SAT Essay

Published by at November 1st, 2021 , Revised On September 2, 2025

The SAT essay is almost like a formal essay assigned in college that requires essay-writing skills. The SAT essay might be optional, but we suggest taking it and showing the universities that you deserve the chance.

You can divide your SAT essay into three stages to complete it in 50 minutes, which you will be allotted. With so little time and so much to do, you need to find the best time combination that will help you complete the essay just in time.

There is a broad time frame for a couple of these stages, depending on your reading or writing ability. Some people, for example, are way faster at reading than they are at composing and vice versa.

 

How Should You Split Your 50-Minute SAT Essay Time?

Here’s a suggestion straight from the SAT preparation helpers to manage your test within the assigned time. You just need to replicate while writing the prose so as not to exceed the time limit.

  • Reading &  Planning: 10-15 Minutes
  • Writing: 30-35 Minutes
  • Revising & Updating: 5 Minutes

What are the Three Stages of Writing a SAT Essay?

There are only three stages to write a perfect SAT essay, as mentioned below.

 

  • Reading

If you are a fast reader, you should just read through the given passage and avoid getting too hung up on the descriptions, but if you are a slow reader and have trouble managing time, try skimming the passage. 

Ensure to have a clear understanding of the way the content is laid out before you look deep into it. Just give a quick view of the passage before you go for a detailed analysis. It can help you decide which parts you have to get back to and which parts to exempt.

When you get back for a detailed review, make sure to highlight, underline or circle argument-building material that will help you in the coming stages of essay writing.

 

  • Planning

Most students do not plan the SAT essay structure before writing. We suggest taking some time to plan the essay because the grader needs a clear structure, i.e., introduction, body, conclusion.

It is impossible to follow the structure and manage the time without a plan. Highlight or make notes all over the passage while reading and analysing it. This will help you quickly find the relevant material and quote the author instantly where necessary. 

Also, write a brief outline, including the details in bullet points and the exact location. Taking out the time to plan an outline during the reading will save you time and work as the best SAT essay time management hack.

 

  • Writing

Once you are done analysing the passage and planning the essay, it’s time to write nonstop until you are left with only five minutes to proofread and edit the essay. If you have appropriately taken notes and planned effectively, you can jump right into it without having to go back to the passage you have read for writing.

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How to Write a Perfect SAT Essay to Score Maximum?

These are the proven steps to write a maximum score on the SAT essay for college applications.

 

Introduction:

Briefly mention the author’s argument and the evidence you will be using to support your thesis statement. You can write about the concept in general and try to rephrase the arguments differently. You can also write just a couple of sentences if you run out of time.

 

Body paragraphs:

Use a well-organised structure to write a sound body paragraph. Briefly describe how the author used the evidence to support his own argument. Here is how you can structure the body paragraph.

Start with the metamorphosis, then briefly provide an introduction to the topic. Explain the topic’s 

context and relevancy to your thesis statement, supported by evidence collected from the passage. Discuss how the evidence is proof of your thesis statement at the end.

 

Conclusion:

In conclusion, you have to reaffirm your thesis statement and briefly discuss the evidence you have mentioned in the body paragraph. Be careful not to write about a border context or introduce a new idea in the conclusion. Make sure you do not contradict yourself or add anything you have not discussed already. End on a strong note.

 

How to Make the SAT Essay Error-Free to Submit?

You need to read the prose thoroughly and make the revisions or changes required to eliminate all the grammatical, syntactical, or overwriting mistakes that you have made. It will ensure receiving the maximum scores from the grader.

Once you put all the pieces together, it’s time to revise. Go through the essay and see if it makes sense to you. If it’s not making sense, then proofread and edit it until it’s perfect.

Also read: How to write a descriptive essay for college assignments.

 

Is the SAT Essay Still Required?

The College Board declared that after June 2021, the SAT essay will no longer be required. Most colleges have already shifted to making SAT essay scores optional. The declaration made by the College Board will most likely lead to changes in the college application process, and they might not consider essay scores at all for the SAT and ACT.

 

Is the SAT Essay Optional for Students?

You can skip the essay portion of your SAT, but some colleges recommend that students attempt the essay. If you haven’t registered for the SAT essay initially, you can add it later.

 

How Many Paragraphs Should I Write for the SAT Essay?

You should aim to write four to five paragraphs according to the SAT essay structure. One should be of introduction, two to three for the body, and one for the conclusion. It will be enough to build strong arguments and prove your point to end the prose on a good note.

Ensure each paragraph has a specific motive and focuses on the particular point rather than mixing the information, in order to paint a bigger picture.

Also read: Why does academic writing require strict Formatting of an essay?

 

How Should I Structure a SAT Essay?

A 4-paragraphed SAT essay is usually structured like this;

Example of SAT Essay Structure

Introduction Paragraph

  • Introducing the topic
  • Thesis statement
  • Preview of evidence

Body Paragraph 1

  • Reasoning
  • Evidence
  • Analysis of evidence
  • Transition

Body Paragraph 2

  • Reasoning
  • Evidence
  • Analysis of evidence
  • Transition

Conclusion Paragraph

  • Summary of reasons (Optional)
  • Paraphrase of a thesis statement.
  • Your point of view.

Frequently Asked Questions

Start by reading the passage carefully and move on to identify the author’s argument techniques. After that, write an essay explaining how the arguments persuade the reader by following the clear structure: introduction, body, conclusion. Try to be objective and focus on analysis, rather than opinion.

There are three stages to writing a SAT essay that you can follow to come up with perfect prose.

  • Reading
  • Planning
  • Writing

Students often make the following mistakes while attempting the SAT essay.

  • Summarising the passage instead of analysing.
  • Giving personal opinions instead of objective analysis.
  • Ignoring the author’s argumentation technique while analysing.
  • Focusing on one aspect by focusing more on one aspect.

SAT essays are usually between 500 and 700 words long. There’s no strict word limit, but you have to complete it in only 50 minutes. Focus on clarity and content quality instead of quantity for better results.

About Ellie Cross

Avatar for Ellie CrossEllie Cross is the Content Manager at Essays.uk, assisting students for a long time. Since its inception, She has managed a growing team of great writers and content marketers who contribute to a great extent to helping students with their academics.

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