<p>Just a few notes: I wrote this in 40 minutes, with my brainstorming taking approximately 4 minutes. I wasn't writing at sprint speed, but I wasn't writing slowly either. There are three lines of room left on my written copy. I need help on how to write faster. If anyone has suggestions they are most welcome!</p>
<p>I got a 7 essay last SAT. It is my worst section by far and the reason I am retaking a 2250. Please be harsh, and any help/tips you can give will be hugely appreciated!</p>
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<p>The Prompt: "Is it always better to be original than to imitate or use the ideas of others?"</p>
<p>The phrase "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" might suggest to some people that imitation is good. However, that is often not the case. Humankind's greatest inventions are products of creativity, not narrow-mindedness. Victory in battle arises from out thinking the enemy, and not from copying their strategy. In nearly every facet of life, originality holds the best reward or leads to the best outcome.</p>
<p>The tactics and strategies used by the generals of the Civil War provide a good example of why being original is better. At the beginning of the war, the current generals were members of the old school of thought. Their war doctrine dictated that in major skirmishes, an infantry charge was the most effective. The first few battles of the Civil War were bloody affairs, because the commanding officers would force their men to make futile charges against the enemy's lines. This tactic was extremely ineffective; most of the early conflicts between the Union and Confederacy resulted in stalemates, with neither side gaining an advantage over the other. Large numbers of men were lost in this futility. In the middle of the war, a previously unheard of Union general names Ulysses S. Grant rose to prominence after a string of major victories in the South. Grant owed much of his success to his innovative style: he attacked where his enemies were weak, and avoided where they were strong. With this strategy he was able to wear down the enemy through attrition. Grant's unique strategy led to many severe blows to the Confederacy and his eventual promotion to chief general of the Union army.</p>
<p>In my personal experience it is better to be unique rather than follow the crowd. When I finished the fourth grade, my parents and I decided to have me learn at home, and stop going to public school. The decision was based on a host of differ end factors, but the primary one was that I would be able to learn faster outside of school than inside. At the elementary school I had attended, progress was very slow: the teachers weren't able to move from one lesson to the next until everyone in the class had caught up. This school was very frustrating for the more capable students, myself included. School also limited creativity, students were required to follow the prescribed courses, and there was no time left over for other academic pursuits. All of this changed through my homeschooling experience. I now work at a faster pace, and am able to cover much more material in a shorter amount of time. I was able to take my first community college course at the age of thirteen. Without a restrictive curriculum, I have the opportunity to pursue whatever field I choose to. Academically, I have advanced ahead of many of my peers because I decided to take the path less traveled. </p>
<p>Certainly there is some truth to the claims of those who extol the virtues of imitation. How else is an infant able to learn how to learn how to talk? By and large, however, it is better to be original. Learning to avoid excessive outside influences may be challenging, but the benefits far outweigh those attained through imitation. </p>
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<p>Thanks everyone!</p>