What exactly is a proctored writing sample, and how important is it for admissions?

A proctored writing sample is essentially a timed essay that your child writes under supervision, often online with a live proctor monitoring the session. Unlike essays submitted as part of the main application, where students might have more time or external help, the proctored writing sample gives admissions committees a truly authentic look at your child’s raw writing skills, critical thinking abilities, and how they perform under pressure. It’s a chance for schools to see your child’s original voice, their ability to organize thoughts logically, and their command of grammar and spelling without any outside assistance. It’s become particularly important for schools that have adopted “test-optional” policies, as it provides valuable insight into a student’s academic readiness that might otherwise be gleaned from standardized test scores. We help students practice for these, focusing on brainstorming quickly, structuring arguments, and expressing ideas clearly and concisely, so they feel confident and prepared when it’s time to shine