<p>So if the topic were to say "Does hard work lead to happiness?", and I write mostly about why hard work is good, with some reference to lack of work being unhappy, would I be penalized, or could I still get a high score like a 12 (provided that the rest of the essay is good)? - My analyses are more focused on things that can lead to happiness...but I dont really imply it, the reader has to assume they do (but they are pretty easy assumptions to make).</p>
<p>Does anyone have past experiences like this on the SAT? If it could be bad, I'd rather cancel...</p>
<p>I did a similar thing on an SAT essay. The topic asked whether humans should be blamed for materialism; I panicked, didn't think my essay through at all, and wrote some weird one on why materialism is bad. I ended up getting an 8/12. My score on the multiple choice was a 75/80, so I still ended up getting a 720. So it wasn't horrible, but I know I could have done better.</p>
<p>Thanks for the response kat. I dont know if I want to take an 8/12, even though I might get 1600 or 1580 on M/CR and potentially perfect writing MC.</p>
<p>Is there anyone else who did something like this on the test?</p>
<p>Kinda. I said the availability of _____ leads to a better sorta life typa thing. lol</p>
<p>This is killing me :/
kat, was your essay good enough to get a 12 if the topic were (is materialism good?) I'm trying to figure out if SAT graders give blanket 4s for "semi off-topic" essays, or if it was a combo of your writing + not addressing part of the topic.</p>
<p>I'm sure if your essay is close to the topic then you'll be fine.</p>
<p>Echelon: No, I doubt my essay was a 12 even if it was on the right topic. I'm a good writer in general, but I'm not very good at SAT essays. Probably would have helped if I had ever studied or done a practice one, but whatever. I hate SATs.</p>
<p>Bump...any other experiences? If someone else has a story like kat's that would really help me decide if I should cancel.</p>