<p>Hey, I am taking the SAT in about a week, and I feel like my essay writing needs some work.</p>
<p>Here is one I just wrote for a practice test:</p>
<p>Prompt : Do people have to be highly competitive in order to succeed? </p>
<pre><code>Success in the 21st century, an era filled with countless people all fighting for similar goals, calls for grit, determination, and lots of competitive drive. The college admissions process and the outcomes of particular social media websites illustrate that in order to succeed, people must be "ruthless" and "cunning".
Admissions rates at top universities are at an all time low. Why? The severe drop in acceptance percentages is simply a result of an increases denominator, aka, more students are applying. The amount that can be accepted remains the same while more and more ambitious, well qualified students are applying. Thus, the only way to circumvent this apparent obstacle is for people to let out their inner caveman, and fight for this goal as hard as they possibly can. With so many equally qualified options, it comes to a point where the only distinctive qualities are effort put and amount of competitive drive. Those who act in a lax, lethargic fashion are the ones who fall into the swarm of like minded students, like hay in a haystack. Therefore, in order to succeed in the college admissions process, ruthlessness, competitiveness, and relentless motivation are absolutely vital.
Social media has become one the most competitive markets of the 21st century. There are so many available options, yet so few successful ones. Why is it that sites like Myspace have evaporated into the fog of cyber obsolescence? While lack of creativity and innovation certainly are contributing factors to their failure, it comes down to lack of sheer motivation, proactiveness and overall competitiveness. Against such fierce competition and adversity, how is it that Facebook Inc. continues to be a perennial victor of the social media battle? Again, while, granted, CEO Mark Zuckerberg does happen to churn out innovative ideas, if it were not for his competitive and fierce work ethic, his company would have eventually wizened away like other briefly successful websites. It is the same reason that crocodiles are still existent, while other animals have died away and become extinct: will to live and prosper. Those who sit back and expect success to come to them and do not compete as hard as they possibly can usually fail. In an interview, when asked what he most attributed to his success, Mr. Zuckerberg replied, " I think my success is directly correlated to the amount of time and effort I put into cultivating my product." Therefore, the most consistent means of achieving success is hard work, determination, and competitive spirit.
Through examination of the college admissions process, and the success of a young social media entrepreneur, the notion that success requires competitive drive is proven.
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<p>**this is exactly what i wrote, with grammar mistakes and everything... btw - the quote was made up </p>
<p>Please give me honest feedback, etc</p>