Dean Eric Furda of Admissions says, “Our internal analysis as well as a review of the research provided by the College Board showed that the essay component of the SAT was the least predictive element of the overall writing section of the SAT.”
http://www.philly.com/philly/education/20150902_Penn__Swarthmore_to_do_away_with_essay_portion_of_SAT_ACT.html Philadelphia Inquirer