<p>There seems to be a bit of a misconception among CC SAT'ers that the best essays usually include 3 paragraphs. This is seen as the safest way to a 12.</p>
<p>However, on my first SAT, I got a 12 on my essay using one example (5 paragraphs). If you look in the BB, all the essays that received a 12 followed an one example + five paragraph format. This is an organic, insightful essay that develops itself well.</p>
<p>3 paragraphs might be safer. However, if you're confident in your writing skills, pick one idea and develop it fully.</p>
<p>There is no magic formula for a twelve, but I do think that using multiple examples is the right strategy for MOST students. You need to be an above average writer to pull off the one example approach, and you need to have an amenable prompt, and an example that you know very well to be able to do it. That sort of “perfect storm” situation isn’t going to happen most of the time. The main thing is to remember that the key to a great score is your ability to communicate and develop a thoughtful argument. It’s not about the esoteric qualities of your examples, the length of your essay, or the number of examples you use. If you write well, you’ll score well.</p>