<p>I am taking the SAT for the first time this Saturday, and I had been wondering about the essay. I commonly use an ampersand, or "and" symbol ("&") in my handwriting in place of the word "and." I use it so frequently that I usually don't notice when I do so. I know that this is not technically correct, but I have never had a problem with it before; will it be a problem on the SAT?</p>
<p>Also, I have always been told never to use the first or second person in an essay, and my English teacher says this includes the SAT essay. However, most example SAT essays I have seen use the first person! What should I use?</p>
<p>I’ve seen essays in the blue book (which is made by the collegeboard) use “I” and still earn a 6; so you should be fine if you choose to use first person.</p>
<p>As far as the ampersand goes, I’d try to avoid it if I were you, but if you do use them it’s not the end of the word. It shouldn’t really affect your score much at all.</p>
<p>I use ampersands often too (reflected 3 with a | through it). They cut down on space and time, though. If you struggle to fill 2 pages, don’t use it.</p>
<p>And first person is ok on the SAT, but only good for personal examples. “I think” theses are not assertive enough.</p>
<p>Using first and/or second person is actually fine on most essays…if used correctly. You should not be writing “I think this…I wish that…I realize that…” as it is rather redundant and seemingly rudimentary. However, when used correctly, it will not hinder your score. With respect to the “&”, I would be careful.</p>
<p>Thanks for your help! Thinking about the essay, I came up with a few other questions:</p>
<p>Is there a maximum or minimum length for the essay? What size are the pages for it, how far are the lines spaced, etc?</p>
<p>Is it acceptable to choose a position that is neither entirely for nor against a subject? For example, if it were a topic about city vs. country living, would it be acceptable to prove that there are significant advantages and disadvantages to each?</p>
<p>Thanks again!</p>
<p>You seem to be very new to the SAT essay; I would refer to this link:</p>
<p>[The</a> SAT Essay - Directions, Scoring, Strategies and More](<a href=“The SAT – SAT Suite | College Board”>SAT Practice and Preparation – SAT Suite | College Board)</p>
<p>You will need to pick a side, there is no “middle ground”. You must either agree or disagree with the prompt and stick with it.</p>
<p>Some sample essays with scores: [The</a> SAT Essay - Directions, Scoring, Strategies and More](<a href=“The SAT – SAT Suite | College Board”>The SAT – SAT Suite | College Board)</p>
<p>Yeah, very new, it’s kind of bad since it’s this weekend… Oh well, cram time. I’m an Iowan, so I’m firmly in ACT country and it’s different! I thought it would be more similar, so I’m out of luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for your help!!</p>
<p>You have two pages (really one page, front and back). The spacing can be found in released exam papers. </p>
<p>First- and second-person pronouns are fine, if used correctly (“you” means “readers,” not “people,” for instance). Ampersands are fine, but most students would rather write out “and” as it will help fill the two pages.</p>