<p>My essay actually was pretty good, I included some well thought out details. One problem though is that I ran out of space before I could start a conclusion. Will this hurt me noticeably?</p>
<p>um … yes.</p>
<p>I don’t think it would be too bad if the rest of your essay was good. Honestly, the way SAT/ACT essays are graded can vary so greatly, it’s hard to tell. I wrote (what I considered) an 8 essay and received a 10.</p>
<p>Same thing’s happened to me both times I’ve taken the SAT. I got a 9 on my last essay, hopefully this one will go better (I did use more concrete examples). The essay I ended up getting a 9 on was not a fantastic essay, so I don’t think a lack of conclusion impacts you too harshly.</p>
<p>I think a strong thesis statement with clear, well thought out examples is key. My daughter, an 8th grader, took the SAT for the talent search. She hates to write and despised the prompt about the reality TV but she made a stab at it and used a strong intro with three supporting paragraphs. She did not even finish or really get to the conclusion and scored a 10/12. Remember, they don’t spend a great deal of time reading those essays!</p>