<p>Does anybody really know what the requirements are to get a 12 on the essay? I know grammatrix claims to have a foolproof method, but I see a ton of people on here who followed the method to the letter and received 10s. I'm freaking out, because I just don't know what they're looking for and I'm taking the test this saturday. Al that I've been able to definitively sort out is that length, organization, and coherent transitions seem to matter a lot. OMG, I HATE THE ESSAY!!!!!</p>
<p>I didn't really follow much of a 'method' and got an 11. The SAT essay is one of those cases where it's not what you say but how you say it. Organization is very important. My essays all had five paragraphs: an introduction, three examples, a conclusion. The examples don't have to be spectacular but they should be varied. The actual stated criteria by the college board are,
"A score of 6 demonstrates clear and consistent mastery, although it may have a few minor errors. A typical essay</p>
<pre><code>* effectively and insightfully develops a point of view on the issue and demonstrates outstanding critical thinking, using clearly appropriate examples, reasons, and other evidence to support its position
* is well organized and clearly focused, demonstrating clear coherence and smooth progression of ideas
* exhibits skillful use of language, using a varied, accurate, and apt vocabulary
* demonstrates meaningful variety in sentence structure
* is free of most errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics"
</code></pre>
<p>Goodluck!</p>
<p>The first time I took the SAT, I received an 8. Later, I took it again and received the coveted 12. What I did was provide an additional viewpoint to my thesis and showed-off my knowledge from AP European History to define my points. My vocabulary was very extensive, using words such as 'gregarious' and 'egregious' which are common in the SAT vocabulary repertoire. Literary references were also major in my essays - regardless if they were completely accurate to the text. </p>
<p>In addition, I wrote extremely small, and extensively, adding the occasional tangential point to show how knowledgable and confident I was about the subject matter.</p>
<p>I think if you have at least the five paragraph format, a noticeable thesis, noticeable topic sentences, and an all-encompassing conclusion, you will do well (at least a 10 I imagine).</p>
<p>my friend wrote about 2 or 3 paragraphs, finished midsentence and recieved a 9.</p>