<p>I've been preparing for the SAT. I'm having a hard time getting the essay down, however. I mean, what is it that the CollegeBoard is really looking for, and how can I give it to them in 25 minutes? Should the essay be in a strict traditional format, or can I take some liberty so long as it makes sense and doesn't violate grammatical or rhetorical rules?</p>
<p>What I did was burned the traditional format into my brain. I write really slowly, so it was pretty hard for me to finish the essay in 25 minutes. Though it is good to prepare for essay in 5 or so minutes, the reality for me was I didn't have 5 minutes. I had less than one on basically all of the practice tests I took. By memorizing the format, it took much less time to plan the essay in the beginning. </p>
<p>I got a 9 on the essay on December's SAT, which isn't bad. And besides, you still have the grammar portion too. I got a 9 on the essay, and got a 750 on the writing because I got like 2 wrong on the grammar part. The essay isn't everything...</p>
<p>I would suggest just finding out what the College Board wants instead of taking some liberty on the essay. You have plenty of chances to write the essay that you want to write in your classes and on your college application. The College Board is looking for a simple but well-structured and organized essay that uses good examples and gets to the point. When there is only 25 minutes to write, you don't have time to be creative. I would suggest just going to the College Board website and looking at the information they have on the essay for the SAT. I think they have some sample essays that you can look at as well.</p>