<p>I took the ACT for the first time in April and got a 34 in Math, Science, and Writing, and a 33 in English, for a composite of 34. Then I got the essay result... a 6. I decided to argue both sides to the essay and take the middle ground (which I have NOW been told many times is a bad mistake). Writing timed essays on standardized tests is not my forte (I got an 8 on my first SAT essay) but I feel I can still improve that ugly 6. As of right now, I'd use my ACT score over my SAT (2110 on first, hope to improve), but I feel like the essay score and "Writing with essay" score (a 29) may hurt me. So, should I retake the ACT just for the sake of improving my essay score? (And if so, any advice on writing the essay, other than to take one side?)</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Here is one strategy that has gotten me a 10 and an 11.</p>
<p>Paragraph 1: Intro with a strong, in depth thesis.</p>
<p>Paragraph 2: This one argues your point. You want to have both broad, analytical aspects to your argument as well as specific, detailed examples that not only support the more broad things you said but also add to them as well.</p>
<p>Paragraph 3: Same as paragraph 2.</p>
<p>Paragraph 4: Address the counterargument and thoroughly discuss it, but also say why it is wrong. Provide some specific, detailed examples as well to support why theirs is wrong and yours is right.</p>
<p>Paragraph 5: Conclude what you are saying. Include the thesis, but reword it. Make a final, concluding sentence that is analytical and clever.</p>
<p>Here is one strategy that has gotten me a 12.</p>
<p>Write 5 pages.</p>
<p>I am sorry, 34 on ACT but 6 on essay, I think you need to freak out right now because you won’t get accepted to ANY colleges since essay shows so many things: your character, your skills, you determination etc. Your best shot is community college nearby.</p>
<p>^ are you being sarcastic right now? 0_0</p>
<p>what do you think?</p>
<p>Lmao. A composite of 34 and you’re worried?? I took it the first time Sophomore year and got a 25 composite, 9 essay. Wanna trade?</p>
<p>WOAH masi. I’m in like the exact same position. When I took the ACT for the first time as a freshman, I got really similar scores to what you got. I’m DYING to improve my essay.</p>
<p>Are you like my alter ego or something?</p>
<p>I’m taking the ACT this June, I’ve taken it once before, but without the essay section. How much is the essay out of and what are you supposed to do in your essay (are there any specific requirements like AP DBQs and FRQs)?</p>
<p>Masi:</p>
<p>My kid just went through the college admissions process. I can assure you that the “6” you got on your essay will have no impact on your chances of admissions. Based on what I have learned from going through the process, it is totally irrelevant.</p>