<p>I know this isn't the SAT thread, but most of you who've already taken the SATs don't visit that thread any more and I (maybe some others too) need your help. </p>
<p>If you got a high score on the SAT essay, could you post it here? They are on the collegeboard website. The best ways to share would be to save the images (maybe) and link them or (if you're up to it) type it all up! Include the prompt. </p>
<p>Thank you-- this would be very helpful. </p>
<p>Are 10 essays okay? </p>
<p>I was bored, so I typed it and now I’ll post it anyway. 
I think the problem with this was that it was too generic. It’s also really written in a pretentious and annoying way, but I guess that doesn’t matter. Also, when I mention Thoreau and Walden, I actually meant Emerson and Nature. </p>
<pre><code>Imitation is the essence of creativity. A baby, without models to imitate, comes into the world with only two primal wishes—to breathe and to eat. It is only through social cues that a child learns it is his or her nature to create, to transcend the bounds of his or her fragile and limited existence. It is through this sincere flattery that discoveries are made and art is created. This phenomenon is visible in language, the arts, and the sciences.
Language is useful only because it remains essentially the same for every member of a population. Words are memorized and spelling is standardized so that communication will be quick and effective. Only after learning the rudiments of language through imitation can a child create original sentences. After the sentences come short essays and eventually all the novels and poetry ever written. These are wholly original works, but they nevertheless rely on humanity’s common lexicon.
Poetry and novels are art forms, but they are not the only types of art that rely on imitation. Thoreau stated in Walden that when he writes, he is not alone—he is using a tool used by other humans. So it is with visual artists. They take classes in painting and sculpture in order to imitate the greats in technique and style. Artistic and architectural styles like baroque and rococo are not known as the product of one artist but rather of many.
Scientific research, though more structured than art, is the pinnacle of mockingbird creativity. The scientific method is a universal standard for how research is to be conducted. Scientists frequently collaborate, as in the human genome project. They also read others’ works and take them further; for example, one of the goals of mathematics is turning other people’s conjectures into theorems.
Imitation is not what one does when one is too dull to be original. Rather, the work of others serves as a veritable goldmine of inspiration. This can be seen in paintings, essays, and speeches. Imitation is an inherent human tendency. This is not to our detriment—we stand on the shoulders of others.
</code></pre>
<p>12.</p>
<p>Is it more important to remain consistent than to change one’s mind when circumstances change? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.</p>
<p>"In spite of fickle circumstances, it is irrefutably necessary to remain consistent in one’s views, even when the situation at hand transforms. Without the tenacity of the religious leader, Martin Luther, the undying dedication of detective Nick Forman in the novel In Cold Blood by Truman Capote, and the unfailing resolve of the revolutionary Civil Rights leader Nellie Chase during times full of change, these heroic individuals would have paled in the face of adversity.</p>
<p>In the sixteenth century, monk and theologian Martin Luther was caught in a time of religious insecurity. The Catholic church was offering “indulgences” to its followers as ways to keep them and their families out of the underworld. As a result, Martin Luther created his “98 Thesis”, a document that described his qualms with the Catholic Church. At first, everyone was on Luther’s side- they wanted to reform the Church and repurify Christianity; however, the situation changed shortly after Luther was excommunicated for standing up for his beliefs and lost many people’ support; however, he didn’t relinquish his stance. Because Luther persevered and did not change his mind in times of changing circumstances, we now have more religious diversity and toleration than we would if he had repented."</p>
<p>I’m too lazy to type the rest, but this is my intro and first paragraph. Honestly, it’s a gross essay, but decent enough for a 20 minute scramble. & for anyone who’s read ICB, I couldn’t remember the detective’s name- I’m aware that it isn’t Nick Forman. Also, Nellie Chase refers to Melba Patillo Beals- one of the teenagers who played a part in the Little Rock Integration of 1957.</p>
<p>@halcyonheather, 10 essays are great. I’m trying to get a 10 or above this March. It’s not too difficult to ace the writing section if you have a 10 or above (at least that’s what I heard). </p>
<p>Thanks guys, these are valuable. </p>
<p>More essays would be appreciated!</p>
<p>I got a 12 - but typing it up bums me out - is there anyway I could just send you the images of the essay itself (I have lovely handwriting, I promise) - maybe to one of your non-serious emails if you have any? </p>
<p>I’ve always wondered why examples from fictional books are considered legitimate for supporting a thesis about life. It’s probably because the type of people who score the essays are very much into those sorts of things. </p>
<p>For a high sore, try to organize a small list of possible examples you can use and know them well. Most of them can be manipulated to fit varied topics. When you pick your thesis make sure that you stick with it and do not contradict it. Really, as long as you do that and write coherent sentences with decent diction you will be fine.</p>
<p>I’m too lazy to type mine and my handwriting is awful so that’s all I can give you.</p>
<p>My friend told me that her SAT prep class taught that if you are struggling for another example, use MLK Jr, because Martin Luther King can be used as evidence for a very wide array of topics. I used politicians and Charles Dickens for both of the essays the two times I took the SAT - I got a 10 on the first and a 12 on the second, my explanation of the evidence was far more elaborate on the 12.</p>
<p>I got an 11 on the privacy essay last October, and I talked about the scandals under Nixon and Obama.</p>
<p>I’m going to try and rely on historical examples as much as possible. I might watch a documentary on Truman, someone told me he’s a good all-purpose example. </p>
<p>@preamble1776, I’d be happy if you could email me the essay you wrote. I’ll PM you. You could take snapshots or something, upload to imgur (for instance), and link it in case anyone else shows interest. </p>
<p>@preamble1776 - I would also love a picture of it! I’ll PM you my covert e-mail haha.</p>
<p>12</p>
<p>[Insert tons of vocab words here]</p>