<p>I received horrible essay scores on my ACT and SAT which I could not improve after several retakes (with multiple 36s/800s on CR and missing no actual multiple-choice writing questions). I imagine the problem – and make no mistake, it is a problem – is that they require anecdotal evidence rather than real justification. A thorough rational analysis invoking logical fallacies and looking at consequences to defend or rebuke a claim is seemingly worthless, while “my grandmother doesn’t like x so I don’t think we should have x” gets you a gold star. 3 gold stars gets you a 12 provided that your introduction and conclusion are passable.</p>