does university of michigan require sat essay

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Admissions office drops requirement for ACT, SAT writing components

By Don Jordan Public Affairs

• Campus News

The University of Michigan will no longer require undergraduate admissions applicants to complete the optional writing component of the SAT or the ACT.

The change will go into effect for the upcoming application season when the application goes live Aug. 1.

more information

• Office of Undergraduate Admissions

Several factors went into this decision, including a recent redesign of the evidence-based reading and writing section of the SAT that incorporates a more expansive reading and writing assessment within the body of the exam, said Kedra Ishop, vice provost for enrollment management.

The university’s continued requirement that applicants already submit multiple writing samples to the UM-specific admissions application was another factor, Ishop said.

“We believe we have sufficient evidence to assess an applicant’s writing ability without the optional portions of these exams that add cost and time to student testing,” Ishop said.

The university will still require the submission of SAT or ACT scores as part of an undergraduate application.

The university’s move echoes similar decisions made in recent weeks at colleges and universities across the country. Since spring, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, Brown and Duke universities have dropped the requirement. Less than two dozen schools still require the writing component.

After years of pressure from colleges and businesses to reflect the importance of clear and effective writing, the SAT added an essay requirement in 2005. The ACT added an optional writing section that same year. U-M adopted those requirements for applicants in the summer of 2006.

“With recent changes to the SAT, we realized that this additional writing score was no longer needed,” said Erica Sanders, director of undergraduate admissions. “We’re confident in our holistic review process, which is both individualized for each applicant and comprehensive.”

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions has updated its website to reflect the new requirements and shared news of the change with all deans and associate deans, unit liaisons and campus communicators.

The early action application deadline for the Class of 2023 is Nov. 1.

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University of Michigan Admissions: The SAT, ACT Scores and GPA You Need to Get In

Today, we’ll look at how to get into University of Michigan. We’ll take an especially close look at University of Michigan SAT scores, University of Michigan ACT scores, and University of Michigan admissions criteria.

University of Michigan: An Introduction

The University of Michigan is ranked number 24 among national universities in the USA. This puts it in roughly the top 1% of all schools nationwide. U Mich particularly prides itself in the high quality of classroom teaching and is ranked number 3 in the nation for top public schools. ( Sources for these rankings: US News and World Report , official University of Michigan admissions stats .)

So how do you get in on the great education the University of Michigan has to offer? Let’s take a quick look at the school’s standards:

• University of Michigan freshman acceptance rate: 23%
• University of Michigan GPA: 3.9 (average)
• University of Michigan SAT scores: 1340-1530 (middle 50%)
• University of Michigan ACT scores: 31-34 (middle 50%)
• ACT or SAT essay requirement: Since 2018, University of Michigan Admissions has dropped this requirement .

( Sources: US News and World Report , University of Michigan official website )

Below, I’ll give you a closer look at how to get into University of Michigan. We’ll explore the finer points of University Michigan SAT scores, University of Michigan ACT scores, and other aspects of how to get into University of Michigan.

How to Get Into University of Michigan: University of Michigan SAT Scores

As you saw above, the basic expectation for University of Michigan SAT scores is the 1380-1550 range on the new SAT. However, University of Michigan also publishes its expectations for scores far greater detail than that. Check out the intel in the table below.

Table 1: University of Michigan SAT Scores (middle 50% of accepted students)

As you may have noticed, these scores are very high, confined within the 92nd to 99th SAT score percentiles for the most part.

But if you’re afraid that you won’t be able to meet this very high middle 50% standard, don’t be. Remember, these scores are just for the middle 50%. You can have scores somewhat below this range and still get accepted. Also bear in mind that University of Michigan has no hard and fast, absolute rule about minimum SAT scores. Don’t get me wrong. You ideally want your score to be very close to the middle 50% or in/above that range. But the University of Michigan will also carefully consider other aspects of your application. Scores alone don’t make or break your chances.

How to Get Into University of Michigan: University of Michigan ACT Scores

The University of Michigan admissions website also offers more details on ACT scores, posting middle 50% scores for each individual section of the test.

Table 2: University of Michigan ACT Scores by Section (middle 50%)

If you want to make it into the middle 50% of accepted applicants, your composite ACT score percentile will need to be at least 95th (see the most recent official ACT report on percentiles ). Individual section scores can be slightly lower than this, percentile-wise: the middle 50% score for Math starts in the 93rd percentile, with English starting in the 92nd percentile.

In general, your ACT Writing score is treated differently than your other ACT scores. For more details on how University of Michigan admissions uses ACT Writing scores, see the FAQ at the end of this post.

How to Get Into University of Michigan: What You Should Know about the University of Michigan Acceptance Rate

The University of Michigan’s acceptance rate, as mentioned above, is 23% for freshman applicants. But what about transfer applicants?

Applying as a transfer student improves your odds… greatly! Transfer students have an impressive 42% acceptance rate. So if at first you don’t get into University of Michigan as a freshman applicant, you can start at another school and try, try again.

How to Get Into University of Michigan: A Closer Look at University of Michigan GPA

Now that we’ve looked at the transfer student acceptance rate, let’s look at transfer applications and GPA. How does it compare to the freshman expectation of 3.9 GPA?

If you’re transferring in from a community college or another university, U Mich will hold you to different GPA standards. How to get into University of Michigan as a transfer student? Among other things, meet the school’s minimum transfer GPA requirement of 3.0.

Whether you’ll apply as a freshman or a transfer student, it’s good to keep track of your GPA. To calculate your GPA for your current school work, use Magoosh’s “How to Calculate Your GPA” guide .

University of Michigan Freshman Profile

So what does a typical University of Michigan freshman look like? What are the students like as people, and will you fit in? Read on to get a food look at the University of Michigan freshman profile.

Ultimately, University of Michigan students are from all over the United States. All 50 states are represented by the University of Michigan undergraduate student body. The states of Illinois, New York, and California send the most out-of-state students to U-Michigan. But by far, the biggest state of origin for University of Michigan is Michigan itself. More than 16,000 students in Michigan’s undergraduate student body are local.

U Mich has international students come from all around the international student body is diverse. The University of Michigan’s international students come from more than 100 different countries!

How to Get Into University of Michigan: Other University of Michigan Requirements and Info

We’ve covered University of Michigan SAT scores, University of Michigan ACT scores, and the GPA/acceptance rate for University of Michigan. But what else do you need to know? Below are two additional key facts to consider.

The University of Michigan Accepts Applications through Two Different Websites

When you apply to U Mich, you can either use the Common App website or the Coalition App website. For details and links to both websites, see the University of Michigan Admissions Requirements and Deadlines web page .

University of Michigan Admissions Requires 1-2 Letters of Recommendation

You’ll need one letter of recommendation from a teacher and either one letter of recommendation from a guidance counselor or a school report, depending on which website you choose for submitting your application. The University of Michigan requires these letters to be submitted online in a specific format. See this University of Michigan admissions web page for details. And before you approach teachers and other high school administrators for references, check out Magoosh’s article on how to ask for a letter of recommendation .

How to Get Into University of Michigan: Write a Topnotch Application essay

You will need to submit an application essay to University of Michigan admissions. Like your other application materials, this essay will be submitted through the Common App form or through the Coalition App website. Both application systems have very similar essay requirements. So you may find Magoosh’s tutorial on the Common App essay to be helpful in either case.

Need some pointers on how to write a stellar essay for University of Michigan admissions? Lena from Transizion has got your back!

How to Get Into University of Michigan: FAQ

We’ve covered a lot of ground today. But when it comes to helping you get into University of Michigan, I want to leave no stone unturned. Here is a roundup of other frequently asked questions about how to get into University of Michigan.

Does University of Michigan admissions require the SAT with writing or the ACT with writing?

No. Although the essay portion of the SAT or ACT was required in the past, University of Michigan admissions stopped requiring this in 2018.

Is the University of Michigan an Ivy League school?

Yes and no.

The term “Ivy League” is used in two senses. In its narrowest definition, an “Ivy League” university can only be one of the universities that is officially part of the Ivy League collegiate sports conference. (See this Wikipedia article for details.)

However, the term “Ivy League” is popularly used to refer to any university that is of very top quality. With its high national rank (top 1% of universities nationwide), the University of Michigan could be described as “Ivy League” in the popular sense.

When will University of Michigan Admissions decisions be released?

As a general rule, Early Admissions Fall applicants to the University of Michigan receive decisions by the end of December. Regular Fall applications receive a response and decision by April. For the most up-to-date information on admissions response timelines, see this page on the University of Michigan Admissions website .

What is University of Michigan tuition?

Because University of Michigan is a state school, tuition rates are subject to policy change each year. For the most up-to-date tuition schedules, see the official University of Michigan tuition and fees website .

How to Get Into University of Michigan: The Takeaway

The University of Michigan is an excellent public university with many excellent programs. While the expectations for University of Michigan SAT scores and University of Michigan ACT scores are high, U Mich also tries to be fair. A strong overall application will trump any individual scores. Still, it’s a good idea to aim for the highest SAT scores, ACT scores and GPA that you can. An application that is strong in every way can help you wind up on the right side of the University of Michigan’s acceptance rate.

David is a Test Prep Expert for Magoosh TOEFL and IELTS. Additionally, he’s helped students with TOEIC, PET, FCE, BULATS, Eiken, SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT. David has a BS from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and an MA from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. His work at Magoosh has been cited in many scholarly articles , his Master’s Thesis is featured on the Reading with Pictures website, and he’s presented at the WITESOL (link to PDF) and NAFSA conferences. David has taught K-12 ESL in South Korea as well as undergraduate English and MBA-level business English at American universities. He has also trained English teachers in America, Italy, and Peru. Come join David and the Magoosh team on Youtube , Facebook , and Instagram , or connect with him via LinkedIn !

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Applying for Admission

Are you ready to become a  Difference Maker ?  You’ll work closely with professors who know your name and will provide you the hands-on experiences that are possible at a  top-ranked  regional university. It’s time to turn your plans into action. 

Incoming first-year students are welcome to apply online using our free applications:

Want to Check Your Application Status?

Log into your portal .

Criteria for Admission

First year admission to University of Michigan-Dearborn is based on a combination of criteria:

• Cumulative high school grade point averages of 3.5 or above are generally admissible
• Number and types of college preparatory courses
• Positive trend of grades
• Submission of SAT or ACT scores are optional for the incoming class of 2024
• Upon review of a submitted application, letters of recommendation or essays may be requested

Non-Native Speakers may have additional  requirements

Please note:  All applicants must graduate from an approved and/or accredited secondary school or home school, or present a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Students with at least a 600 GED score (Battery Average Score) will be considered for  prospective degree admission . Students who take college coursework while in high school (i.e. dual enrollment) are considered first-year students.

Application Materials

1. transcripts.

First year student applicants must provide official high School transcripts in order to complete their admissions application. Emailed photo copies by students are not accepted by the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

• Official high school transcripts* 
• College coursework while in high school (e.g. dual enrollment) 

*  If your school utilizes the Parchment service for transcript requests,  you can have your official transcripts sent directly to our office . Please also arrange to have your final, official transcript (including date of graduation) sent to Undergraduate Admissions upon graduation.

Students may submit transcripts through the following methods:

• University of Michigan-Dearborn Undergraduate Admissions 1145 University Center 4901 Evergreen Road Dearborn, MI 48128
• Email a copy from counselor to [email protected]
• Submit through Parchment
• Submit through the Common App
• Submit through SCOIR
• Submit through National Student Clearinghouse

2. Test Scores (Optional)

University of Michigan-Dearborn’s test-optional admissions policy allows students to choose at the point of application whether to have SAT or ACT test scores considered as part of the application.

• UM-Dearborn is test-optional through at least 2026
• Students can indicate on their application if they want to submit test scores for consideration
• SAT — school code 1861
• ACT — school code 2074

Admission and Financial Aid Key Dates and Deadlines

Fall 2024 dates.

*The recommended deadlines are encouraged to ensure students have every opportunity to engage with campus through the summer with important orientation and advisement sessions to be successful.

Completing Your Application

Listed below are some of the most commonly requested items needed to complete an application for undergraduate admission, and how to make a change to your application. If you have further questions, please email  [email protected] .

Commonly Requested Items For Completing Your Application

• High School Transcript  – An official transcript sent directly to UM-Dearborn by the school
• 7 th  Semester Grades  – An official high school transcript that includes your grades through the first semester/trimester of your senior year
• SAT/ACT Scores  – Sent directly to UM-Dearborn by the testing agency or posted on your high school transcript
• SAT/ACT Retest  – If you have retaken (or plan to retake), have your scores sent to UM-Dearborn. If you are not retaking, please notify us by email:  [email protected]
• College Transcript  – An official transcript sent directly by the issuing institution
• Conduct Documentation  – A detailed statement of explanation for each incident with supporting documentation. More information is available at  umdearborn.edu/conductreview
• Copy of Social Security Card  – You did not provide your social security number on your application. This is not required for admission, but may delay financial aid processing.

Need to Make a Change to Your Application?

Once you have submitted your application, should you need to make a change (ex: desired major), please email us at  [email protected]  rather than submitting a new application.

Student Expectations

The primary purpose of the  Statement of Student Rights and Code of Student Conduct  is to assist the University in providing an environment which supports the educational process and the well-being of the campus community. The responsibility for maintaining such an environment is shared by all members of the campus community including faculty, staff, current and prospective students. Therefore, any person expressing interest in enrolling at the University of Michigan-Dearborn is expected to demonstrate behavior consistent with the Code of Conduct. Behaviors inconsistent with the Code of Student Conduct will not be tolerated. The University seeks applicants that demonstrate the potential to be contributing members of the campus community and reserves the right to deny admission based upon violation(s) of the Code of Student Conduct. 

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Office of Undergraduate Admissions

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Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, which colleges require the sat essay complete list.

SAT Logistics , SAT Essay

Planning to take the SAT? Before you sign up, you need to decide whether you're going to take the test with or without the optional Essay . How should you pick? Well, some colleges require that you apply with the SAT with Essay; others don't care whether you submit an SAT score with or without the Essay.

In this article, I'll provide you with a complete list of colleges that require or recommend taking the SAT with the Essay .

UPDATE: SAT Essay No Longer Offered

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.

What Is the Optional SAT Essay?

The redesigned SAT debuted in March 2016 with a now-optional Essay section. For the Essay, you have 50 minutes to read a passage (similar to those you see on the Reading section ) and write an essay dissecting how the author made the argument . Did the author use evidence to support the main claim? Appeals to emotion? Specific word choice?

If you take the SAT without Essay, the test length is three hours . However, if you take the SAT with Essay, the optional Essay adds 50 minutes . It also costs more to take the SAT with Essay : $64.50 vs $49.50 without the Essay.

Don't automatically assume you must take the Essay. Whether it's important for you depends on which schools (and scholarships) you're applying to and what the rest of your application looks like. I'll go into more depth later about how to decide which version of the SAT to take.

List of Schools That Require the SAT With Essay

Below, I've compiled a list of colleges that require or recommend taking the SAT with Essay. All data comes from the College Board and some individual schools we consulted separately.

Note: This list is subject to change, so make sure to double-check with each school you're applying to.

Surprisingly (and in contrast to how it's been in the past), top schools mostly do not require the SAT essay . Currently, no Ivy League School requires students to take the SAT with Essay; the same is true for Stanford, Caltech, Duke, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, MIT, Northwestern, NYU, and UChicago. Many of these schools no longer even recommend students to take the SAT with Essay, which is a huge turnaround from just a couple of years ago.

Similarly, most liberal arts colleges do not require or recommend the SAT with Essay ; however, there are some exceptions, such as Soka University, which does require it.

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. For example, all University of California schools require the SAT with Essay, but most of the California State University schools do not.

Regardless of the types of schools you're applying to, don't assume that they all ask for the SAT with Essay . Check with every school to make sure you understand their testing requirements.

How to Decide Whether to Take the SAT Essay: 4 Questions

When making your decision about whether to take the SAT with Essay or the SAT without Essay, you'll need to consider the following four questions.

#1: Do Any Schools I Want to Apply to Require the SAT Essay?

If you're applying to any school that requires the Essay, then you must take the SAT with Essay . If you take the SAT without Essay, your application will be incomplete and you won't get admitted. By contrast, if you apply to any schools that don't require the SAT Essay, you can still take the SAT with Essay since these schools will accept both types of SAT scores (with or without Essay).

To reiterate, colleges that require the SAT Essay won't consider your score if you took the SAT without the Essay . The last thing you want to do is take the SAT without the Essay and get a good score—but then find out that one of your target schools requires you to take the SAT with Essay.

Remember that some colleges change their application policies from year to year, so make sure to double-check the testing policies of the schools you're applying to .

#2: Do Any Schools I Want to Apply to Recommend the SAT Essay?

If you're not applying to any schools that require the SAT Essay section but are applying to some that recommend it, then I'd still suggest taking it . This gives you another dimension schools can use to evaluate your application; however, there are some cases in which you shouldn't take the SAT with Essay.

If, for some reason, you do not qualify for SAT fee waivers and paying the extra cost to take the SAT with Essay would be a financial burden to you , then please don't feel as if you have to take it. In this case, it's fine to take the SAT without Essay instead.

In addition, if you really struggle to write essays under time constraints (due to anxiety), you might want to opt out of the Essay . That said, I only recommend this for students who normally have strong English and writing skills but struggle to write coherent essays when there's the added pressure of a time constraint.

For example, do you get As on essays you can work on at home but Cs on in-class essays because you get easily nervous? If that's the case, taking the SAT with Essay might not be a good idea.

#3: Am I Applying to Any Scholarships That Require an SAT With Essay Score?

Many scholarships (such as National Merit ) require you to submit SAT scores , and some specifically want SAT with Essay scores.

Therefore, be sure to check the requirements of each scholarship you're planning on applying for . While scholarships that don't require or recommend the SAT Essay should still accept your SAT with Essay score, scholarships that require the Essay section will not consider your SAT score if you took the no-essay version .

#4: Will the SAT Essay Enhance My Application in Other Ways?

Generally speaking, taking the SAT Essay if it's not required won't add a lot to your application. In truth, colleges that don't recommend or require the Essay really don't pay much attention to it.

Nevertheless, the Essay might be helpful for international students who want to prove they have strong English skills and who think they'll do especially well on it. If you fall into this category and feel confident you'll get a high score on it ( after doing practice essays , for example), definitely consider taking the SAT with Essay.

On the other hand, if you don't think you'll do well on the Essay, I recommend against taking it.

What's Next?

Need help preparing for the SAT? Read our ultimate study guide to get expert tips on prep and access to the best free online resources. If you're taking the test soon, learn how to cram for the SAT .

Want to learn more about the SAT Essay? Check out our step-by-step guide to writing a great essay .

Not sure where you want to go to college? Learn how to do college research right and figure out your SAT target score .

Ready to go beyond just reading about the SAT? Then you'll love the free five-day trial for our SAT Complete Prep program . Designed and written by PrepScholar SAT experts , our SAT program customizes to your skill level in over 40 subskills so that you can focus your studying on what will get you the biggest score gains.

Click on the button below to try it out!

As an SAT/ACT tutor, Dora has guided many students to test prep success. She loves watching students succeed and is committed to helping you get there. Dora received a full-tuition merit based scholarship to University of Southern California. She graduated magna cum laude and scored in the 99th percentile on the ACT. She is also passionate about acting, writing, and photography.

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University of Michigan

Essay requirements.

Academic Requirements

Costs & Scholarships

All first-year applicants will complete two Michigan-specific questions.

All questions have to be answered.

100-300 words

Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (Shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage.)

100-550 words

Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests? 

Helpful Resources

How To Answer The “Why This College” Essay Prompt

We’ll go over the best ways to approach the 'Why This College" essay and provide helpful tips to help you write an effective essay that impresses admission officers.

How To Format & Structure Your College Application Essay

Your essays are a chance for admissions officers to get to know you beyond your grades, test scores, and ECLs. But how do you craft essays that reflect who you are AND impress the admissions officers?

Everything You Need To Know About The Supplemental Essays

Supplemental essays are required by many highly selective institutions in addition to the personal essay included in your Common Application. You can learn all about what they are and why they’re important here.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, does university of michigan require the sat.

Can someone confirm if the University of Michigan requires the SAT for their admissions process? I'm trying to decide if I need to take it or if I can focus on other aspects of my application.

The University of Michigan currently has a test-optional policy in place, which was implemented in response to the Covid-19 pandemic but has been extended in the years since. So, you are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of your application.

However, since Michigan is a selective institution, demonstrating your strengths in as many ways as possible can be a wise choice. So, it may still be worth your while to invest time and energy into shooting for a strong SAT score. You can read more about how to navigate test-optional policies on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional/.

If you decide not to take the SAT or feel that your scores aren't a strong representation of your abilities, make sure that you highlight your strengths in other areas of your application to demonstrate your readiness for college-level work and involvement in the university community. Without SAT scores, your GPA, extracurriculars, and essays become even more important, so you want to be sure that all of those elements are as compelling as possible if you apply test-optional.

Best of luck with your application to Michigan!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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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

Discover your chances at hundreds of schools

Our free chancing engine takes into account your history, background, test scores, and extracurricular activities to show you your real chances of admission—and how to improve them.

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!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Michigan requires writing portion of the SAT as other states drop it

LANSING — Michigan is among a very few states still requiring high school students to take the writing portion of the SAT college admissions test.

Removing the requirement passed the state House 104-1 last March, but the Senate has yet to consider it as the legislative year winds down. Advocates for getting rid of the test are puzzled by the lack of action.

“Students are at a disadvantage now,” said Jennifer Smith, the director of government relations for the Michigan Association of School Boards. “We are over-testing our kids versus the rest of the country.”

The writing portion should stay, according to the state Department of Education, which administers the Michigan Merit Exam, including the SAT.

“The Department of Education believes writing is a vitally important part of our students’ education and needs to be measured for continuous improvement of instructional practices,” William DiSessa, a spokesperson for the department wrote in an email. 

He declined further comment.

College Board, a nonprofit organization that creates and administers the exam, discontinued the optional essay in 2021 nationally, but still offers it to states, like Michigan, where it is required if students take it during the school day. 

Students in Michigan and Illinois are required to take the essay portion if the test is administered during school. If a student takes the test at a testing center on the weekend, the essay portion is not offered to them.

“The SAT essay is a test that colleges don’t look at, and they haven’t looked at them in a while,” said Bob Kefgen, the associate director for government relations for the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals. 

“Schools do a much better job of assessing writing ability on their own through things like essays in school or other structured writing throughout the curriculum,” he said. 

Advocates for eliminating the test requirement argue that it puts students at a disadvantage because they are both scored on that portion of the exam and judged on their college admission essay. 

“So many schools are test-blind, but Michigan doesn’t have that option,” Smith said. Test-blind colleges don’t require students to submit their SAT scores as part of their application. If a student decides to still submit their scores, the college is supposed to ignore them. 

“Your score goes on the transcript, which includes the essay portion that none of their counterparts across the country are taking,” she said.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges did not require students to submit standardized test scores, according to the Association of School Boards. Even after the pandemic most colleges in Michigan are “test optional” and do not require students to submit test scores. But SAT scores are still shown on transcripts that the students are required to submit to colleges. 

A bill sponsored by Rep. David Martin, R-Davison, that would eliminate the writing exam and keep the score off transcripts, was passed by the House.

“It is very sad that we are accepting to not encourage the practice of writing — at least that’s how I’m seeing this. The subjects of reading, writing, and arithmetic used to be the three foundational pillars of education and have long been considered indispensable for society,” the lone opponent, Rep. Cynthia Johnson, D-Detroit, said in a statement following the vote. 

The entire SAT test takes students nearly four hours to complete. Eliminating the writing portion of the exam would take an hour off the test and give teachers more instruction time, Smith said.

Students are pretty burned out after taking an exam for four hours, which can make it hard for them to engage in their afternoon classes, Kefgen said. “Shedding an hour off of that testing time is going to put students in a better place to participate and learn through the rest of the day.” 

A similar bill would also make the ACT WorkKeys an optional test. Some employers use the WorkKeys to judge students looking to go into technical fields. It passed the House 104-1 and has not been taken up by the Senate.

“A lot of students felt like they weren’t getting a lot from the ACT WorkKeys test,” said De’Shondria Bedenfield, the assistant director of government relations for the Michigan Association of School Boards. 

There is more pushback from manufacturers that use it to gauge if someone is fit for the workforce, she said.

“To make every student in the state take this test every single year because one sector is using it to help fill their positions seems a bit of an overreach to me,” Kefgen said. 

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University of Michigan - Flint Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

What are University of Michigan - Flint's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into University of Michigan - Flint and build a strong application.

School location: Flint, MI

Admissions Rate: 66.4%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at University of Michigan - Flint is 66.4% . For every 100 applicants, 66 are admitted.

This means the school is moderately selective . The school expects you to meet their requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but they're more flexible than other schools. If you exceed their requirements, you have an excellent chance of getting in. But if you don't, you might be one of the unlucky minority that gets a rejection letter.

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies . We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League.

We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

University of Michigan - Flint GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.5

The average GPA at University of Michigan - Flint is 3.5 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 3.5, University of Michigan - Flint requires you to be around average in your high school class. You'll need a mix of A's and B's, and very few C's. If you have a lower GPA, you can compensate with harder courses like AP or IB classes. This will help boost your weighted GPA and show your ability to take college classes.

If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.5, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate . This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

University of Michigan - Flint SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1076

The average SAT score composite at University of Michigan - Flint is a 1076 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes University of Michigan - Flint Competitive for SAT test scores.

University of Michigan - Flint SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 948, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1200. In other words, a 948 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1200 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

University of Michigan - Flint ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, University of Michigan - Flint likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 24

The average ACT score at University of Michigan - Flint is 24. This score makes University of Michigan - Flint Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 20.5, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 28.

Even though University of Michigan - Flint likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 20.5 or below, you'll have a harder time getting in, unless you have something else impressive in your application.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 24 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to University of Michigan - Flint, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 24.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

University of Michigan - Flint considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is moderately selective, strong academic performance will almost guarantee you admission . Scoring a 1200 SAT or a 28 ACT or above will nearly guarantee you admission. Because the school admits 66.4% of all applicants, being far above average raises the admission rate for you to nearly 100%.

If you can achieve a high SAT/ACT score, the rest of your application essentially doesn't matter. You still need to meet the rest of the application requirements, and your GPA shouldn't be too far off from the school average of 3.5. But you won't need dazzling extracurriculars and breathtaking letters of recommendation to get in. You can get in based on the merits of your score alone.

But if your score is a 948 SAT or a 20.5 ACT and below, you have a good chance of being one of the unlucky few to be rejected.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

• PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
• We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
• We've gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers .

There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of University of Michigan - Flint here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement
• Letters of Recommendation
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $30
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Required
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office June 30

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language
• Social Studies

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes August 23 December 1

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 303 Flint, MI 48502-1950
• Phone: (810) 762-3300 x3300
• Email: [email protected]

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in University of Michigan - Flint, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to University of Michigan - Flint.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than University of Michigan - Flint. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for University of Michigan - Flint, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for University of Michigan - Flint, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If University of Michigan - Flint is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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Home — Application Essay — National Universities — SAT Unveiled: The University of Michigan Admissions Edition

SAT Unveiled: The University of Michigan Admissions Edition

• University: University of Michigan

About this sample

Words: 694 |

Published: Jan 26, 2024

Words: 694 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Introduction, navigating the college admissions landscape, beyond standardized testing - unveiling my academic passion, embracing diversity and contribution.

In the pursuit of knowledge, I have often found myself at the crossroads of challenges and opportunities. Reflecting on my academic journey, the question often echoed: "Does University of Michigan require SAT essay?" This inquiry not only shaped my understanding of the college admissions process but also spurred a deeper introspection into my own educational aspirations.

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As a high school student navigating the intricate landscape of college applications, I found myself grappling with the nuances of standardized testing. The uncertainty surrounding the SAT essay requirement at the University of Michigan became a pivotal point in my academic journey. Beyond the specifics of this requirement, it prompted me to delve into the essence of my education—my intellectual pursuits, values, and aspirations.

This essay serves as both a personal reflection and a declaration of my commitment to academic excellence. Beyond the realms of standardized testing, it is a testament to my passion for learning, my dedication to making a meaningful impact, and my eagerness to contribute to the vibrant tapestry of the University of Michigan community.

The quest for higher education is often marked by the labyrinthine processes of college admissions. In my pursuit of a university that aligns with my values and ambitions, I found myself contemplating the question: "Does University of Michigan require SAT essay?" This inquiry, far from being a mere technicality, propelled me to explore the university's values, academic ethos, and its stance on holistic admissions.

Through meticulous research, I not only discovered the nuanced policies regarding standardized testing but also gained insights into the university's commitment to a comprehensive evaluation of each applicant. This journey of exploration became a metaphorical bridge connecting my aspirations with the rich academic landscape of the University of Michigan.

As the question about the SAT essay requirement lingered, I delved deeper into my own academic narrative. My journey has been more than a pursuit of high scores; it has been a relentless quest for knowledge, a dedication to intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to using education as a tool for positive change.

My academic pursuits extend beyond the confines of standardized testing. Whether immersed in the pages of literature, conducting scientific experiments, or engaging in community service projects, my passion for learning is a dynamic force that propels me forward. I believe that education is not just a means to an end but a transformative journey that shapes individuals into catalysts for positive change.

University life is a mosaic of diverse perspectives, experiences, and voices. The University of Michigan's commitment to inclusivity and diversity resonates deeply with my own values. As I navigated the question of SAT essay requirements, I realized that the university's emphasis on holistic admissions mirrors my belief in the importance of a well-rounded education that goes beyond numerical metrics.

I am not merely seeking admission to a university; I am aspiring to become an active participant in a community that values collaboration, critical thinking, and a collective pursuit of knowledge. My experiences, from leadership roles to cultural exchanges, have equipped me with the tools to contribute meaningfully to the diverse tapestry of the University of Michigan.

As I conclude this reflective journey, the question of "Does University of Michigan require SAT essay?" transforms into a broader contemplation on the essence of education. Beyond the checkboxes and requirements, it is about the synergy between my aspirations and the university's ethos. My academic journey is a testament to my resilience, my passion for learning, and my commitment to contributing to a community that values excellence, diversity, and positive change.

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As I navigate the intricate landscape of college admissions, the University of Michigan emerges as not just a destination but a dynamic arena where I can thrive, learn, and contribute. The question that initially sparked my inquiry becomes a gateway to a future where education is not just a transaction but a transformative experience. I look forward to the prospect of becoming a part of the University of Michigan community, where my journey continues, driven by intellectual curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact.

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Guest Essay

How the SAT Changed My Life

By Emi Nietfeld

Ms. Nietfeld is the author of the memoir “Acceptance.”

This month, the University of Texas, Austin, joined the wave of selective schools reversing Covid-era test-optional admissions policies, once again requiring applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores.

Many colleges have embraced the test-optional rule under the assumption that it bolsters equity and diversity, since higher scores are correlated with privilege. But it turns out that these policies harmed the teenagers they were supposed to help. Many low-income and minority applicants withheld scores that could have gotten them in, wrongly assuming that their scores were too low, according to an analysis by Dartmouth. More top universities are sure to join the reversal. This is a good thing.

I was one of the disadvantaged youths who are often failed by test-optional policies, striving to get into college while in foster care and homeless. We hear a lot about the efforts of these elite schools to attract diverse student bodies and about debates around the best way to assemble a class. What these conversations overlook is the hope these tests offer students who are in difficult situations.

For many of us, standardized tests provided our one shot to prove our potential, despite the obstacles in our lives or the untidy pasts we had. We found solace in the objectivity of a hard number and a process that — unlike many things in our lives — we could control. I will always feel tenderness toward the Scantron sheets that unlocked higher education and a better life.

Growing up, I fantasized about escaping the chaos of my family for the peace of a grassy quad. Both my parents had mental health issues. My adolescence was its own mess. Over two years I took a dozen psychiatric drugs while attending four different high school programs. At 14, I was sent to a locked facility where my education consisted of work sheets and reading aloud in an on-site classroom. In a life skills class, we learned how to get our G.E.D.s. My college dreams began to seem like delusions.

Then one afternoon a staff member handed me a library copy of “Barron’s Guide to the ACT .” I leafed through the onionskin pages and felt a thunderclap of possibility. I couldn’t go to the bathroom without permission, let alone take Advanced Placement Latin or play water polo or do something else that would impress elite colleges. But I could teach myself the years of math I’d missed while switching schools and improve my life in this one specific way.

After nine months in the institution, I entered foster care. I started my sophomore year at yet another high school, only to have my foster parents shuffle my course load at midyear, when they decided Advanced Placement classes were bad for me. In part because of academic instability like this, only 3 percent to 4 percent of former foster youth get a four-year college degree.

Later I bounced between friends’ sofas and the back seat of my rusty Corolla, using my new-to-me SAT prep book as a pillow. I had no idea when I’d next shower, but I could crack open practice problems and dip into a meditative trance. For those moments, everything was still, the terror of my daily life softened by the fantasy that my efforts might land me in a dorm room of my own, with endless hot water and an extra-long twin bed.

Standardized tests allowed me to look forward, even as every other part of college applications focused on the past. The song and dance of personal statements required me to demonstrate all the obstacles I’d overcome while I was still in the middle of them. When shilling my trauma left me gutted and raw, researching answer elimination strategies was a balm. I could focus on equations and readings, like the scholar I wanted to be, rather than the desperate teenager that I was.

Test-optional policies would have confounded me, but in the 2009-10 admissions cycle, I had to submit my scores; my fellow hopefuls and I were all in this together, slogging through multiple-choice questions until our backs ached and our eyes crossed.

The hope these exams instilled in me wasn’t abstract: It manifested in hundreds of glossy brochures. After I took the PSAT in my junior year, universities that had received my score flooded me with letters urging me to apply. For once, I felt wanted. These marketing materials informed me that the top universities offered generous financial aid that would allow me to attend free. I set my sights higher, despite my guidance counselor’s lack of faith.

When I took the actual SAT, I was ashamed of my score. Had submitting it been optional, I most likely wouldn’t have done it, because I suspected my score was lower than the prep-school applicants I was up against (exactly what Dartmouth found in the analysis that led it to reinstate testing requirements). When you grow up the way I did, it’s difficult to believe that you are ever good enough.

When I got into Harvard, it felt like a miracle splitting my life into a before and after. My exam preparation paid off on campus — it was the only reason I knew geometry or grammar — and it motivated me to tackle new, difficult topics. I majored in computer science, having never written a line of code. Though a career as a software engineer seemed far-fetched, I used my SAT study strategies to prepare for technical interviews (in which you’re given one or more problems to solve) that landed me the stable, lucrative Google job that catapulted me out of financial insecurity.

I’m not the only one who feels affection for these tests. At Harvard, I met other students who saw these exams as the one door they could unlock that opened into a new future. I was lucky that the tests offered me hope all along, that I could cling to the promise that one day I could bubble in a test form and find myself transported into a better life — the one I lead today.

Emi Nietfeld is the author of the memoir “ Acceptance .” Previously, she was a software engineer at Google and Facebook.

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