<p>Hello,</p>
<p>So I took the SATs this Saturday. For my essay, I accidently used a # 2.5 pencil (who knew they made 2.5 pencils. Anyways, when I got to Section 2 and filled in the first bubble, I thought "Why isn't this that dark?" Then, I realized it was a # 2.5. Of course, for the rest of the test (Sections 2-10) I used a # 2 pencil. I called Collegeboard and they said that when I get my score if I feel like this had an effect on my score then I can request them to hand-check my essay. Has anyone ever had this problem before? I'm really really scared and nervous. I've been studying so hard, and I felt prepared for the SAT. I really don't want my stupid pencil mistake with the essay to kill my score.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Like Collegeboard told you, if it does end up affecting your score you can easily ask for the essay to be rechecked. But honestly, I doubt it will affect much; even with a #2 pencil, some people write much lighter than others.</p>
<p>Lol how much lighter? I don’t think most people know that #2.5 pencils exist. As long as it’s readable you should be fine.</p>
<p>It was slightly lighter. It was definately readable…so readable that I didn’t realize it wasn’t a # 2 until I started filling in bubbles in Section 2. It’s just that I thiunk the scan your essay and then grade it and I’m scared that it won’t scan through…</p>
<p>Their scanning machines aren’t specially calibrated to only pick up #2 lead or something. If you wrote dark enough, it’ll scan fine; don’t worry about it.</p>