Tip #13

If I don’t really know the answer to an essay question, could I benefit by making it harder for the grader to read my answer?

It is never a good idea to make it harder for the grader. Your primary goal on the New York day is to have each grader "like" you. You will most likely be able to deal with any essay if you keep your wits about you and use common sense. Although an essay may contain one or two subtle or difficult issues, most issues are generally straight-forward.

Step back and ask yourself, how you would deal with the factual situation presented to you if you were at work and your employer needed an answer right away. You would probably say – "I think the problem is . . . I think the rule of law is . . . and I think this is how it would work in this situation." Take out the words "I think" and you have your answer.