The length of an SAT essay has an effect on the score given. On average, essays with scores of 5 or 6 are usually 350 to 450 words in length - about three or four paragraphs. Essays with only 100 to 200 words usually get a score of 1 or 2. Going too far - beyond 500 words for example - just makes it more difficult for the grader to get through it quickly. Remembering to write for the audience, it is a good idea to shoot for 350 to 400 words on the SAT essay. In this amount of words, it is important to make sure every word packs a strong punch.