<p>^(If you're aiming for an 11 or a 12)</p>
<p>I know that you can get a good score with either... I'm just curious what people think. </p>
<p>I personally find that if I try to write about 3 examples, there just isn't enough space and time to properly elaborate on each example. I prefer to just write about 2 examples in detail. Would the scorers really give a 5 paragraph essay a higher score than a 4 paragraph essay if they are of the same quality and length?</p>
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<p>That’s exactly why I only use 2 examples. Honestly, I often run out of room on my second example and have to write really small just to fit my conclusion. </p>
<p>Granted, I haven’t yet written an essay for a real SAT (that’s coming in December for me). So take my advice with a grain of salt.</p>
<p>Whatever works best for you. </p>
<p>And anyway, apparently length is the only thing that matters. So I’d say 18 paragraphs is better.</p>
<p>The choice is really up to you, and if you’re comfortable with using 2 or 3 examples in your essay. For me, I only used 2 examples in 4 paragraphs, and I ended up getting a 12.</p>
<p>I’ve taken the SAT twice
1st time was 5 paragraphs, got a 12
2nd time was 4 paragraphs, got a 12</p>
<p>depends on how well you do it.</p>
<p>It depends on quite a lot really. </p>
<ol>
<li><p>How big is your handwriting? If it is huge, then you might wanna thinking about just 2 examples.</p></li>
<li><p>How concrete are your examples? If you have 3 solid examples, then by all means use them. If your 3rd example is a little shaky, then you better beef up your 2 examples and use just them.</p></li>
<li><p>Also, take into account the amount of time you’ll need to write. You might have prepared great notes and thought up of excellent examples, but if you spend 7-8 minutes on this, then there’s no way you’ll finish writing the essay in the remaining 17 minutes. I am telling you this from personal experience.</p></li>
</ol>