<p>I had exactly the same issue. I took SAT the first time as a sophomore (which is apparently unfathomable to the English teachers at my school, so I consequently knew nothing about how to please CB), and I figured since I am published and have always been a strong writer that I would nail the writing section.
I received an eight, after handing in what I thought was a very well argued, polished, interesting essay. Now, as a junior, I’ve been taught The Formula (and my teacher admits that it does in fact exist) and I can clearly see where I went wrong.</p>
<p>Too much pathos.</p>