ACT essay commentaries?

<p>i know there's lots of threads about ACT essay.... sorry... but i need help. so I took the ACT 2 times.... and got 8 on essays both of the time (which is really surprising cuz I thought i did MUCH better on the second essay. but i guess not.)</p>

<p>So I was wondering. SAT essay kinda requires that you reference some other books (literary novel, history, etc) or some famous people to reference in your essay and integrate it as a commentary to support your argument. Does this "rule" also apply to the ACT essay? Or do you just come up with personal stories from your own experience to answer the prompt? </p>

<p>please help!!</p>

<p>No, not necessary. Personal examples work as well.</p>