<p>My first SAT I scored a 2080
620 CR 740 Math 720 Writing
But I scored a perfect 12 on the essay </p>
<p>The following month I took my first ACT and scored a 32 on the writing part but only received a 10 on my essay( which I had felt strongly about). </p>
<p>Now, on my most recent SAT, I scored a 2170:
690 CR 740 Math again 740 Writing…
But I only recieved a 9 on the essay this time, and I had felt even more strongly about this one! </p>
<p>My question is: do colleges see this? Will they see this as a downward spiral in my writing skills?
Will they think I got lucky the first time?
Am I overreacting? </p>
<p>Any input is helpful! Thanks! :)</p>
<p>There is an overall improvement in your scores so I dont think you should be worried about it.</p>
<p>Make a note to yourself - your writing gets worse when you “feel strongly” about a topic. That suggests to me that your organization suffers, and your arguments are less balanced. Use that information to help yourself improve. Ask someone you trust to be honest to critique some sample essays. Do this before you write your college essays, as I’m sure you will feel strongly about those, too. :-)</p>
<p>@sakacar: great advice! Thanks :)</p>
<p>Whether colleges accept you or not is based on a thorough impression. Looking at your scores, the judge can only see if you’re hard-working or not. If you have a specific reason why your essay score declines, and can find a way to mention it in the application essay, which is the final round, do it. The application essay is the final puzzle piece in the picture about you which the judge is depicting, so try your best to redeem your apparent weakness. I guess this also explains why some people can get to harvard with a 1800 SAT. It’s all about who you are, can what you can contribute to the community…</p>