How important is the essay section, and how should my child prepare for it?

While the essay component of the SSAT and ISEE is not given a score, it is still an important element of the application. The essay is forwarded to the schools your child is applying to, and it serves as a valuable tool for admissions officers to gain a deeper understanding of your child’s writing abilities and critical thinking skills. This means that even though it doesn’t directly impact the overall test score, the essay can still significantly influence the admissions decision. It provides a glimpse into how your child organizes their thoughts, expresses their ideas, and analyzes a given prompt. Therefore, it is essential to dedicate sufficient time and effort to prepare for and write the essay effectively.