how do colleges look at the essay?

Test Preparation
1

<p>Do they read the essay you wrote for the new SAT? Do they give it any weight in the admissions process? I scored a 720 on the new writing section, but my essay was awful (an 8). The proctor wrote the wrong time on the board, so I was thinking I was out of time when ten minutes were actually left. I cut my second paragraph short, didn't get to my third paragraph, wrapped up my essay with a hasty conclusion...all in all, just a wreck. After my intro paragraph, my first argument to support my position was an example of a 'personal' (i.e. made up on the spot) experience. Then I threw in something completely anecdotal about John Edwards (don't even remember what) for my second 'argument'. The conclusion was something like, "so, as you can see, I'm right. Thanks for reading, bye."</p>

<p>Point being, I don't want colleges reading this mess. I'm typically a pretty good writer, but I can't crank out a good essay early in the morning in fifteen minutes. Do colleges read the essay? If so, how much weight do they give it?</p>

2

<p>did you report your proctor?</p>

3

<p>I highly doubt colleges will have the time to read everyone's SAT essay. As a matter of fact I don't think they will read it all. There is some talk of it being used as a check-up mechanism: they have an applicant with an out of character essay, they might ask to see the SAT essay. But otherwise you should be fine, I don't think they'll read it. And you should report the proctor- that was an unfair testing condition.</p>

4

<p>how do you report the proctor? can i still do this for the october 5 test?</p>

5

<p>There should be some kind of number to report a bad proctor, or testing anomoly. Check CB or ask your school.</p>