Most schools do not require the writing section. My daughter took the SAT in Oct with the writing and is scheduled to take the ACT in Dec. She is signed up for the writing section, but I can change that if we decide it's not necessary. She's complaining about it, but I told her to suck it up under the assumption it was required. Now that I see it's only suggested, I'm torn on making her stick it out or just let her focus on the regular test....thoughts?

For A&M, the optional essay/writing portion is not required. A&M will be looking at the essay she writes for her application.

She would need to check with other specific schools she might be interested in to see if they require it.

thank you. None of the schools she is interested in require the writing section, they only "recommend" it, same as A&M.

A&M really doesn't "recommend" it. We use the essay A associated with the application.

There are about 30 schools nationally that take it, so the requirement has been mostly eliminated. If you're looking at the UC school system, then I would encourage your student to take it with each test.

TAMUAdmissions said:

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For A&M, the optional essay/writing portion is not required. A&M will be looking at the essay she writes for her application.

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Can you provide a link confirming? My oldest's mother believes the SAT or ACT essay is required.

http://admissions.tamu.edu/freshman/apply

Then look under Required Documents and #4 (Official SAT or ACT Scores).

Optional essay/writing portion is not required.

Perfect! Thank you!