<p>Is this OK - provided that its #2 lead. It makes the writing a lot clearer/thinner for precision, and since it seems like graders always receive a scanned copy of the essay, does it really matter if it does/doesnt fit the "scantron" parameters of pencil lead?</p>
<p>I know that mechanical pencils probably shouldnt affect even the mc portion, but I always use regular pencils just in case.</p>
<p>^^ i do the same, although it really shouldn't matter (on the essay, at least)</p>
<p>Yeah I use a mechanical pencil for the essay too, but for the MC I use a regular wooden one, not because I"m afraid that it might not read, it's because it takes less time to bubble.</p>
<p>um on Essay? yeah its fine, because i always do. and for normal bubbling in i use a number 2</p>
<p>I think you should. I did the essay with a yellow wood pencil and by the end (since it got dull from writing), it was pretty much a mess. I did use a mechanical pencil once and my essay still got scored, but it was much neater than with a normal pencil and probably made my readers less frustrated. And you want to make it as easy for them as possible lest they get grouchy.</p>
<p>Aren't we allowed to use mechanical pencils on the SAT? I used a 6B pencil and the proctor kept nagging around, interrupting me to make me use her 2B pencil.</p>
<p>I think it's the ACT that you're allowed mechanical pencils? Not sure though. I just remember the proctor reading from CB's directions and saying "no mechanical pencils." But our English teacher did say that you could probably use one that has #2 lead, since they were just concerned that you might use some other sort of lead...</p>
<p>yes, because normally i use mechanical and i write faster (its true) with mechanical pencils.</p>
<p>I guess I'll go ahead and use the mechanical pencil
CB's website says:
Two No. 2 pencils and a good eraser—a pencil is required for the multiple choice questions AND the essay. Do not bring pens or mechanical pencils.</p>
<p>but as long as the proctor doesnt confiscate it or something, it seems like the general consensus is that a mechanical pencil on the essay wont hurt it in any way.</p>
<p>will the score be different if i use a mechanical pencil for the mc sections too. does anyone do that.</p>
<p>Yeah, I just want to mention that a few weeks before the SAT, my friend gave me a mechanical pencil that looked identical to soft lead #2 pencil. I just thought it was cool, but then I realized I would be able to write my essay on the SAT without the worry of a proctor confiscating it. So..yeah, if you look online, I'm sure you could find mechanical pencils dressed as normal ones so you don't have to worry while testing.</p>
<p>I used a mechanical pencil on the entire test, and I had no problems.</p>
<p>Why does it have to be No 2 only? I can't see any problem with other sorts of lead.</p>
<p>If No2 pencils are so well-respected, why aren't they called No1 pencils?</p>