What happens if my child makes a mistake during the Proctored Writing Sample?

Honestly, it’s okay. Mistakes happen, and admissions officers know that this isn’t meant to be a polished, perfect essay. They’re looking for authentic writing. They want to know how your child thinks, how well they organize ideas, and whether they can communicate clearly under time pressure. A small typo or awkward sentence isn’t going to derail their chances. If your child totally misses the point of the prompt, that’s a bit more serious, but even then, evaluators take context into account. The best defense? Preparation. Practicing different prompts and reviewing what makes a strong response helps students avoid common pitfalls and feel confident under pressure.