I realize this is a pretty common question with the new ACT Writing section causing problems/inconsistencies with scoring and whatnot. I’m a junior, and I took the April 2016 ACT and received a 35 Composite (36 E 32 M 36 R 36 S). When I first received my multiple choice scores and saw the low math score (I’m a potential physics/engineering major. I PROMISE I’m good at math!), I was very tempted to retake but decided that that would be silly and I should be happy with my score.
However, I received my writing score a few days ago and it was an abysmal 21. I don’t think it was a scoring error. I didn’t prep at all for this ACT and not being prepared for the new writing format really hurt me. I really don’t want to have to take the test again. Would my low writing score really affect my chances at acceptance? I’m looking mostly at schools like Notre Dame, Vandy, and Rice with maybe Penn or Princeton as high reach schools. Thanks!
I have read on other threads that some schools don’t pay much attention to the writing score. Maybe if you send for a rescore on the writing they might change it to a somewhat higher score. Did you take an English AP class and do well?
Are you going to take the SAT II Math 2? Sometimes kids who score lower than you in math on the ACT get a perfect or near perfect score on the Math 2 subject test. I suspect that the difference has to do with the tight timing on the ACT.
@BunnyBlue I’m currently in AP Lang and am taking the AP Exam on Wednesday. I’ve done pretty well on the practice exams I’ve taken, so fingers crossed I do well on the exam to make up for that writing score. I do think I will probably end up requesting a rescore, even though I don’t think it’ll increase at all and it might just be a waste of $50. I’m really kicking myself for not prepping the way I should have. It’s frustrating because I’ve always considered myself to be a good writer, but the format the ACT wants is just so specific and requires so much preparation.
As for SAT Math 2, I think that I am going to take it in June along with SAT Physics. I’ve also heard that about score comparisons between ACT Math and SAT Math 2. For me, I think the problem is the timing and the more confusing nature of the ACT Math questions. From what I’ve seen, the SAT II questions are much more straightforward. Thanks so much for the helpful reply!
You’re welcome! Good luck on your exams. I bet when you get the results from your AP’s and SAT II’s you will be happy with all your scores.
All of the schools OP is applying to except Notre Dame require writing. Given the competitiveness of these schools, I’d say retake and work on the rest of your application.
@2017senior Just want to make sure you saw this thread in which a student who scored only moderately well in math on the SAT appears to have impressed a college with his math score on the SAT II Math 2.
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/sat-act-tests-test-preparation/1890553-can-getting-a-high-score-on-the-math-ii-subject-test-compensate-for-a-low-sat-math-score.html#latest
ACT scorers have been doing abysmally on the writing - truly egregious mistakes. Just order (quickly) a new evaluation of the writing; it’ll cost you $50 and if they add even just one point, they’ll refund you, so you really don’t risk anything.
Fortunately, most colleges don’t look the writing score anymore, so you’re in the clear.
DO NOT retake your 35, as you’ll look score-obsessed to colleges, vs. “interested in your education”. You got a top score. Stop taking the test and focus on other things that’ll matter WAY more. Read how to be a high school superstar by Cal Newport.
If you’ve done well in an AP writing class, I think they will understand that you are a decent writer
Update: I requested a re-score a few weeks ago and haven’t heard back. Got a 5 on AP Lang so hopefully that’ll help colleges know that I’m literate 
So happy for you! Congrats!!