<p>for the essay, i decided to not take a side and write that it depends on the situation. i used an example of how in a certain situation it was beneficial, and one on how it didnt. will that be a weak essay in that i would get a lower score? thanks.</p>
<p>That type of essay isn’t nearly as philosophical or analytical as one that takes a side; I can’t speak for all graders, but I would probably deduct at least one point to someone who doesn’t take a side. (Rightfully, as it’s much easier to give the strongest points from two sides than develop a view from one side.) </p>
<p>The SAT grading template says that it doesn’t matter… but according to them, neither does length.</p>
<p>I’ve hit 12s on practice essays doing that.</p>
<p>That said… If you’re not taking a side you BETTER know how to write your ass off so that the reader understands why you’ve taken that stand.</p>
<p>You may have a good chance of getting a twelve on the essay, but it is always beneficial to make it clear what you are trying to say considering the people grading these essays take less than five minutes to read and grade them. The SAT essay is not meant to evaluate your ability to make a nuanced argument, it is evaluating how well
you support a straightforward position in 25 minutes. </p>
<p>Taking a side makes it easier for the reader to get what you’re saying and see that you clearly answered the question</p>
<p>Unless your thesis explicitly mentioned that both sides are equally likely, I’d deduct at least 1 point. But that’s really, really hard to achieve. I honestly don’t think it’s possible to have a perfectly borderline thesis.</p>
<p>It’s just safer to take one side and argue that the entire way through, if you’re going to take the SAT again.</p>
<p>its easier to take a side. yes, you might agree with both but with the small amount of time you have to write the essay you’re not gonna have enough time to adequately explain yourself.</p>
<p>I think I did that on both my SAT essays… i got 9’s. Taking a side would probably be better.</p>