If I got a good SAT composite score but a mediocre essay score, will it hinder acceptance?

[RichInPitt]

@ehh122302

Many of the more competitive schools that I’m considering(Columbia, CalTech, UChicago) do not require the essay, but they will be able to see the essay score itself when the scores are sent in.

They’ll ignore it.

@ehh122302

For schools that do require it, such as the UCs, would an essay score such as mine be a significant hindrance to me, especially because I know I can write better than my scores reflected?

As noted above, the scores are quite good. Maybe not quite the same percentile as the M/EBRW, but not far off.

I don’t see a reason to take it again.