<p>For example, could I say that in 1512 a japanese samurai named yukio haramara fought a 5 day war with his small group of samurais against an entire country of romans. But yukio and his men won the war because they were motivated to do well and they showed their strength. Could I actually use an entirely made up example and get a 12?</p>
<p>As long as you connect your example(s) well to your thesis, factual accuracy doesn’t matter at all.</p>
<p>Yes, you should do it. Just for the lulz.</p>
<p>It can be fake, just make sure you can pretend to know what you’re talking about by being specific and writing so the reader can’t easily think how your example isn’t real.</p>
<p>is this precedented?</p>
<p>Read this thread: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/1087610-experimenting-sat-ideas-wanted.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/1087610-experimenting-sat-ideas-wanted.html</a></p>
<p>As long as it’s not obviously fake (like, don’t claim that Abraham Lincoln fought in WWII), it should be fine.</p>
<p>There is no written rule against using false information, but you have to consider the psychological effect it has on the grader (it definitely doesn’t make you look intelligent).</p>
<p>Well, I think you should just use a real example; SAT essays the graders usually look for examples from literature or history. If you use a book or an event that supports your thesis you should be fine.</p>
<p>Totally agree with carpdime.</p>
<p>You should also know that any college you send your SAT score to has access to your essay. Will they look at it? Probably not. But some colleges claim they use those essays for placement, or to verify that other written work is authentic.</p>
<p>The SAT graders don’t grade on accuracy, so technically you can. But like stated above, it does make them think a little less of you if it is clearly not true. It’s better to make up personal examples than historical ones. Either way, if you are making stuff up, make it as convincing and as realistic as possible–it helps if you’re thinking of an example but can’t remember all the details so you fill a few things in yourself. Make sure it all connects back to your thesis.</p>
<p>It really doesn’t matter. I used 3 fake examples, one of which was rather obviously fake, and I still got a 12.</p>
<p>Details trump accuracy. If your argument is finely detailed, not only can you score a 12 on the SAT but the colleges (should they look at it) will also appreciate your ability to argue.</p>
<p>A personal anecdote can be completely fake since the readers have no way of contacting the student.</p>
<p>Unless a historical example is a clear anachronism, then you’re fine.</p>
<p>
This is fine as well. Again, the essay is based on your ability to argue a point with examples, not on whether those examples are real.</p>