About The SAT Essay (and yes, I know it’s being cancelled!)

Hello everyone! In this week’s blog post I’ll be talking about the SAT Essay! I’ll be explaining an overview of the essay, and sharing a couple of tips and tricks that’ll help you get a high score!

Disclaimer

Now, I know what you’re thinking. You’re wondering why I’m writing a blog post about the SAT Essay, when the College Board has effectively discontinued it.

While the College Board did release in a statement that the SAT Essay will be discontinued, it’ll only come into effect during the summer, more specifically in June. There are still a couple of test administrations up until the June test date, so this advice is intended for those students taking the test before then!

If you’re reading this after June 2021, then the SAT Essay should be of no concern to you!

Note: Some states in the US require SAT Essay testing for graduation requirements, and the test will be available in those states alone! So, ensure your state doesn’t require the SAT Essay before clicking out of this post!

What is the SAT Essay?

Alright, so let’s get started. The SAT Essay is a separate, optional section of the SAT Test, that tests you by essentially asking you to explain how the author effectively establishes an argument. You’ll be presented with a text on some topic, and asked to analyze how the author uses evidence, reasoning, and stylistic or persuasive elements to build and maintain an effective argument.

That’s essentially all it is. It’s a very quick 50 minute addition to the SAT, where you’ll be asked to write an essay on how the author establishes an argument. The prompt doesn’t vary much over the years, but the text that you’re given to analyze will change with every test administration.

If you’re able to accurately analyze any piece of text that you’re given, then you should be set for the SAT Essay. Many classes in high school, especially AP classes, require that you analyze the arguments in texts and write about them in an essay. For those of you familiar with doing these types of assignments, the SAT Essay will

be a breeze. The texts are not as complex, and very straightforward.

Should I take the SAT Essay?

Many US Colleges require the SAT Essay as a standardized testing requirement, and many students find themselves taking it as a result (Now, with the College Board discontinuing the SAT Essay from the June 2021 test date, these colleges will have to think of another way to test student’s writing skills). But for those of you taking the test in the next couple of months, you’ll have to make a hard decision.

“Should I, or should I not, take the SAT Essay?” Your first concern should be looking at the colleges that require or recommend the essay. If you’re interested in one of the colleges, you should definitely take the essay since you’ll have to end up taking it anyway. If you’re not sure about the specific colleges you’ll be applying to, then I recommend that you still take it! You won’t be limited in terms of your college options, and it’s only a very quick 50-minute essay that you’ll have to write.

Also, it’s important to note that you cannot take the SAT Essay on its own. You have to be taking the entire SAT test, to be registered for the essay that comes at the end. Taking the essay will benefit you in the long run, since you won’t have to think about re-writing the entire test.

If your state requires the SAT Essay for graduation requirements, then you will certainly have to write the Essay. Make sure you look at various requirements when deciding whether or not you’ll be writing the essay.

Tips and Tricks for the SAT Essay

When approaching the essay, make sure you don’t overthink it. It’s fairly straightforward, and all you’ll have to do is point out the various elements the author uses to establish their argument.

I recommend that you point out the various pathos, logos, and ethos appeals the author uses. For those of that haven’t learned of this, pathos is an appeal to emotion, and is a way in which the author can appeal to the emotions of the audience. This includes talking about personal anecdotes and other topics that may have an emotional appeal. Logos is when the author incorporates scientific data and evidence to support their argument. It may include very high statistics, that can convince the reader and help the author further their argument. Ethos is an appeal to credibility. The author may include quotes or advice from higher-level authorities or well-known figures to help support their claims.

Additionally, you should try to incorporate quotes from the essay when explaining certain appeals. If you’re talking about how the author includes important statistical data, then talk about those specific statistics that help the author establish their argument. That being said, you shouldn’t make your entire essay full of quotes from the passage. It’s important to expand and elaborate on a quote, before proceeding to use another one.

Also, make sure your essay has a proper introduction, body, and conclusion. You need to structure your essay properly, and ensure that it’s organized well. Your body can be anywhere from 2-3 paragraphs, or more if needed. Each body paragraph should talk about one main aspect of the text, and include quotations from the passage for evidence and support. Your introduction and conclusion should effectively introduce the text and conclude your thoughts on the argument.

I hope you all found these tips useful! The SAT Essay is a changing part of college admissions, so make your decisions accordingly! Feel free to contact me with any questions!

Until next time, bye!

P. S. Don't try to rush through your essay! There isn't a specific page or word limit, so take your time to effectively analyze the passage! :)