How is this writing sample different from regular school essays?

Great question. Many parents assume their child’s excellent grades in English class mean they’ll automatically do well on the Proctored Writing Sample—but that’s not always the case. Unlike school essays, which are often planned over several days with teacher guidance and revision opportunities, the Proctored Writing Sample is done in one sitting. Students have a limited amount of time (often 25 to 30 minutes) to read a prompt, organize their thoughts, and produce a coherent, well-structured response—all without help.

The pressure of a timed, proctored environment can surprise even strong writers. And unlike school essays, which may focus on literary analysis or creative writing, these prompts often ask students to reflect on experiences or take a clear stance on an issue. That means your child needs to be prepared to think critically, write efficiently, and revise on the fly.

At Cardinal Education, we simulate these conditions and coach students through the process so they can perform with clarity and composure when it matters most.