Please tell me what's wrong with my essay

<p>Hey guys,
I took the SAT October test and I only scored 9 on the essay. I was really disappointed.
I followed all the tips and methods I found on CC and on the internet. I opened my essay with a quote, wrote 2 more statements to state my preference and to introduce the example. I wrote a 5-paragraph essay with 3 examples. I wrote in the entire 2 pages. I prepared some examples regarding Courage, Determination, Creativity, Social responsibility, and Technology. Since the October essay question is about certainty/uncertainty, I twisted some examples I prepared from the Determination category (like you are certain about what you always want to do and do the best you can to achieve/ to grow/etc). My writing skill is not bad, so I was pretty confident that I would get a decent score.
Somebody please tell me how I can improve on my essay for the November test.
Thanks a lot!!</p>

<p>@tracybui, I’ve heard some people say that they felt that their essays were somewhat underscored this time.
I, for example scored a 7 and I thought I would score higher than that. </p>

<p>As for advice, I can’t really give you any besides trying your best next time. </p>