sat essay points many worth

SAT Essay Scores Explained

On january 19th, 2021, college board announced that they will no longer administer the sat subject tests in the u.s. and that the essay would be retired. read our blog post  to understand what this means in the near term and what the college board has in store for students down the road., our articles on subject tests and the sat essay will remain on our site for reference purposes as colleges and students transition to a revised testing landscape..

Why are there no percentiles for the essay on an SAT score report?

No percentiles or norms are provided in student reports. Even colleges do not receive any summary statistics. Given Compass’ concerns about the inaccuracy of essay scoring and the notable failures of the ACT on that front, the de-emphasis of norms would seem to be a good thing. The problem is that 10% of colleges are sticking with the SAT Essay as an admission requirement . While those colleges will not receive score distribution reports from the College Board, it is not difficult for them to construct their own statistics—officially or unofficially—based on thousands of applicants. Colleges can determine a “good score,” but students cannot. This asymmetry of information is harmful to students, as they are left to speculate how well they have performed and how their scores will be interpreted. Through our analysis, Compass hopes to provide students and parents more context for evaluating SAT Essay scores.

How has scoring changed? Is it still part of a student’s Total Score?

On the old SAT, the essay was a required component of the Writing section and made up approximately one-third of a student’s 200–800 score. The essay score itself was simply the sum (2–12) of two readers’ 1–6 scores. Readers were expected to grade holistically and not to focus on individual components of the writing. The SAT essay came under a great deal of criticism for being too loosely structured. Factual accuracy was not required; it was not that difficult to make pre-fabricated material fit the prompt; many colleges found the 2–12 essay scores of little use; and the conflation of the essay and “Writing” was, in some cases, blocking the use of the SAT Writing score—which included grammar and usage—entirely.

With the 2016 overhaul of the SAT came an attempt to make the essay more academically defensible while also making it optional (as the ACT essay had long been). The essay score is not a part of the 400–1600 score. Instead, a student opting to take the SAT Essay receives 2–8 scores in three dimensions: reading, analysis, and writing. No equating or fancy lookup table is involved. The scores are simply the sum of two readers’ 1–4 ratings in each dimension. There is no official totaling or averaging of scores, although colleges may choose to do so.

Readers avoid extremes

What is almost universally true about grading of standardized test essays is that readers gravitate to the middle of the scale. The default instinct is to nudge a score above or below a perceived cutoff or midpoint rather than to evenly distribute scores. When the only options are 1, 2, 3, or 4, the consequence is predictable—readers give out a lot of 2s and 3s and very few 1s and 4s. In fact, our analysis shows that 80% of all reader scores are 2s or 3s. This, in turn, means that most of the dimension scores (the sum of the two readers) range from 4 to 6. Analysis scores are outliers. A third of readers give essays a 1 in Analysis. Below is the distribution of reader scores across all dimensions.

What is a good SAT Essay score?

By combining multiple data sources—including extensive College Board scoring information—Compass has estimated the mean and mode (most common) essay scores for students at various score levels. We also found that the reading and writing dimensions were similar, while analysis scores lagged by a point across all sub-groups. These figures should not be viewed as cutoffs for “good” scores. The loose correlation of essay score to Total Score and the high standard deviation of essay scores means that students at all levels see wide variation of scores. The average essay-taking student scores a 1,080 on the SAT and receives just under a 5/4/5.

College Board recently released essay results for the class of 2017, so score distributions are now available. From these, percentiles can also be calculated. We provide these figures with mixed feelings. On the one hand, percentile scores on such an imperfect measure can be highly misleading. On the other hand, we feel that students should understand the full workings of essay scores.

The role of luck

What is frustrating to many students on the SAT and ACT is that they can score 98th percentile in most areas and then get a “middling” score on the essay. This result is actually quite predictable. Whereas math and verbal scores are the result of dozens of objective questions, the essay is a single question graded subjectively. To replace statistical concepts with a colloquial one—far more “luck” is involved than on the multiple-choice sections. What text is used in the essay stimulus? How well will the student respond to the style and subject matter? Which of the hundreds of readers were assigned to grade the student’s essay? What other essays has the reader recently scored?

Even good writers run into the unpredictability involved and the fact that essay readers give so few high scores. A 5 means that the Readers A and B gave the essay a 2 and a 3, respectively. Which reader was “right?” If the essay had encountered two readers like Reader A, it would have received a 4. If the essay had been given two readers like Reader B, it would have received a 6. That swing makes a large difference if we judge scores exclusively by percentiles, but essay scores are simply too blurry to make such cut-and-dry distinctions. More than 80% of students receive one of three scores—4, 5, or 6 on the reading and writing dimensions and 3, 4, or 5 on analysis.

What do colleges expect?

It’s unlikely that many colleges will release a breakdown of essay scores for admitted students—especially since so few are requiring it. What we know from experience with the ACT , though, is that even at the most competitive schools in the country, the 25th–75th percentile scores of admitted students were 8–10 on the ACT’s old 2–12 score range. We expect that things will play out similarly for the SAT and that most students admitted to highly selective colleges will have domain scores in the 5–7 range (possibly closer to 4–6 for analysis). It’s even less likely for students to average a high score across all three areas than it is to obtain a single high mark. We estimate that only a fraction of a percent of students will average an 8—for example [8/8/8, 7/8/8, 8/7/8, or 8,8,7].

Update as of October 2017. The University of California system has published the 25th–75th percentile ranges for enrolled students. It has chosen to work with total scores. The highest ranges—including those at UCLA and Berkeley—are 17–20. Those scores are inline with our estimates above.

How will colleges use the domain scores?

Colleges have been given no guidance by College Board on how to use essay scores for admission. Will they sum the scores? Will they average them? Will they value certain areas over others? Chances are that if you are worrying too much about those questions, then you are likely losing sight of the bigger picture. We know of no cases where admission committees will make formulaic use of essay scores. The scores are a very small, very error-prone part of a student’s testing portfolio.

How low is too low?

Are 3s and 4s, then, low enough that an otherwise high-scoring student should retest? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to that question. In general, it is a mistake to retest solely to improve an essay score unless a student is confident that the SAT Total Score can be maintained or improved. A student with a 1340 PSAT and 1280 SAT may feel that it is worthwhile to bring up low essay scores because she has previously shown that she can do better on the Evidence-based Reading and Writing and Math, as well. A student with a 1400 PSAT and 1540 SAT should think long and hard before committing to a retest. Admission results from the class of 2017 may give us some added insight into the use of SAT Essay scores.

Will colleges continue to require the SAT Essay?

For the class of 2017, Compass has prepared a list of the SAT Essay and ACT Writing policies for 360 of the top colleges . Several of the largest and most prestigious public university systems—California, Michigan, and Texas, for example, still require the essay, and a number of highly competitive private colleges do the same—for example, Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton, and Stanford.

The number of excellent colleges not requiring the SAT Essay, though, is long and getting longer. Compass expects even more colleges to drop the essay requirement for the classes of 2018 and 2019. Policies are typically finalized in late spring or during the summer.

Should I skip the essay entirely?

A common question regarding SAT scores is whether the whole mess can be avoided by skipping the essay. After all, if only about 10% of colleges are requiring the section, is it really that important? Despite serious misgivings about the test and the ways scores are interpreted, Compass still recommends that most students take the essay unless they are certain that they will not be applying to any of the colleges requiring or recommending it. Nationally, about 70% of students choose to take the essay on at least one SAT administration. When looking at higher scoring segments, that quickly rises to 85–90%. Almost all Compass students take the SAT Essay at least once to insure that they do not miss out on educational opportunities.

Should I prepare for the SAT Essay?

Most Compass students decide to do some preparation for the essay, because taking any part of a test “cold” can be an unpleasant experience, and students want to avoid feeling like a retake is necessary. In addition to practicing exercises and tests, most students can perform well enough on the SAT Essay after 1–2 hours of tutoring. Students taking a Compass practice SAT will also receive a scored essay. Students interested in essay writing tips for the SAT can refer to Compass blog posts on the difference between the ACT and SAT tasks  and the use of first person on the essays .

Will I be able to see my essay?

Yes. ACT makes it difficult to obtain a copy of your Writing essay, but College Board includes it as part of your online report.

Will colleges have access to my essay? Even if they don’t require it?

Yes, colleges are provided with student essays. We know of very few circumstances where SAT Essay reading is regularly conducted. Colleges that do not require the SAT Essay fall into the “consider” and “do not consider” camps. Schools do not always list this policy on their website or in their application materials, so it is hard to have a comprehensive list. We recommend contacting colleges for more information. In general, the essay will have little to no impact at colleges that do not require or recommend it.

Is the SAT Essay a reason to take the ACT instead?

Almost all colleges that require the SAT Essay require Writing for ACT-takers. The essays are very different on the two tests, but neither can be said to be universally “easier” or “harder.” Compass recommends that the primary sections of the tests determine your planning. Compass’ content experts have also written a piece on how to attack the ACT essay .

Key links in this post:

ACT and SAT essay requirements ACT Writing scores explained Comparing ACT and SAT essay tasks The use of first person in ACT and SAT essays Understanding the “audience and purpose” of the ACT essay Compass proctored practice testing for the ACT, SAT, and Subject Tests

About Art Sawyer

Art graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University, where he was the top-ranked liberal arts student in his class. Art pioneered the one-on-one approach to test prep in California in 1989 and co-founded Compass Education Group in 2004 in order to bring the best ideas and tutors into students' homes and computers. Although he has attained perfect scores on all flavors of the SAT and ACT, he is routinely beaten in backgammon.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

Role: --- Student Parent/Guardian Counselor Other

Class Year: --- 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 Other N/A

Popular Posts

• National Merit Semifinalist Cutoffs Class of 2025 April 8, 2024
• SAT and ACT Policies and Score Ranges for Popular Colleges and Universities June 28, 2024
• Colleges that Allow Self-Reporting of SAT and ACT Scores November 20, 2023
• National Merit Scholarship Program Explained October 4, 2023
• Using digital PSAT Scores to Compare SAT and ACT October 23, 2023

Recent Posts

• The Smartest Testing Choices For The Class of 2026 August 9, 2024
• The Challenges of a Shorter ACT July 17, 2024
• Big Changes to the ACT Coming in Spring July 17, 2024
• A Testing Revival June 27, 2024

Previous Post SAT Subject Tests FAQ

Next post test prep in 10th grade: when does it make sense, 222 comments.

Hi! I’m a high school junior who took the October and November SATs. I got a 1500 on October and then retook it to get a 1590 in November. I’m very happy with my score, but my essays are troubling me. I got a 6-4-6 in October and thought I would improve in November, but I got a 6-3-6. I really cannot improve my actual SAT score, but I don’t understand the essay. I’ve always been a good writer and have consistently been praised for it in English class and outside of class. Is this essay score indicative of my writing skill? And will this essay hurt my chances at Ivy League and other top tier schools? None of the schools I plan on applying to require it, but, since I have to submit it, will it hurt my chances? Thank you so much.

Maya, The essay is becoming increasingly irrelevant. Honestly, a 6-4-6 is a fine score and will not hurt your chances for admission. It’s something of an odd writing task, so I wouldn’t worry that it doesn’t match your writing skills elsewhere.

By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy .

© 2024 Compass Education Group. SAT, PSAT, NMSC, National Merit, Merit Scholar, ACT, ISEE, SSAT, HSPT and AP are registered trademarks not owned by Compass Education Group. The trademark holders were not involved in the production of, and do not endorse, this website.

• OUR APPROACH
• DIGITAL SAT / PSAT
• ACADEMIC / STUDY SKILLS
• COLLEGE WRITING PREP
• HSPT / ISEE / SSAT / SHSAT
• ACT/SAT FUNDAMENTALS
• ALL CLASSES
• SAT, ACT, & PSAT
• SAT/ACT ESSENTIALS
• COMMON APP ESSAY
• MATH SUMMER BRIDGE
• PROCTORED (In-Person or Live Online)
• INTERACTIVE (Online, On-Demand)
• DIGITAL ADAPTIVE
• SELF-ADMINISTERED
• RESOURCE CENTER
• COMPASS GUIDE
• PRIVACY POLICY

What Is the SAT Essay?

College Board

• February 28, 2024

The SAT Essay section is a lot like a typical writing assignment in which you’re asked to read and analyze a passage and then produce an essay in response to a single prompt about that passage. It gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your reading, analysis, and writing skills—which are critical to readiness for success in college and career—and the scores you’ll get back will give you insight into your strengths in these areas as well as indications of any areas that you may still need to work on.

The Essay section is only available in certain states where it’s required as part of SAT School Day administrations. If you’re going to be taking the SAT during school , ask your counselor if it will include the Essay section. If it’s included, the Essay section will come after the Reading and Writing and Math sections and will add an additional 50 minutes .

What You’ll Do

• Read a passage between 650 and 750 words in length.
• Explain how the author builds an argument to persuade an audience.
• Support your explanation with evidence from the passage.

You won’t be asked to agree or disagree with a position on a topic or to write about your personal experience.

The Essay section shows how well you understand the passage and are able to use it as the basis for a well-written, thought-out discussion. Your score will be based on three categories.

Reading: A successful essay shows that you understood the passage, including the interplay of central ideas and important details. It also shows an effective use of textual evidence.

Analysis: A successful essay shows your understanding of how the author builds an argument by:

• Examining the author’s use of evidence, reasoning, and other stylistic and persuasive techniques
• Supporting and developing claims with well-chosen evidence from the passage

Writing: A successful essay is focused, organized, and precise, with an appropriate style and tone that varies sentence structure and follows the conventions of standard written English.

Learn more about how the SAT Essay is scored.

Want to practice? Log in to the Bluebook™ testing application , go to the Practice and Prepare section, and choose full-length practice test . There are 3 practice Essay   tests. Once you submit your response, go to MyPractice.Collegeboard.org , where you’ll see your essay, a scoring guide and rubric so that you can score yourself, and student samples for various scores to compare your self-score with a student at the same level.

After the Test

You’ll get your Essay score the same way you’ll get your scores for the Reading and Writing and Math sections. If you choose to send your SAT scores to colleges, your Essay score will be reported along with your other section scores from that test day. Even though Score Choice™   allows you to choose which day’s scores you send to colleges, you can never send only some scores from a certain test day. For instance, you can’t choose to send Math scores but not SAT Essay scores.

Until 2021, the SAT Essay was also an optional section when taking the SAT on a weekend. That section was discontinued in 2021.

If you don’t have the opportunity to take the SAT Essay section as part of the SAT, don’t worry. There are other ways to show your writing skills as part of the work you’re already doing on your path to college. The SAT can help you stand out on college applications , as it continues to measure the writing and analytical skills that are essential to college and career readiness. And, if you want to demonstrate your writing skills even more, you can also consider taking an AP English course .

Related Posts

How to get ready for the digital sat on a school day.

Advanced Placement

What is AP English?

Taking the sat during school, how long does the sat take.

Which program are you applying to?

Accepted Admissions Blog

Everything you need to know to get Accepted

April 12, 2014

How Does the Essay Affect Your SAT Score?

Although the SAT essay is going to be optional before long (when the test changes in 2016), as of right now it’s a must. So, love it or hate it, your essay will influence your SAT score, and the admissions offices at the colleges you’ll apply to will see that score. So let’s answer one key question: how much does the SAT essay actually count for?

The Numbers

First, the essay is scored according to its own grading system. There will be two readers—real people, not a Scantron machine!—who read and judge your writing, each assigning a mark of zero to six. Zero is the worst (in case that wasn’t totally obvious), but it’s only used for the absolutely ungradable essays. If you write on a completely different topic than what’s assigned, for example, you will get a zero. That means no memorizing a fantastic essay ahead of time! You have to write on the topic they give you. You’d also get a zero if you wrote in another language, say, or simply put no clear thoughts on paper.

A six, on the other hand, is reserved for long, structured essays that are full of clear, concrete ideas, high-level vocabulary, and correct grammar. There’s a bit more to it, but that’s the gist.

After each reader goes through and marks your essay, the two scores will be added to give you a score of 0–12 (if you actually wrote anything remotely relevant, that’s 2–12).

Then that score, in turn, is added to the raw score from the Writing multiple-choice questions, since the essay is just a part of the Writing Section. The multiple-choice sections count for more points, altogether.

Then, once they have the raw total of your essay score and your multiple-choice score added up, they convert that score into the scaled, 200–800 score.

The Importance of the Essay

The scaled score is a little bit hard to explain—how it’s calculated, I mean—and it’s not worth really getting stuck talking about. All that matters is the zero to twelve score ends up affecting how many hundreds are in that scaled score. And I did say that the multiple-choice counts for more than the essay, but that doesn’t mean the essay isn’t important.

In truth, the SAT essay score counts for around 30% your total writing score—in the ballpark of 200 points, altogether. It’s not the only thing, but it’s a significant piece of the puzzle.

And what about those who say the essay doesn’t matter? Simply put, they’re usually wrong . Most schools were really skeptical of the Writing Section when this version of the SAT first debuted it back in 2005. And sure, some are still not totally signed on, but for the most part it does factor into your admissions. And 99% of the time, you’ll have no idea how much that lady who works in the admissions office cares about your Writing score—you’ll just have to trust that a high score is better than a low one.

And for that high score, you need to put some energy into preparing to write your essay!

About Us Press Room Contact Us Podcast Accepted Blog Privacy Policy Website Terms of Use Disclaimer Client Terms of Service

Accepted 1171 S. Robertson Blvd. #140 Los Angeles CA 90035 +1 (310) 815-9553 © 2022 Accepted

This site uses various technologies, as described in our Privacy Policy, for personalization, measuring website use/performance, and targeted advertising, which may include storing and sharing information about your site visit with third parties. By continuing to use this website you consent to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

We are experiencing sporadically slow performance in our online tools, which you may notice when working in your dashboard. Our team is fully engaged and actively working to improve your online experience. If you are experiencing a connectivity issue, we recommend you try again in 10-15 minutes. We will update this space when the issue is resolved.

Enter your email to unlock an extra $25 off an SAT or ACT program!

By submitting my email address. i certify that i am 13 years of age or older, agree to recieve marketing email messages from the princeton review, and agree to terms of use., 5 sat essay tips for a great score.

Thinking about tackling the SAT Essay? Here's what you need to know: you'll be asked to read a text (typically a speech or editorial of some sort) and discuss how the author effectively builds an argument. This might be a familiar task if you’ve done it in school, but if not, don’t worry. The format is straightforward, and with some practice, you can learn how to write a great SAT essay.

What is the SAT essay?

The SAT essay is optional and costs an additional fee of $17.00. Currently, only 25 colleges and universities require the SAT essay. You can find a searchable list of school requirements for the essay here . If there is any chance that you might apply to one of those schools, you should sign up for the essay. If you are not sure where you will apply, you should strongly consider signing up for the essay. Your essay score will appear on every score report you send to colleges, regardless of whether or not the school requires an essay. 

Here are 5 tips for writing a killer SAT essay, should you decide to add on that section:

1. Stay Objective

The thing to remember here is that ETS (the company that writes the test) is not asking you for your opinion on a topic or a text. So be sure to maintain formal style and an objective tone. Tip: Avoid “I” and “you.

2. Keep It Tidy

Handwriting is becoming a lost art. Unfortunately, this is one occasion where your skill with a pencil matters. Graders read tons of essays each day. If they cannot decipher your script, they will lower your score. Do yourself a favor and write legibly.

3. (Indented) Paragraphs Are Your Friend

Remember the basic essay structure you learned in school: introductory paragraph, body paragraphs and a conclusion? The SAT essay graders love it! Your introduction should describe the text and paraphrase the argument being made, as well as introduce the specific elements of the passage and argument that you will discuss in the essay. Your conclusion should restate the goal of the passage/argument and sum up the points you made.

Read More: SAT Tips and Strategies

4. For Example…

Use your body paragraphs to back up your thesis statement by citing specific examples. Use short, relevant quotes from the text to support your points.

5. Don't Worry About the Exact Terms for Things

Blanking on terminology? When describing how the author builds his or her argument, “appeal to the emotions” is fine instead of specifically referencing “pathos.” And “comparison of two things” can be used instead of referring to a metaphor. If you do know the official terms, though, feel free to use them!

Build the right SAT prep plan for you

Our private tutors will help you build a prep plan that's customized to your score goals, study habits, and schedule.

Find a Tutor

Explore Colleges For You

Connect with our featured colleges to find schools that both match your interests and are looking for students like you.

Career Quiz

Take our short quiz to learn which is the right career for you.

Get Started on Athletic Scholarships & Recruiting!

Join athletes who were discovered, recruited & often received scholarships after connecting with NCSA's 42,000 strong network of coaches.

Best 389 Colleges

165,000 students rate everything from their professors to their campus social scene.

SAT Prep Courses

1400+ course, act prep courses, free sat practice test & events,  1-800-2review, free digital sat prep try our self-paced plus program - for free, get a 14 day trial.

Free MCAT Practice Test

I already know my score.

MCAT Self-Paced 14-Day Free Trial

Enrollment Advisor

1-800-2REVIEW (800-273-8439) ext. 1

1-877-LEARN-30

Mon-Fri 9AM-10PM ET

Sat-Sun 9AM-8PM ET

Student Support

1-800-2REVIEW (800-273-8439) ext. 2

Mon-Fri 9AM-9PM ET

Sat-Sun 8:30AM-5PM ET

Partnerships

• Teach or Tutor for Us

College Readiness

International

Advertising

Affiliate/Other

• Enrollment Terms & Conditions
• Accessibility
• Cigna Medical Transparency in Coverage

Register Book

Local Offices: Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM

• SAT Subject Tests

Academic Subjects

• Social Studies

Find the Right College

• College Rankings
• College Advice
• Applying to College
• Financial Aid

School & District Partnerships

• Professional Development
• Advice Articles
• Private Tutoring
• Mobile Apps
• International Offices
• Work for Us
• Affiliate Program
• Partner with Us
• Advertise with Us
• International Partnerships
• Our Guarantees
• Accessibility – Canada

Privacy Policy | CA Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information | Your Opt-Out Rights | Terms of Use | Site Map

©2024 TPR Education IP Holdings, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Princeton Review is not affiliated with Princeton University

TPR Education, LLC (doing business as “The Princeton Review”) is controlled by Primavera Holdings Limited, a firm owned by Chinese nationals with a principal place of business in Hong Kong, China.

Polysyllabic

Search form, you are here, how much is an sat essay worth to your score.

As you probably know, the 200-800 score for the SAT Writing test is a composite score, based on a combination of an essay and multiple-choice questions. Students (and instructors) often ask me exactly how much the essay counts towards the overall score. Finding an answer to this question is rather tricky, particularly since the score that's reported to you is rounded to the nearest 10 points. (Internally, the ETS psychometricians use unrounded scales for their calculations. The scores are rounded before they are reported so people are less likely to place unwarranted significance on small differences in scores.)

One practical consequence of rounding is that, depending on your multiple-choice raw score, a single point difference in your essay score can mean a difference to your scaled score of anywhere from 0 to 30 points. Such an answer is unsatisfying, however, so I set out to derive a more specific answer by inferring the unrounded contribution of particular essay scores based on the score scales released with publicly available tests.

[ Update (12/6/2013): I've added more scales to my analysis (nearly doubling the data set) and refined my estimation algorithm so that it gives a more precise result for many scales. The numbers below reflect that revised analysis, which only refines the earlier analysis slightly.]

Here are average amounts, to the nearest tenth, that a particular essay score contributes to your overall composite writing score in comparison to an essay score of 0, which is given for omitted or off-topic essays (the normal range of scores is 2-12). These values were calculated from the score tables for 64 different essays on released tests from 2005-2013.

For reasons that I'll explain below, this breakdown likely is not exactly how ETS calculates things, but thinking of the essay as points added to a base score is conceptually more straightforward.

The College Board states that the essay is worth about 30% of the writing score, a weighting that implies a 12 essay should translate to 180 scaled-score points [.3(800-200)=180], and the "nominal score" column shows how many scaled points an essay would be worth if it were simply given an equal portion of that total amount. As you can see, though, that's clearly not how the essay value is calculated, although these nominal amounts are within the observed range for most essay scores. The precise amount will be calculated based on the observed distribution of scores for that essay.

Notice that there's more variability in the extreme scores on both ends, but especially at the high end, than there is for the middle scores. The percentages of 11s and 12s seem to vary significantly more from test to test than any other score point.

If we look at the numbers in terms of incremental payoff, i.e., how many extra scaled-score points do you get, on average, for raising your essay score by one point, the biggest jump comes between the 8 and the 9 essay, which is worth on average 23.7 points to your score, followed next by the step between 7 and 8 (20.1 points). The smallest payoff comes in the step from 0 to 2 (8.6 points). Indeed, for some tests, there's essentially no practical difference, after rounding, between a 0 or a 2 on the essay. The next smallest payoff is the step between 4 and 5 (only 11.8 points). The other steps average about 15-16 scaled-score points for a one-point increase in the essay score.

So, how did I get these numbers?

I started by assuming that ETS would follow normal psychometric practice in creating a composite scale. That means that the composite writing score should be calculated in one of two ways: either by adding weighted raw scores to produce a composite raw score, which is then translated to a scaled score, or by assigning separate scales to the multiple-choice portion and the essay portion and adding the two to produce the final composite scale.

Based on the pattern of numbers in the scale tables, I strongly suspected that the second method was the one used, but I checked them both out to be sure. I could not find any set of numbers that could explain the observed score tables under the assumption that weighted raw scores were summed, but I found solutions for every score table I tried under the second method.

Under this method, we can think of a composite scaled score as the sum of a multiple-choice scaled score (NB: not the same as the multiple-choice subscore reported on the test report) and an essay scaled score. In other words, $S_{m,e} = S_m + S_e + 200$, where $S_m$ is the scaled-score contribution for a multiple-choice raw score of $m$, and $S_e$ is the scaled-score contribution for an essay score of $e$. Values of $S_m$ and $S_e$ need not be integers, or positive, but they must be monotonically increasing.

I then wrote a routine in R to search for a set of values for $S_m$ and $S_e$ that produces the observed scores in the table. Typically, a range of values for each score point will work, so the routine was written to converge on a solution at the midpoint of the range of workable values. In other words, the specific numbers derived for a particular test are probably not exactly right, but they should be within a point or two of the true values). I'm not certain that my routine was the best way to do things, and it was modestly sensitive to the initial conditions, but I did get a solution for every scale that I tried, so it seemed to do the job adequately.

The scaled-score point differences between essay scores are not constant within a single test. In other words, there is no linear equation based on $e$ that will give workable values for $S_e$. For that reason, the scaled-score contribution for the essay can't be based directly on a simple linear transformation.

The exact procedure used to derive a specific $S_e$ for a particular test remains obscure to me. It's almost certainly based on the percentile ranks of essay scores for that test, but is the data smoothed? Is it, for example, transformed to a normal distribution, and if so, what are the parameters of the target distribution? Is the 70-30 weighting a nominal or an effective weighting? (If the latter, the actual weights of the two components will vary depending on their variance and covariance.) I can't answer any of these questions from the score tables alone, nor have I found any literature that answers them.

In the table above, I took the zero essay as the baseline, and for students it's probably most natural to conceive of non-zero essay scores as adding points. But it seems more likely that ETS calculates from the mean. In the terms I used above, then, $S_m$ would represent the multiple-choice scale at the mean essay score (which is normally around 7.2), and values of $S_e$ will be negative for essay scores below the mean.

If my supposition is right, it provides a natural explanation for an oddity that I observed occasionally when there are two or three different composite writing tables in a single test booklet. (A few different essays are typically used with the same multiple choice questions. For example, on the Saturday test dates, different essays are used for the eastern and western halves of the United States. A separate composite table goes with each essay.) Occasionally, the columns for essays with a score of 0 will differ in a few cells for the same multiple-choice score. If the $S_e$ is an amount calculated calculated from the essay mean, the zero essay isn't special. It has a point value just like any other essay score, and if the distribution of zero essays differs enough among the different essays, the zero-essay column can vary. The fact that this is a relatively rare event suggests that the numbers of zero essays tends to be fairly stable.

This procedure leads to an apparently perverse result: you can get a different composite writing score based on which essay you don't write. If you think through the situation, however, keeping in mind that the purpose of a scaled score is to allow comparisons among students who took different versions of the test, this outcome can be justified.

Setting $S_{e0} = 0$ makes sense only if everyone who received that score would have been indifferent to the particular topic they saw. For example, perhaps they decided to skip the essay no matter what it was.

For many students who receive a 0 on the essay, though, this outcome will be affected by the prompt itself. If you consider the universe of potential essay topics, it seems likely that some essay topics may be more likely to provoke students not to respond at all, or to write off topic. If you are a student presented with a highly unusual topic, you might be more likely just to give up and skip the essay, or to write on a completely different subject, than if you received a more pedestrian topic. Under those circumstances, the act of omitting one essay rather than another actually could merit a different scaled score.

Average SAT score?

That depends on what sort of.

SAT Essay Score: Does It Affect Your SAT score, How Many Points is it and What is a Good Score?

How Much Is the Essay Worth for a SAT Score?

On the old version of the SAT, the essay was required. Now, it’s optional. However, if you think that means you can skip it, you might want to think again.

Some colleges still require you to submit a standardized test essay, like the one on the SAT, but other colleges don’t. If you want to keep your options open for where you can apply to college, sign up for the essay portion of the SAT and make sure you do well. Even if they say they don’t require the essay, some elite schools may still take your SAT essay score into account on your application.

Has There Always Been an Essay on the SAT?

When the College Board created a new version of the SAT in 2016, they changed a lot of things. The SAT writing score now counts for less of your overall SAT score because the two main sections of the test are now the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section and the Math section. Your SAT writing score comes from the multiple-choice part of the exam, while your SAT essay score is derived from a new part of the exam. That is the SAT Essay section, which stands on its own and does not affect your score in either of the multiple-choice sections .

You will have 50 minutes to complete the new version of the SAT Essay section. During that time, you will have to read and analyze a text and then you will compose an argumentative essay that examines and explains the effectiveness of the rhetoric in the passage you just read.

For this portion of the SAT, you will be scored on the SAT Essay rubric to earn a score out of 24 points. This score is separate from your 1,600-point score from the rest of the test . This section is also optional and costs an extra $11.50 in addition to the standard test fees.

Do Colleges Want Your SAT Essay Score?

All colleges want your SAT writing score, but that isn’t the same as the essay score. Some colleges want you to complete the essay, others recommend it and still others neither recommend nor require it. All in all, it depends on the college. When in doubt, contact the admissions office of your prospective college for more information.

A few elite colleges continue to require the SAT essay in its current form. Some of these colleges are in the Ivy League, notably Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton and Yale. So, if you’re planning on applying to Ivy League colleges, make sure you take the SAT Essay section seriously.

Even if you’re planning on applying to state schools, you still may want to take the SAT Essay section. Both the University of Michigan system and the University of California system require SAT Essay scores from applicants who apply to any of their schools. On the other hand, some state schools like the University of Illinois only recommend that you take the essay, while other state schools have no stance on the section and most likely won’t take your score into account during the admissions process.

Why Do Some Schools Want the Essay?

We already know that some schools want the essay and others don’t, but why is there such a divide? The schools that do want the essay have several reasons for requiring it. The first is that they want students to understand that writing is an integral part of college coursework, and students who don’t have proficient writing chops will find themselves struggling with their college classes.

It also helps that the new version of the SAT essay lines up well with colleges’ expectations for clear writing and independent thinking skills. The new essay asks students to read and comprehend an argument and then synthesize one of their own based on the effectiveness of the passage’s rhetoric. The new SAT essay not only shows colleges that applicants can write, but it also shows them that applicants can think critically and recognize effective writing techniques as well.

The third reason some colleges may want the SAT essay is because they want as much information on each applicant as they can get. Sometimes, college applications provide an incomplete picture of the students who are applying. The essay gives colleges additional data that can help in choosing between two nearly identical applications, with the student who writes the best, of course, rising to the top.

Why Don’t Some Schools Want the Essay?

One of the main reasons many schools don’t require the essay is that it provides information they already have. Most college application requirements include the submission of a personal essay written by the student applying. This writing sample helps college admissions officers get to know the applicants on a personal level, sure, but it also gives students a chance to let their writing talents shine. So, giving admissions officers more data on writing is unnecessary.

Another reason some colleges don’t want the SAT essay is because they don’t require the writing portion on the ACT . Requiring the SAT essay might give an unfair advantage to students taking the SAT instead of the ACT, or it could also disadvantage students who do poorly on the SAT essay if it was required but the ACT essay was not.

Additionally, some experts believe that standardized test essays are not a good measure of future college success . This means that while the essay section does provide additional data, some colleges aren’t sure if that data is valid. Still, other schools are wary of the additional cost of the SAT essay, thinking that having to pay more money may represent a burden to underprivileged students.

Understanding the SAT Essay Rubric

To know how high you have to score, and to understand how to succeed on this portion of the test, you’ll have to take a closer look at the SAT essay rubric. On the rubric, your score comes in three parts: reading, analysis and writing . You can earn from one to four points on each part, which are then multiplied by two for your score. You can earn up to eight points in each part for an overall score of up to 24 points .

Earning Points for Reading

To earn the full eight points for reading on the SAT essay, your essay has to demonstrate:

• That you understand the passage
• That you can clearly communicate the passage’s main idea as well as its details and how they relate to the main idea
• That you can interpret the ideas of the passage without errors
• That you can both paraphrase and quote textual evidence with skill and ease

Earning Points for Analysis

To earn the full eight points for analysis on the SAT essay, your essay has to communicate:

• Insightful analysis of the passage’s key features
• A thorough evaluation of the author’s choices, especially in regard to rhetoric
• Thoroughly reasoned claims that are supported by evidence from the text
• A focus on the most relevant parts of the text instead of delving into extraneous features or tangents

Finally, the writing itself should be free of errors, precise and effective and should demonstrate a sophisticated command of standard English.

Related Articles

What Are the Five Parts of an Argumentative Essay?

How to Write a Thesis & Introduction for a Critical Reflection Essay

How to Write an Introduction to an Analytical Essay

Examples of Expository Essays in Middle School

What Do You Have to Make on the GED to Pass?

How to Write Conclusions for Expository Papers

How to Use Writepoint Grammar Corrections

How Many Essays Does the GED Have?

• PrepScholar: Does the SAT Essay Matter? Expert Guide
• CollegeBoard: SAT Essay Scoring
• Kaplan: New SAT Essay Scoring Rubric
• Khan Academy: The SAT Essay: Overview

Rebecca Renner is a teacher and college professor from Florida. She loves teaching about literature, and she writes about books for Book Riot, Real Simple, Electric Literature and more.

How Scores Are Calculated

As part of the shift to digital, the SAT is now substantially shorter, lasting 2 hours and 14 minutes instead of 3 hours, with more time, on average, per question. The digital SAT is shorter while still assessing the same core reading, writing and math skills as the former paper and pencil SAT because it uses adaptive testing.

Adaptive Testing

The SAT and PSAT-related assessments use a multistage adaptive design. Each test section—1) Reading and Writing and 2) Math—is administered in two stages. Each stage consists of a module of test questions comprising half of the section's questions (20–25 operational questions and two pretest questions, which don't count for scoring, per module).

Students have half of the section time (32 minutes per module for Reading and Writing, 35 minutes per module for Math) to work through questions in the first module. During that time, they may preview upcoming questions, go back to questions, and change answers within the first module before time runs out.

The first module consists of questions with varying difficulty levels. Once time for the first module ends, the second module begins. The questions students are given in the second module are of mixed difficulty level, tailored to the student depending on how they performed on the questions in the first module, and their section score is based on how they did on all of the questions in both modules. As a result, students should try their best on every single question.

A range of section scores are possible no matter which second module a student sees. Students won't be advantaged just for seeing a higher difficulty set of questions in the second module, or disadvantaged just for seeing a lower difficulty set of questions in the second module. Students can also meet state and College Board benchmarks regardless of which second module they're routed to.

The digital SAT's multistage adaptive test design and use of Item Response Theory (IRT) methodology allow for precise measurement of students' knowledge and skills with fewer questions in less time than possible with traditional paper and pencil tests. IRT is used by many national assessments, including the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) suite from the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC), Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC), and many state assessments.

In the scoring model used for the digital SAT Suite, the scores students receive are a product of several factors, characteristics of the questions they answered right or wrong (e.g., the questions' difficulty levels), and the probability that the pattern of answers suggests they were guessing. One important implication of this method is that two students who answer the same number of questions correctly in a test section may earn differing section scores based on the characteristics, including difficulty level, of the particular questions they answered correctly.

Administrations of each digital SAT Suite assessment sample from the same content domains across the same range of skill/knowledge elements, meaning all students have an equitable opportunity to demonstrate their strengths. For most students who are trying their best on every question, it's better to guess than leave a question blank, especially if a student can eliminate one or two answer options before guessing.

Two pretest questions are also included in each module. The inclusion of these questions allows College Board to collect performance data on them and evaluate their suitability for possible use in future tests. Student responses to these pretest questions don't affect their scores.

Comparing Digital and Paper Test Scores

While the digital SAT Suite employs a different scoring methodology from paper testing, what the suite measures hasn't changed. The digital tests continue to measure the reading, writing, and math knowledge and skills that students are learning in high school and that matter most for college and career readiness. The digital SAT is still scored on a 400–1600 scale, and educators and students can continue to use digital SAT Suite scores to monitor growth over time.

Prior to the launch of the digital SAT in March 2023, two concordance studies established that scores from the digital SAT are comparable to scores from the paper and pencil SAT and can be used in the similar manner for college admissions and other intended purposes. For example, a score of 1050 on the digital SAT would correspond to and carry the same meaning as a score of 1050 on the paper and pencil SAT.

Additionally, the SAT College and Career Readiness benchmarks of 480 for the Reading and Writing section and 530 for the Math section are the same with the shift to digital testing. As we gather actual college performance data for students who have taken the digital SAT Suite tests, we'll empirically reexamine all benchmarks to validate and update them as needed.

View your scores online.

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

Ultimate Guide to the New SAT Essay

Is your SAT score enough to get you into your dream school?

Our free chancing engine takes into consideration your SAT score, in addition to other profile factors, such as GPA and extracurriculars. Create a free account to discover your chances at hundreds of different schools.

The essay portion of the SAT has a somewhat lengthy and tumultuous history. After all, the very first College Board standardized tests delivered in 1900 were entirely essay-based, but the SAT had dropped all essays from its format by the 1920s and did not reappear again until 2005.

When another redesign of the SAT was announced in 2014, many wondered if the essay, as the most recent addition, would make the cut. The College Board, considering whether to keep it or not, reportedly sought feedback from hundreds of members in admissions and enrollment . Advocates of the essay felt it gave candidates more dimension. Critics believed that the essay was not indicative of college readiness. A review of assessment validity confirmed that the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section of the SAT “is deeply predictive of college success,” whereas the essay is much less so.

Ultimately, the decision was made to make the essay an optional part of the SAT. This was an innovative move, signaling the first time that the College Board had made any component of the SAT optional.

Furthermore, the essay format has changed as well. Instead of arguing a specific side of a debate or topic presented in the prompt, you will now be asked to analyze a passage for writing style. This prompt is more aligned with the types of critical writing pieces that you can expect to be assigned in college.

As with all things new, the new SAT has taken some getting used to. Students, parents, teachers, and tutors alike have had to adjust to some significant changes in format and content. But the good news is that the new SAT is no longer an unknown variable. The essay in particular is now a well-known and understood piece of the puzzle, with the prompt remaining the same on each administration of the test. The only thing that has changed is the passage to be analyzed.

To learn more about the most significant changes on the SAT, read CollegeVine’s A Guide to the New SAT or review Khan Academy’s video overview of Content Changes to the New SAT .

Do I have to take the SAT with Essay?

As mentioned above, the essay is technically an optional section on the SAT — so no, you are not required to take it. That being said, some colleges or universities do require applicants to submit SAT with Essay scores. If you choose not to take the essay portion of the test, you will not be an eligible applicant for any of these schools. To find the essay policy at schools you’re interested in, use the College Board’s College Essay Policies search feature.

Should I take the optional SAT Essay?

If you are at all unsure of which colleges you’ll be applying to, or you know that at least one of the schools you’re interested in requires the SAT with Essay, you should go ahead and take the essay portion of the test. If you don’t register for the SAT with Essay at first, you can add it later through your online College Board account. Registration for the SAT with Essay costs $57 as opposed to the $45 for the SAT without the optional essay section.

What is the format of the new SAT Essay?

The new SAT Essay is a lot like a typical college or upper-level high school writing assignment in which you’re asked to analyze a text. You’ll be provided a passage between 650 and 750 words, and you will be asked to explain how the author builds an argument to persuade his or her audience. You will need to use evidence from the text to support your explanation. Unlike on past SATs, you will not be asked to agree or disagree with a position on a topic, and you will not be asked to write about your personal experiences.

You will have 50 minutes to read the passage, plan your work, and write your essay. Although this seems like an extremely limited amount of time, it is actually double the time allowed on the SAT Essay prior to March 2016.

The instructions and prompt on the SAT Essay, beginning in March 2016, are always the same. They read:

As you read the passage below, consider how [the author] uses:

• Evidence, such as facts or examples, to support claims
• Reasoning to develop ideas and to connect claims and evidence
• Stylistic or persuasive elements, such as word choice or appeals to emotion, to add power to the ideas expressed

These instructions will be followed by the passage that you’re intended to analyze. After the passage, you will see the prompt:

Write an essay in which you explain how [the author] builds an argument to persuade [his/her] audience of [author’s claim]. In your essay, analyze how [the author] uses one or more of the features listed above (or features of your own choice) to strengthen the logic and persuasiveness of [his/her] argument. Be sure that your analysis focuses on the most relevant features of the passage.

Your essay should not explain whether you agree with [the author’s] claims, but rather explain how the author builds an argument to persuade [his/her] audience.

Although you can expect the passages to be different, they will all share some common characteristics. You can expect the SAT Essay to be based on passages that are written for a broad audience, argue a point, express subtle views on complex subjects, and use logical reasoning and evidence to support claims. These passages examine ideas, debates, or trends in the arts and sciences; or civic, cultural, or political life; and they are always taken from published works.

How will my essay be assessed?

Your essay will be assessed in three scoring categories, each of which will be included on your score report. Two people will read your essay and score it independently. These scorers will each award between one and four points in each scoring category. If the scores you receive in a single category vary by more than one point, an SAT expert scorer will review your essay.   

The scoring categories are:

A successful essay shows that you understood the passage, including the interplay of central ideas and important details. It also shows an effective use of textual evidence.

A successful essay shows your understanding of how the author builds an argument by:

• Examining the author’s use of evidence, reasoning, and other stylistic and persuasive techniques
• Supporting and developing claims with well-chosen evidence from the passage

A successful essay is focused, organized, and precise, with an appropriate style and tone that varies sentence structure and follows the conventions of standard written English.

Scores on the SAT Essay range from six to 24. To review a more specific breakdown for each scoring category, see the College Board SAT Essay Scoring Rubric .

Is my essay score always included on my score report sent to colleges?

Yes, your essay scores will always be reported with your other test scores from that day. There is no option to report only specific sections of your score. Even if you use Score Choice to choose which day’s scores you send to colleges, you can never send only some scores from a certain test day. For example, you cannot select to send Math scores but not Writing and Language or Essay scores.

What are the key strategies for the new SAT Essay test?

Remember the prompt.

On test day you will have only 50 minutes to read the passage, plan your analysis, and write your essay. Every minute will count. Because the prompt is the same on each SAT, you can save yourself some very valuable time by remembering exactly what the prompt asks you to do. That way, you won’t have to bother reading it on the day of your test.

Also remember that the prompt is asking only for your analysis. It is not asking you to summarize the passage or state your own opinion of it. Instead, while reading and creating a rough outline, you should focus on restating the main point that the author is arguing and analyzing how that point is made. Use only evidence taken directly from the passage and focus on how the author uses this evidence, reasoning, and other rhetorical techniques to build a convincing argument.

In short, when you begin your essay on test day, you should be able to skip reading the actual prompt and get straight to examining the author’s choices in presenting the argument. You should not waste any time summarizing the content of the passage or stating your own opinion of it.

Create a Rough Outline

When you’re under pressure to create a well-written essay in a limited amount of time, it can be tempting to skip the outline. Don’t fall into this thinking. While an outline may take some time to create, it will ultimately save you time and effort during the actual writing process.

The bulk of the outline you create should focus on the body paragraphs of your essay. You should have three main points you want to highlight, each being a specific method that the author uses to argue his or her point. These could include the use of logic, an appeal to emotions, or the style of diction or tone. As you read, identify the primary ways in which the author supports his or her argument. List the three most relevant methods in your outline, and then briefly cite examples of each underneath.

This very rough outline will shape the bulk of your essay and can ultimately save you the time it would take to remember these details during the actual writing process. 

Discover how your SAT score affects your chances

As part of our free guidance platform, our Admissions Assessment tells you what schools you need to improve your SAT score for and by how much. Sign up to get started today.

Stick to the Standard 5-Paragraph Essay Format

By this point in your high school career, you should have some experience writing a five-paragraph essay. The format is probably already familiar to you. As a refresher, a five-paragraph essay is generally structured like this:

I. Introductory Paragraph

• Give some very basic background about the topic (for example, why the author is writing this piece)
• Restate the author’s argument clearly
• Write a concise thesis statement summarizing three ways in which the author proves his or her point

II. Body Paragraphs

• One body paragraph per method used by the author
• Include two to three specific examples directly from the passage
• Analyze how effective these are

III. Conclusion

• Restate your thesis
• Briefly summarize the effectiveness of the author’s argument

While you may feel that 50 minutes is not enough time to plan and write an entire five-paragraph essay, you are best off keeping each paragraph brief and to the point rather than writing a more detailed essay in a shorter format. Each body paragraph should be only five or six sentences, while your introduction and conclusion can be even shorter if you write them effectively.

Practice Reading and Critiquing Opinion Pieces

The best way to prepare for the type of thinking and analysis required by the SAT Essay is to immerse yourself in reading and critiquing similar opinion pieces. The passage for the SAT Essay will always argue one side of a debate or topic, so other opinion pieces, editorials, and persuasive essays are all similar in content.

Read lots of these to become familiar with the style of writing. As you read, make mental notes of the methods that the authors use to make their points. Recognize patterns in these methods across pieces. For example, you might notice that casual diction is used to create a feeling of communal cause. These are points that you could also use in your analysis on the SAT Essay if they apply to the particular passage you receive.

Be An Active Reader

This will take you right back to your early high school and even junior high years. To be efficient on the SAT Essay, you will need to read closely and carefully in a limited amount of time. Staying engaged in the passage and making effective notations that will aid your analysis are critical.

You are probably familiar with some active reading strategies, and if that’s the case, stick with whatever notation you usually use. There’s no right way to do it, as long as your markings keep you actively engaged in the text and make your writing process easier.

This could include circling or bracketing off the thesis statement as you read. You might underline supporting details or come up with a system to mark for different literary devices (for example, a heart in the margin to denote an emotional appeal). If part of the argument seems unclear, put a question mark in the margin so that you can review it later.

Keep These Key Questions in Mind

It’s easy to get off track when you’re under pressure and rushing to complete a task. These are some good questions to keep in mind to ensure your essay stays on track:

Does the author use facts or logic to support claims? How does he or she do so? Is this effective? Could it be more effective? How so?

Discussing the author’s use of logic — often called an appeal to logos — speaks directly to an audience’s sense of reason. This is a very effective method of persuasion since it will just “make sense” to most readers.

What stylistic rhetorical devices does the author use to support claims?

Another common strategy used by authors involves the style and flow of their words. Does he or she make use of analogies, word repetition, or alliteration? These are all rhetorical devices about which you could write.

How does specific word choice contribute to the overall effectiveness of the piece?

Words are powerful. They can elicit emotions; they can create a sense of common cause; and they can use precision to draw pictures in your mind. What word choices are particularly powerful in the passage? Are there any patterns worth mentioning?

Of course, these are just a few of the many ideas you can use to get started with shaping and organizing your analysis. It’s a good idea to have a handful of possible questions to consider while reading. This will guide your thinking and can definitely help you out if you suddenly draw a blank.  

Study the Glossary

This is the most straightforward way to guide you as you prepare for the SAT Essay. Khan Academy has compiled an official Essay Glossary of key terms for the essay, and having a solid grasp of this vocabulary will allow you to use the correct words to describe the literary devices you discuss. And beyond that, the glossary can help give you some ideas for possible features in analyzing in your writing.

Where can I find free study materials for the SAT Essay?

Because the new SAT Essay was just rolled out in March 2016, there are not tons of resources yet for preparation. Many of the SAT Essay resources were designed before the new test, rendering them obsolete now. As you look for study materials, make sure that anything you use was created after March 2016 to ensure you are getting relevant information.

Some great resources are:

Sample passages and scored essays from the College Board are available for your review. These will give you an accurate idea of the types of passages you can expect to read and how your response will be assessed. These include examples of high-, medium-, and low-scoring student responses to help you gauge the quality of work that is expected.

Khan Academy tutorials are also available to help you prepare specifically for the SAT Essay. These include video overviews and a message board where students share and discuss strategies.

Finally, don’t skip the Khan Academy Essay Glossary as discussed above. Memorizing key terms from this resource will legitimize your response and help shape your thinking.

If you still have questions about the new SAT Writing and Language Test or you are interested in our full-service, customized SAT tutoring, head over to CollegeVine’s SAT Tutoring Program , where the brightest and most qualified tutors in the industry guide students to an average score increase of 140 points.

To learn more about the SAT, check out these CollegeVine posts:

• ACT vs SAT/SAT Subject Tests
• Are PSAT Scores Related to SAT Scores?
• What Should I Bring to My SAT?
• A Guide to the New SAT
• The CollegeVine Guide to SAT Scores: All Your Questions Answered
• How to Register For Your SATs

Want to know how your SAT score impacts your chances of acceptance to your dream schools? Our free Chancing Engine will not only help you predict your odds, but also let you know how you stack up against other applicants, and which aspects of your profile to improve. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account today to gain access to our Chancing Engine and get a jumpstart on your college strategy!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

• Organizations
• Admissions Coaching
• Academic Tutoring
• Online Essay
• Test Anxiety Resources
• Scholarships

5 Myths About the Digital SAT

There’s a lot of information circulating about the new digital SAT—some accurate and some not so accurate. So we wanted to address a few myths about the digital SAT.

Myth 1: All questions are worth the same number of points.

On the digital SAT, questions are weighted based on several factors, including difficulty (see College Board’s Understanding Digital SAT Scores ). This means that correctly answering a more difficult question will increase your score more than correctly answering a similar easier question. In short, some questions on the digital SAT are worth more than others.

Myth 2: The digital SAT is adaptive, which means that the questions change as you move through the test, so you can’t skip ahead or go back to previous questions.

While it’s true that the digital SAT is a computer adaptive test, it is not a question adaptive test. The digital SAT is a mutli-stage adaptive or “section adaptive” test. Each section is divided into two modules. Module 1 has a mixture of easy, medium, and hard questions with a medium average question difficulty. Your performance on Module 1 will determine whether you get an easier or harder Module 2.

The questions in each module are pre-determined, which means that you are free to go back or skip ahead to any question within the current module. However, you cannot move onto the next module or go back to a previous module.

Myth 3: Only the second module really matters for scoring.

Section scores are based on your performance in both modules, so it’s important for you to do your best throughout the entire test (See Section 3.1.1 of College Board’s Assessment Framework for the Digital SAT Suite ).  

Remember that your performance in Module 1 determines whether you get the easier or harder Module 2. Getting the harder Module 2 will give you the opportunity to answer more difficult questions, which in turn gives you a higher score ceiling, because difficult questions are worth more. All that’s to say, Module 1 is also very important to your digital SAT score. 

Myth 4: The digital SAT is easier than the paper SAT.

Many students find the new test to be a better testing experience because the test is about an hour shorter, has just two sections, and allocates more time per question. However, College Board has conducted extensive concordance studies to make sure the paper and digital tests can be used side by side as equivalent metrics. So, while the new test may feel easier, it is not actually easier than the paper SAT.

Myth 5: The SAT doesn’t really matter anymore, since so many colleges are now test optional.

While it’s true that many colleges no longer require the SAT or ACT, schools do still value test scores. When a college has a test-optional policy, it simply means that students can decide whether or not to submit scores with their applications; it does not mean that these scores are no longer a factor in admissions decisions. 

So what does this mean for you? Should you bother taking the SAT or ACT? The short answer is yes. 

Test scores really do serve a purpose in the admissions process—they provide admissions teams with a better understanding of you. Here are some things top schools have to say about submitting test scores:

“ The SAT, ACT, and other standard measures can continue to be an important part of the University of Chicago’s holistic admission process for students electing to send scores and are a required part of the application process at many other highly selective schools. ”  ( University of Chicago Application FAQs )

“Testing, in conjunction with your academic record and recommendations, helps us better understand your academic preparation. In this spirit, if you have taken the ACT or the SAT, we encourage you to submit your scores regardless of how they compare to the scores on Dartmouth’s class profile.” ( Dartmouth’s Class of 2028 Applicants page )

“Yale’s internal research has consistently shown that standardized test scores are a significant predictor of a student’s undergraduate academic performance. When students include scores with their applications, the Yale Admissions Committee evaluates them within each student’s unique context and uses them to augment other academic indicators throughout the application.”  ( Yale’s Standardized Testing Requirements & Policies )

In short, you should take the SAT and/or the ACT. If you feel that your test scores do not accurately reflect your abilities and will therefore detract from your application, then you don’t have to submit your scores.

Taking a full-length practice test is the best way to familiarize yourself with the test and discover what you need to work on.

Sara Laszlo

Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring and test preparation, with a special focus on helping students prepare for the SAT and ACT. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.

Share this post

Related posts.

200+ Vocabulary Words to Know for the Digital SAT 

Transition words may be considered by some to be an unnecessary accouterment to a sentence, a garnish rather than a key ingredient to a dish. While it is true that inexperienced writers run the risk of overembellishing their sentences with transition words, it’s important to recognize that transitions have a...

ACT and SAT Scores May Not Be Required but They Can Help You Stand Out!

Because scores may be optional, submitting your test scores is a great way for you to shine. Preparing for and taking the ACT and SAT shows your dedication to the college application process, and, if your scores are solid, they will likely add to your overall application.

The SAT Essay

The SAT Essay section is optional, but some schools require it—be sure to check your prospective schools’ application instructions. The team here at Test Innovators wants to ensure you are fully prepared for all parts of the test, including the Essay section.

2019 Year in Review

2019 was a major year of growth for Test Innovators. To date, we have helped 135,000+ students, and those students have answered more than 20 MILLION questions on our platform. To support this growth, our team nearly doubled in size, so we can continue to enhance student learning.

A Guide to Digital SAT Grammar and Punctuation

When talking about Standard English conventions, we are talking about the rules that include both punctuation and grammar. Without a solid grasp on both, language becomes unclear, ineffective. So it’s important to regard these conventions not merely as a set of rules to memorize, but rather as guidelines to shape...

5 Things to Think About as You Start Freshman Year

College may be very far from your mind right now. We don’t blame you! You should absolutely be enjoying your freshman year and taking it all in. You also have an opportunity to do your future self a huge favor by starting college prep this year.

Should I Take the Paper or Digital SAT?

The SAT isn’t just going digital—the test is fundamentally changing. Our infographic provides a detailed overview of the structure and content of the new computer adaptive test.

How the Digital SAT Is Scored | Tests and the Rest Podcast

The digital SAT is an adaptive test, which means that scoring is a lot more complicated than it used to be. Wondering how it works?Brenna O’Neill, President of Test Innovators, joined Mike Bergin and Amy Seeley on the Tests and the Rest podcast for an in-depth discussion on digital SAT scoring. Listen...

The College Journey: Campus Visits, the Application Essay, and Four Things to Know About Admissions

Applying to college is no doubt an important step in life. However, the various components of college admissions can make the process feel overwhelming. The best thing to do is to make sure you have the information you need and to take it one step at a time.

9 Ways to Help Your Student or Child Combat ACT and SAT Test Anxiety

This article was written by our partner, Scoir, the College & Career Network. Learn more about our partnership here.In a teenager’s world, standardized tests can feel like a huge, terrifying obstacle to overcome. It’s not unusual for teens to equate their worth with a grade or a score. Not to mention...

• FREE RESOURCES
• REQUEST MORE INFO

• Call 1-87STUDYPOINT
• STUDENT LOGIN
• ACT Tutoring
• SAT Tutoring
• Math Tutoring

Academic Tutoring

Admissions support.

• Free Resources

• PSAT Tutoring
• SSAT Tutoring
• ISEE Tutoring
• AP Tutoring
• Elementary Math
• 6th Grade Math
• 7th Grade Math
• 8th Grade Math
• Pre-Algebra
• Algebra Tutoring
• Geometry Tutoring
• Algebra 2 Tutoring
• Precalculus Tutoring
• Trigonometry Tutoring
• Calculus Tutoring
• Homework Help
• Biology Tutoring
• Chemistry Tutoring
• Physics Tutoring
• Spanish Tutoring
• French Tutoring
• Writing (Academic)
• Writing (Creative)
• Study Skills Support
• Reading Tutoring
• College Essay Coaching
• College Counseling
• Private School Admissions Counseling
• Boarding School Admissions Counseling

SAT Scoring - How SAT Test Scoring Works

Before your child takes the SAT, it's a good idea for him or her to be familiar with how the SAT test scoring works. Here is the information your child needs to know.

Scoring for the Math and Evidence-Based Reading & Writing Sections

• Students earn 1 point for each correct answer
• Students neither earn nor lose points for questions skipped or answered incorrectly
• Scores for each section range between 200 and 800. Total scores range between 400 and 1600

There is no deduction for incorrect answers, which means students should answer every single question. For most sections of the SAT, questions get more difficult as you work through each type of question in a section (except for Evidence-Based Reading questions). This means that the first few questions will usually be easy for most students, and the last ones will usually be extremely difficult for all but the most advanced students. The SAT is designed to challenge students at every level, so the average student is going to face a lot of tough questions in a very short period of time.

How in the world are are students supposed to answer all of those questions?

By guessing! The goal is to answer as many questions correctly as possible, but there will always be some questions so difficult that students won't have a clue as to how to answer them.

One of the greatest advantages of taking a multiple-choice test like the SAT is that there is more than one way to arrive at the correct answer. In school, students are used to working and working until they find the correct answer or until they get frustrated and give up. On the SAT, there is another option: get rid of all the incorrect choices you can until you have just a few (or maybe even one) choice(s) remaining. It may sound strange, but identifying the incorrect choices on the SAT increases the chances of finding the correct answer.

For more information about SAT scoring, visit the College Board website .

Scoring for the Essay

The SAT essay requires students to use a passage as the basis for a well-written and well-thought out argument.

• Two readers read and score each student's essay. Essays are scored based on three categories: Reading, Analysis, and Writing.
• Each reader gives the essay a score ranging between a 1 and 4 points in each category, for a total possible score of 8 points.

For more information about SAT Essay scoring, visit the College Board website .

Related Topics

• Find out why StudyPoint recommends viewing SAT scores before sending them to colleges. Visit our Sending SAT Scores page.
• For more specific information about the SAT format and question types, visit our SAT Test page.

Share This Information:

StudyPoint is a national leader in one-to-one, in-home test prep and academic tutoring. The test-taking techniques and strategies taught in our SAT tutoring and ACT tutoring programs enable students to earn higher test scores and gain admission to competitive colleges and universities. Our expert subject tutors and personalized lesson plans help students earn better grades and become happier, more confident students. Whether you're looking for a math tutor , or any other type of academic tutoring , StudyPoint can help. To learn about tutoring programs in your area, feel free to contact us for more information.

About StudyPoint

StudyPoint offers private, in-home SAT, PSAT, ACT & SSAT tutoring. Our staff also includes expert math, science, foreign language, and writing tutors.

• Preparing For College
• College Applications
• Supporting Your Student
• Guidance Counselors
• College Selection
• College Selection Process
• PLAN Test Info
• Transitions Program Info

Download for free!

Parent's guide to college admission.

Our newsletter is designed to offer you grade- and season- specific information that will help you navigate and stay on top of the college admissions process. We need high school graduation year to provide you with timely, relevant information. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Request More Info

If you'd like to learn more about one of our programs or are ready to enroll your child in tutoring, please contact us. Our Enrollment Consultants are experts in their fields and would be happy to help with recommendations for tutoring programs, courses of study, standardized tests, and admissions support.

1-87STUDYPOINT

You have successfully requested more information.

Thank you for your interest in our programs!

You can expect one of our Enrollment Directors to be in touch within one business day.

If you have an urgent tutoring need, you can reach out to a member of our staff directly at 1-87STUDYPOINT (1-877-883-9764). We are certain we can be a resource for you and your family this school year, and we look forward to speaking with you!

—The StudyPoint Staff

Our Privacy Policy: we are a professional service and we take our clients' privacy seriously. None of this information will ever be shared or sold.

Get the Reddit app

The highschool subreddit is a dynamic online community where students connect, share experiences, and seek advice. It's filled with engaging discussions on academics, extracurriculars, college prep, and social life. Find valuable tips, resources, relatable moments, and unforgettable high school moments in this vibrant hub of students all over the world. Share ideas, ask for advice and interact with your demographic here at r/highschool.

i was told the sat essay is worth 0 points

my schools ela teachers told all the juniors that the sat essay portion is 0 points and we shouldn’t do it. the day of the exam one of the ela teachers comes into the room and tells our proctor that we have to write at least something to get credit for taking the sat

now i just googled if the sat essay is scored (which i should’ve done beforehand) and it is.

i didn’t address the prompt at all (i wrote something related to it), am i screwed😭😭

By continuing, you agree to our User Agreement and acknowledge that you understand the Privacy Policy .

Enter the 6-digit code from your authenticator app

You’ve set up two-factor authentication for this account.

Enter a 6-digit backup code

Create your username and password.

Reddit is anonymous, so your username is what you’ll go by here. Choose wisely—because once you get a name, you can’t change it.

Reset your password

Enter your email address or username and we’ll send you a link to reset your password

Check your inbox

An email with a link to reset your password was sent to the email address associated with your account

Choose a Reddit account to continue

Trang chủ > Blog > Những từ chuyển tiếp hay nhất cho bài luận (Có ví dụ)

Những từ chuyển tiếp hay nhất cho bài luận (Có ví dụ)

• Nhóm biên tập Smodin
• Cập nhật: Tháng Tám 13, 2024
• Hướng dẫn chung về nội dung và cách viết

Hầu hết các bài luận đều yêu cầu bạn thảo luận nhiều hơn một ý tưởng. Tuy nhiên, việc chuyển sang một ý tưởng mới một cách đột ngột có thể đột ngột và gây khó chịu cho người đọc. Đây là lúc các từ chuyển tiếp xuất hiện. Ngay cả khi viết luận không phải là điểm mạnh của bạn , khá dễ dàng để học cách sử dụng các từ và cụm từ chuyển tiếp.

Vậy từ chuyển tiếp là gì? Chúng là những từ và cụm từ thể hiện sự liên kết giữa hai yếu tố. Chúng có thể cho thấy rằng bạn đang chuyển sang một chủ đề mới, đưa ra bằng chứng mới hoặc tóm tắt quan điểm của mình. Họ thậm chí có thể liên kết các đoạn văn lại với nhau một cách dễ dàng và cải thiện dòng chảy văn bản của bạn . Rắc những điều này trong suốt bài luận của bạn sẽ giúp người đọc hiểu lập luận của bạn rõ ràng hơn.

Về cơ bản, các từ chuyển tiếp cho bài luận rất quan trọng để cải thiện mạch văn của bạn. Nhưng bạn vẫn cần biết cách sử dụng chúng một cách hiệu quả nếu muốn đạt điểm cao nhất.

Cách sử dụng các từ chuyển tiếp trong bài luận

Một từ chuyển tiếp báo hiệu một sự thay đổi trong bài viết của bạn. Bạn sử dụng chúng như một phần của câu chuyển tiếp, chứa hai chủ đề đối lập hoặc kết nối các ý tưởng tương tự.

Bạn không cần những từ chuyển tiếp trong mỗi câu. Chỉ cần đọc lại phần giới thiệu của chúng tôi – không phải câu nào cũng có phần giới thiệu. Thậm chí không phải đoạn nào cũng có chúng! Nhưng việc đưa chúng vào xuyên suốt tác phẩm của bạn có thể thực sự giúp người đọc hiểu chúng ở đâu trong văn bản.

Xem xét ví dụ này:

• Thí nghiệm đã thành công. Chúng tôi quyết định tiến hành nghiên cứu sâu hơn.
• Thí nghiệm đã thành công. Vì vậy, chúng tôi quyết định tiến hành nghiên cứu sâu hơn.

Câu thứ hai nêu bật mối liên hệ giữa hai ý tưởng này. Sự kết nối có thể là những ý tưởng tương phản, những ý tưởng tương tự hoặc một trình tự. Kết quả là người đọc hiểu được mạch logic hơn trong văn bản. Mặc dù câu đầu tiên vẫn đúng ngữ pháp nhưng nó hơi chói tai.

Và đây là điều quan trọng cần lưu ý về các từ chuyển tiếp. Đôi khi, sự kết nối là hiển nhiên. Các từ và cụm từ như “tuy nhiên” và “ví dụ” xuất hiện hoàn toàn hợp lý trong văn bản. Theo cách tương tự, các từ chuyển tiếp tuần tự như “đầu tiên”, “tiếp theo”, “cuối cùng”, v.v. là những lựa chọn hiển nhiên. Tuy nhiên, các từ chuyển tiếp khác ít rõ ràng hơn–mục tiêu chính của chúng chỉ là cải thiện dòng chảy. Họ giữ cho bài viết của bạn có tổ chức.

Hầu hết các từ và cụm từ chuyển tiếp xuất hiện ở đầu câu, đoạn văn hoặc mệnh đề. Mặc dù vậy, đôi khi chúng cũng có thể xuất hiện ở những nơi khác.

Cũng cần lưu ý rằng bạn cần chọn từ chuyển tiếp phù hợp. Hãy cùng khám phá một số ví dụ dưới đây.

Ví dụ về các từ chuyển tiếp cho bài tiểu luận

Tùy thuộc vào bài luận bạn đang viết, bạn có thể thấy rằng nó yêu cầu các từ chuyển tiếp khác nhau. Một số từ và cụm từ chuyển tiếp giới thiệu ý tưởng nội dung mới , trong khi những người khác nhấn mạnh rằng hai ý tưởng đều quan trọng như nhau.

Trên thực tế, bạn có thể cần một số loại này trong bất kỳ bài viết học thuật nào mà bạn thực hiện. Hãy cùng khám phá tám loại từ chuyển tiếp mà bạn có thể cần.

Từ chuyển tiếp cho mâu thuẫn

Trong nhiều bài luận, bạn sẽ cần cân nhắc một lập luận bằng một lập luận phản biện. Có những từ và cụm từ riêng lẻ có thể làm nổi bật sự tương phản này, chuyển từ ý tưởng này sang ý tưởng đối lập.

Những từ trái nghĩa bao gồm:

• Họ Nhận xét các mặt khác

Bạn có thể nói điều gì đó như:

• Ngược lại, một phương pháp thay thế tỏ ra hiệu quả.
• Tuy nhiên, cách tiếp cận này có những hạn chế của nó.

Điều này rất tốt cho các bài luận phân tích mà bạn đưa vào đó một sự so sánh.

Từ chuyển tiếp để bổ sung

Hầu hết các bài luận đều yêu cầu bạn chứng minh lý luận của mình. Do đó, bạn cần minh họa bằng chứng bạn có cho một quan điểm cụ thể. Bạn thậm chí có thể cần nhiều hơn một điểm.

Có một số từ chuyển tiếp cho mục đích này:

• Hơn thế nữa
• Bên cạnh đó

Bạn có thể nói:

• Ngoài ra, anh ấy còn mang đến một thái độ tích cực bên cạnh các kỹ năng của mình.
• Hơn nữa, nghiên cứu ủng hộ kết luận này

Cả hai câu này đều có thể giúp bạn bổ sung vào tuyên bố trước đó, củng cố ý tưởng của bạn. Thông thường, bạn có thể sử dụng những từ này để thể hiện rằng hai ý tưởng đều quan trọng như nhau. Nó cung cấp một bổ sung đơn giản, thay vì làm cho cái này có vẻ quan trọng hơn cái kia.

Từ chuyển tiếp để giới thiệu ví dụ

Theo cách tương tự, có những từ chuyển tiếp khác mà bạn có thể sử dụng cụ thể làm ví dụ. Đây là những cách tuyệt vời (và dễ dàng) để giới thiệu bằng chứng của bạn. Chúng bao gồm:

Câu của bạn có thể trông như thế này:

• Ví dụ, bằng chứng cho thấy rằng…
• Cụ thể, việc thêm các yếu tố như sự hài hước có thể thu hút người đọc.

Bạn nên viết ra một danh sách những điều này mà bạn có thể sử dụng trong suốt bài luận của mình. Bằng cách đó, bạn sẽ không sử dụng các từ chuyển tiếp giống nhau xuyên suốt.

Từ chuyển tiếp cho điều kiện và nguyên nhân và kết quả

Đôi khi, một từ chuyển tiếp có thể biểu thị mối quan hệ nhân quả giữa hai sự vật. Đây giống như ví dụ chúng ta đã thấy trước đây, sử dụng “do đó”. Những từ chuyển tiếp này không phải lúc nào cũng rõ ràng nhưng chúng có thể cải thiện đáng kể mạch văn của bạn.

Chúng bao gồm:

Nếu bạn đang viết một bài luận lịch sử hoặc cố gắng trình bày một hậu quả thì những từ chuyển tiếp này là những người bạn tốt nhất của bạn. Hãy nghĩ về những câu ví dụ sau:

• Vì vậy, điều quan trọng là phải tuân theo các hướng dẫn.
• Vì vậy, dự án bị trì hoãn.

Một lần nữa, hãy thử viết những điều này ra để đưa vào suốt bài luận của bạn.

Từ chuyển tiếp để làm rõ thêm

Từ chuyển tiếp phù hợp cũng có thể giúp bạn làm rõ quan điểm của mình hoặc nhấn mạnh thêm. Thông thường, chỉ cần một từ duy nhất để thay đổi ý nghĩa của câu và thêm điểm nhấn. Ví dụ:

• Trong thực tế
• Một cách tự nhiên

Thông thường, những từ và cụm từ này rất hữu ích để nhấn mạnh tầm quan trọng của quan điểm bạn vừa nêu. Ví dụ, bạn có thể nói:

• Quả thực, những phát hiện này rất có ý nghĩa.
• Rõ ràng, cách tiếp cận này hiệu quả hơn.

Tuy nhiên, hãy cẩn thận với cách bạn sử dụng những từ chuyển tiếp này. Tùy thuộc vào mức độ thuyết phục của lập luận của bạn, người đọc có thể rút ra một kết luận khác. Vì vậy, đừng sử dụng những từ như “chắc chắn” trừ khi bạn thực sự chắc chắn!

Từ chuyển tiếp để tóm tắt

Vào cuối bài luận, bạn cần cung cấp một bản tóm tắt tất cả các điểm của bạn. Việc bắt đầu ngay phần kết luận có thể đột ngột, đó là lý do tại sao bạn cần một từ chuyển tiếp để thông báo phần tóm tắt. Hãy thử những điều này:

• Trong kết luận
• Trong bản tóm tắt
• Tất cả mọi thứ đã được cân nhắc
• Để kết luận

Tất cả những từ này đều tuyệt vời để giới thiệu đoạn cuối cùng. Chúng cho người đọc thấy rằng bạn sắp tóm tắt lại những điểm chính của mình. Bạn sẽ thường thấy những câu như thế này:

• Tóm lại, nghiên cứu ủng hộ giả thuyết.
• Tóm lại, lợi ích lớn hơn chi phí.

Thêm những từ hoặc cụm từ này là một cách tuyệt vời để giới thiệu phân tích cuối cùng của bạn.

Từ chuyển tiếp cho mối quan hệ thời gian

Bất cứ khi nào bạn đọc một công thức nấu ăn, bạn sẽ tìm thấy những chuyển tiếp thể hiện mối quan hệ về thời gian. Điều này là do các công thức nấu ăn được thực hiện theo từng bước, trong đó mỗi điểm nối tiếp ngay sau điểm trước đó. Tuy nhiên, cũng có nhiều cách khác để sử dụng những từ chuyển tiếp này. Trước tiên, hãy xem xét một số tùy chọn:

Dưới đây là hai ví dụ về những từ này được sử dụng, một ví dụ từ từng bước và một ví dụ khác từ một bài luận:

• Đầu tiên, thu thập tất cả các tài liệu cần thiết.
• Sau đó, các nhà nghiên cứu đã phân tích dữ liệu.

Như bạn có thể thấy trong ví dụ thứ hai, bạn cũng có thể sử dụng các chuyển đổi này trong phân tích.

Từ chuyển tiếp cho chuỗi và chuỗi

Các từ chuyển tiếp tuần tự rất giống với những gì chúng ta đã thảo luận trước đây. Trên thực tế, có một số sự chồng chéo. Tuy nhiên, những từ này xuất hiện theo một trình tự chính xác:

• Ngay từ đầu
• Ở vị trí thứ hai

Và vân vân. Bạn có thể sử dụng từng cái để minh họa bạn đang ở đâu trong một quy trình cụ thể. Ví dụ:

• Đầu tiên chúng ta cần giải quyết vấn đề chính.
• Trước hết, chính sách cần được sửa đổi.

Một lần nữa, bạn có thể sử dụng những thông tin này cho các sự kiện tuần tự như công thức nấu ăn, nhưng cũng có thể dẫn dắt người đọc thông qua lập luận của bạn. Hãy nhớ rằng, mỗi bài luận nên có phần mở đầu, phần giữa và phần cuối. Vì vậy, bạn có thể sử dụng những từ chuyển tiếp như thế này để đánh dấu vị trí của bạn trong lập luận của mình.

Trình viết AI của Smodin có thể trợ giúp việc chuyển từ như thế nào

Bạn vẫn đang gặp khó khăn với các từ và cụm từ chuyển tiếp? Có một công cụ cho việc đó! Nhà văn AI của Smodin có thể giúp bạn tạo nội dung phù hợp với ý tưởng của bạn. Đó là một công cụ viết luận nâng cao giúp viết các bài báo học thuật đạt tiêu chuẩn cao. Và nó tích hợp liền mạch các từ chuyển tiếp! Bằng cách sử dụng nhiều từ và cụm từ đơn lẻ, Smodin tạo ra văn bản hấp dẫn với mạch truyện tuyệt vời.

Dưới đây là một ví dụ:

• Không có Người viết AI của Smodin: “Biến đổi khí hậu là một vấn đề cấp bách. Nhiều nước đang thực hiện chính sách xanh.”
• Với AI Writer của Smodin: “Biến đổi khí hậu là một vấn đề cấp bách; do đó, nhiều nước đang thực hiện chính sách xanh.”

Và, nhà văn AI của Smodin đáp ứng được những tiêu chuẩn học thuật khắt khe. So với các công cụ AI tổng hợp khác, Smodin tốt hơn nhiều cho công việc học tập. Nó có một cơ sở dữ liệu cụ thể hơn nhiều về công việc học tập chất lượng cao, cho phép nó viết các văn bản có chất lượng tương tự.

Điều này đảm bảo rằng các từ và cụm từ chuyển tiếp được sử dụng là phù hợp cho văn bản trang trọng. Công cụ này hiểu được các sắc thái của ngôn ngữ học thuật, đề xuất những chuyển tiếp giúp nâng cao chất lượng bài luận của bạn.

Các tính năng chính của AI Writer của Smodin

Smodin có một số tính năng chính có thể giúp bạn tạo các bài luận đạt tiêu chuẩn cao, chẳng hạn như:

• Tính mạch lạc và mạch lạc được nâng cao: AI gợi ý các từ chuyển tiếp giúp nâng cao khả năng đọc và tính logic của bài luận của bạn.
• Gợi ý theo ngữ cảnh: Dựa trên ngữ cảnh bài viết của bạn, AI sẽ cung cấp các từ và cụm từ chuyển tiếp phù hợp.
• Phù hợp với các tiêu chuẩn học thuật: AI của Smodin đảm bảo rằng các chuyển tiếp được sử dụng phù hợp với văn bản học thuật, tuân thủ các tiêu chuẩn chính thức.

Vậy bạn còn chờ gì nữa? Xem cách người viết AI của Smodin có thể dễ dàng nâng cao bài luận của bạn thông qua cả cấu trúc và dòng chảy. Với Smodin, bạn có thể đạt điểm cao hơn và hiểu rõ hơn về công việc của mình.

Sử dụng các từ chuyển tiếp tốt nhất cho bài luận

Sử dụng các từ chuyển tiếp trong bài luận là rất quan trọng để tạo ra một luồng ý tưởng trôi chảy và mạch lạc. Những từ và cụm từ này là cầu nối hướng dẫn người đọc thông qua các lập luận của bạn. Không có chúng, sẽ khó hiểu được mối liên hệ giữa các điểm khác nhau. Vì vậy, việc sử dụng hiệu quả các từ chuyển tiếp không chỉ giúp bài luận dễ đọc hơn mà còn củng cố lập luận tổng thể của bạn.

AI Writer của Smodin là một công cụ vô giá để kết hợp các từ chuyển tiếp một cách liền mạch vào bài luận của bạn. Công cụ nâng cao này gợi ý các chuyển tiếp phù hợp theo ngữ cảnh, đảm bảo bài luận của bạn trôi chảy một cách hợp lý và đáp ứng các tiêu chuẩn học thuật cao.

Đừng để thử thách tìm từ chuyển tiếp phù hợp cản trở bài viết của bạn. Khám phá AI Writer của Smodin để nâng cao kỹ năng viết bài luận của bạn và tạo ra các bài báo học thuật chất lượng hàng đầu. Có lẽ bạn là một sinh viên đang hướng tới mục tiêu đạt điểm cao hơn hoặc một nhà văn đang tìm cách cải thiện dòng chảy tác phẩm của mình. AI Writer của Smodin luôn sẵn sàng trợ giúp. Hãy thử Smodin ngay hôm nay và trải nghiệm sự khác biệt trong bài viết của bạn!

Choose Your Test

• Search Blogs By Category
• College Admissions
• AP and IB Exams
• GPA and Coursework

Does the SAT Essay Matter? Expert Guide

In days of yore, the SAT Essay was very different. For starters, it was a required portion of the exam, scored as part of the writing section. You had a measly 25 minutes to give and support your opinion on such deep philosophical issues as the importance of privacy or whether people perform better when they can use their own methods to complete tasks.

Things are very different now. Along with the SAT itself, the SAT Essay has been completely revamped and revised. Among other things, it is now an optional portion of the exam. In light of this SAT Essay renovation, many schools will no longer require that students take the SAT Essay when they take the exam.

But what do all these changes mean for you? Is the SAT Essay important? Read on for a breakdown of the new SAT changes, information on which schools continue to require the SAT Essay, why schools do and don’t require this portion of the exam, and how to figure out if the SAT Essay is necessary or important for you.

UPDATE: SAT Essay No Longer Offered

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});.

In January 2021, the College Board announced that after June 2021, it would no longer offer the Essay portion of the SAT (except at schools who opt in during School Day Testing). It is now no longer possible to take the SAT Essay, unless your school is one of the small number who choose to offer it during SAT School Day Testing.

While most colleges had already made SAT Essay scores optional, this move by the College Board means no colleges now require the SAT Essay. It will also likely lead to additional college application changes such not looking at essay scores at all for the SAT or ACT, as well as potentially requiring additional writing samples for placement.

What does the end of the SAT Essay mean for your college applications? Check out our article on the College Board's SAT Essay decision for everything you need to know.

The New SAT Essay

The SAT was revised in March 2016. The aspect of the exam that is most changed is the essay. Instead of writing a 25-minute opinion piece, you will have 50 minutes to analyze how the author of a given passage constructs his or her argument.

Additionally, instead of having the exam integrated into your composite score, you will receive a separate score for your exam that does not affect your 1600-point score. The new exam is graded out of 24 points - 8 points each in “Reading” (essentially reading comprehension), “Analysis,” and “Writing” (writing style). See our breakdown of the new rubric here .

Finally, the new essay is a completely optional portion of the exam. You don’t have to take it, and you’ll still get your 1600-point score. In this way it’s a lot like the ACT, which also has an optional essay. If you wish to register for the SAT Essay, you’ll pay an extra $11.50.

Because the essay is now optional, colleges have the option of not requiring students to send SAT Essay scores. Thus, many colleges have dropped this requirement. So who still requires the SAT Essay?

Let this creepy happy pencil guide you through the SAT Essay!

Who Requires the New SAT Essay?

According to a Kaplan poll in which 300 schools were surveyed, most schools will not require the optional SAT Essay. However, some still do recommend or require it, particularly in the most selective tier of institutions.

Notably, elite schools like the Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, and the University of Chicago are divided on the issue, with some requiring the essay and some neither requiring or recommending it. In the Ivy League, Harvard, Princeton, Dartmouth and Yale will continue to require the SAT Essay, and Columbia, Cornell, UPenn, and Brown will not.

Big state schools are similarly divided: for example, the University of California system and the University of Michigan both require the essay, University of Illinois and Purdue University recommend it; and Penn State, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Indiana University neither require nor recommend the essay.

For the most up-to-date information on a school’s position on the SAT Essay, check the College Board . If the school isn’t on the list, check their admissions website. Those schools that do require the essay have gone on the record with specific reasons for doing so; I’ll break those down in the next section.

Schools are divided, like this egg.

Why Do Schools Require the SAT Essay?

Given that so many schools won’t require the essay going forward, you may be curious about those that do still require it. What’s their reasoning? Based on public statements from school officials, it seems to boil down to three main reasons:

#1: More Information Is Better

Some colleges seem to feel that all of the information they can get from applicants is helpful in painting a complete picture of the applicant. Certainly the SAT Essay presents a somewhat unique data point in that there are no other standardized elements of a college application that would include specific information on an applicant’s timed writing skills. It makes sense that schools that value having all the information that it is conceivably possible to obtain about a student would require the SAT Essay.

#2: The Revised Test Is Similar to College Work

The old SAT Essay involved a fairly arbitrary task and bore no resemblance to any work students do in college. However, the revised essay engages a student’s rhetorical analysis skills and requires the kind of analytical thinking students will perform in college. Thus, some colleges require the new SAT Essay because they feel it gives valuable insight into how a student might perform with college-level work.

#3: Sending a Message on the Importance of Writing

Institutions may also require the SAT Essay simply because they wish to telegraph to the world that they believe writing is important. This was part of the rationale given by Yale as to why they would continue to require the essay.

That’s why schools require it—but what about schools that don’t require the essay? What’s their reasoning?

Cats or dogs: another hot-button issue at elite institutions

Why Don't Schools Require the SAT Essay?

There are four main reasons that schools have given for not requiring the SAT essay going forward:

#1: Consistency

Many schools already do not require the optional writing portion of the ACT. So now that the SAT Essay is also optional, it makes sense to not require it, either. This simply makes testing guidelines consistent for those schools.

#2: The Essay Is Redundant

Some schools feel that they already have sufficient evidence of an applicant’s writing capability through application essays. This is particularly true at institutions where multiple essays are required as part of the application.

#3: The SAT Essay Does Not Predict College Success

In the past, the old SAT essay has been shown to be the least predictive element of college success on the SAT. While there is not yet data on the new SAT essay’s predictive capabilities, schools have taken this opportunity to shed what they feel is basically dead weight in an application.

#4: Requiring the SAT Essay Presents a Burden to Underprivileged Students

Columbia’s primary concern is that the extra cost of the essay may be a deterrent to underprivileged students.   University of Pennsylvania has made similar statements —minority and underprivileged students are least likely to have a “complete testing profile.” So, they’ve eliminated the SAT Essay requirement in the hopes of attracting a more diverse applicant pool.

A diverse tomato pool.

So Does the SAT Essay Matter to Your College Chances?

I’ve gone over how and why schools use or don’t use the SAT Essay. But what does all of this mean for you?

There are two main questions you need to answer to determine how important the essay is for you: first, should you take the SAT Essay section, and second, how important is your score?

Should I Take the SAT Essay?

This comes down mostly to whether or not you are applying to schools that require or recommend the SAT Essay. (In college applications, I would generally err on the side of treating recommendations as nicely-worded requirements.)

If you are truly not interested in a single school that requires/recommends the essay, and you don’t see yourself changing your mind, go ahead and skip it.   However, if there’s even a chance you might be interested in a school that does require/recommend the essay, you should take it.

And if you’re applying to highly selective schools, definitely take the essay portion, because around half of them require the essay. So if you change your mind at the last minute and decide you’re applying to CalTech as well as MIT, you’ll need that essay.

I advise this because if you don’t take the essay portion and then end up needing it for even one school, you’ll have to take the entire test over again. If you’re happy with your score already, this will be a big four-hour drag for you.

You might also want to take the essay portion if you are particularly good at rhetorical analysis and timed writing. Even for colleges that don’t require the essay, a stellar score will look good.

How Important Is Your SAT Essay Score?

This is a little more complicated, as it does depend to a certain extent on the schools you are applying to. I spoke to admissions officers from several schools, and some themes emerged as to how important they consider your essay score to be, and how they use it in evaluating your application:

• The general consensus was that the essay was the least important part of the SAT overall. Admissions offices will look much more closely at your composite score.
• The SAT Essay is primarily looked at in combination with your other writing-based application materials: your admissions essay and your high school English transcripts are also used to determine your writing and language skills. Essentially, it’s a part of a facet of your application.
• That said, bombing the essay would be a red flag to admissions officers that you might not be fully prepared for college-level work.

Overall, I would advise you not to sweat your essay score too much. The most important thing is that your essay score is more or less consistent with your other test scores. It certainly doesn’t have to be perfect—if you get a 1600 and an 18 out of 24, I wouldn’t stress too much. But if you, say, have a 1500 and get a 9/24 on the essay, that’s a little more concerning, as it may cause concern among admissions officers that you aren’t prepared for college-level work.

In general, then, schools really look at the score, but it’s not one of the most important parts of your application or even your SAT score.  Your best bet if you are interested in a given school that requires the essay and you want more specific guidance how they use the essay is to call the admissions office and ask. To learn more about what a good SAT Essay score is, check out our guide to the average SAT Essay score.

Not this kind of score!

How Can I Succeed on the SAT Essay?

Luckily, it’s very possible to learn the skills to hit the SAT Essay out of the park every time. Here are some general tips:

• Learn specific persuasive and argumentative techniques that you can reference in your essay. If you can’t identify what devices authors can use to make arguments, how will you write an essay about it?
• Make sure you have a clear thesis that can be defended with evidence from the passage.
• Include an introduction and a conclusion. This will help “bracket” your great points and show that you know how to structure a solid piece of writing.
• Rely on evidence from the passage to build your argument.
• Don’t give your opinion on the issue! The new SAT essay is not opinion-based.
• Make sure you use correct grammar and academic language. (No “This passage, like my brows, is on fleek.”)
• Write at least a page.

Also see this guide to getting a perfect SAT Essay score and this one on improving your score.

Tips to success: don't fold up the Essay section into origami boats.

Final Summary and Actionables

With the new SAT making the essay section optional, many schools have chosen to neither require nor recommend that students take it. Most schools will no longer require the essay, but highly selective schools are divided on the issue.

Among those schools that do require the SAT Essay, many have gone on the record to say that they feel the essay provides a valuable additional piece of information on an applicant’s potential for college-level work. They plan on using the essay as a way to further evaluate an applicant’s writing skills, although for most of these schools it is considered the least important part of the SAT score .

At schools where the SAT Essay is not required, the essay has been eliminated for a variety of reasons: for more consistency with ACT requirements, because the Essay seems redundant or poorly predictive of college success, or to attract a more diverse applicant pool.

What does all this mean for you? If there’s even a chance you’ll apply to a school that requires or recommends the essay, take the SAT with Essay. If you don’t and end up needing it later, you’ll have to re-take the entire exam.

If you do take the SAT Essay, don’t stress too much about getting a perfect score, but do prepare enough that you are confident you won’t get a very low score compared to your composite.

What's Next?

If you're thinking about test scores and college, check out my article on the minimum SAT score for college.

Ready to get started with practice essays? Check out our thorough analysis of the SAT essay prompt and our complete list of prompts to practice with .

Aiming for a perfect SAT essay score? Read our guides to get strategies on how to get an 8/8/8 on your SAT essay .

Trending Now

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Get Your Free

Find Your Target SAT Score

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing

How to Improve Your Low SAT Score

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing

Find Your Target ACT Score

Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer

Get a 36 on ACT English

Get a 36 on ACT Math

Get a 36 on ACT Reading

Get a 36 on ACT Science

How to Improve Your Low ACT Score

Get a 24 on ACT English

Get a 24 on ACT Math

Get a 24 on ACT Reading

Get a 24 on ACT Science

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Ellen has extensive education mentorship experience and is deeply committed to helping students succeed in all areas of life. She received a BA from Harvard in Folklore and Mythology and is currently pursuing graduate studies at Columbia University.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!