36 composite, 9 writing

Hi,

I received a 36 (36, 36, 36, 34) on my act composite for September 2016. However, my writing score is a 9 (9,8,9,10). Does having a low writing score offset the 36?

I will be applying to a couple of top colleges (Stanford, Hopkins, Columbia, Cornell, UC Berkeley). Should I retake the act?

Thanks!

A 9 essay isn’t going to keep you out of a school (especially this year). The essay score does NOT factor in to your composite. You have a 36. That’s a perfect score. Kick tail on the app essays and choose the school that’s going to pay you the most to go there!

@midtntutor Will schools like Stanford and Hopkins still consider that my composite (36) is greater than the average, ACT composite at that school (34) or will my essay bring it down to an average level?

The essay does not factor in to the overall composite score. The essay, STEM, and ELA scores are not averaged in with the English/Math/Reading/Science sections that make up the composite. Stanford and Hopkins (and any other school) will see the 36. If you have specific concerns, you can always call the admissions offices at your school and clarify their positions on the essays.