SAT Essay Results

Just got back my essay scores and I am thoroughly confused… I got a 15/24, which I find odd because I am a genuinely good writer, scored a 790 on the verbal section of the test, and have been doing nothing but essay practice since I last took the test in December. I took around 10 practice essays and had them graded by a tutor, and scored a 22, 23, or 24 for my last five or so. I wasn’t nervous while writing it, and I really don’t think it was very different in the overall structure and quality of content than my previous essays. So how did I get a 15? Did anyone else get an unexpected score, or can provide any insight as to why this may have happened?

not sure why it happened, but I got a wonky essay grade too…17/24, but what’s weirder is it’s 7/3/7. I would’ve been fine with a 5 or higher on analysis, but a 3 made no sense to me.

Great job on getting a 790 on the English section! I wish I could do the same; I’m a horrible writer, much stronger in math and science. Anyhow, I didn’t do any prep (no tutor, not a single practice essay) for SAT essay and ended up with a 22 (7/7/8). It was a very mediocre essay… Conclusion: It all depends on the people grading your essay. You probably just got tough graders, or your essay was in a batch with lots of other strong writers’(?). I’m not exactly sure how the system works, but that seems to be what happened.

The SAT essay does not matter much at all.

Funny story: I had no practice with the SAT essay and I had no idea how to respond to the prompt they asked. On my first try I got a 9/24 (you guys think a 15 is bad haha).

After a little studying, I finally ‘got it’ and I got a 17/24. I was very happy because I basically doubled my previous test (lol)

I submitted all the tests to the colleges I applied to. I got into Georgetown and Cornell. I honestly think the essay means very little.

Aim for a 6/6/6 because it demonstrates proficiency in each section. Good Luck!

Hello becad–
I’m a reporter for The Washington Post. I’d love to chat about this issue if you are able. The essay portion of the SAT and ACT is a source of continual questions for many students… My email is nick.anderson@washpost.com
Many thanks,
Nick