<p>Comparing the SSAT writing sample and a graded essay/entrance essay; one was written up in 25 minutes, the others you have weeks and probably months (for the entrance essay) to work on.</p>
<p>I'm writing my essays now. I'm revising my essay's a bunch of times only because a write something one day and then look at it again later and it looks like crap.</p>
<p>I completely know what you mean... the longer ago it was, the worse it seems, too (except for a select few items)</p>
<p>Well it does matter if it is good :P</p>
<p>Know a guy who got stellar (and rightfully so) recommendations from his English teacher; it would not reflect well on the teacher if his essay did not represent what his teacher said.</p>
<p>I don't think it would make so much on an impact, just something at the back of their minds.</p>
<p>I just finished writing my essays. Usually I type them all up on my laptop first (spell check is reallllllly useful) then get them edited by a teacher for grammar or language mistakes. Afterwards I'll rewrite them down on the application papers neatly.</p>
<p>I'm hoping that your son decided to at least write a rough draft for each essay before having a final copy on his actual paper.</p>
<p>I wrote about four essays, chose the best, and rewrote the one I liked the best.
I'd say I took a week to make the essay.</p>