admission process.
