<p>I just recieved my ACT scores yesterday and I'm pretty happy with my 34. However, on the optional writing assessment(specifically the essay), I scored an 8 out of 12, about in the 70th percentile. I was wondering what kind of impact this low score will have for admissions, since I'm kind of confused as to
how much significance is given to the essay portion. Do they look at the essay score objectively or do they use it only as another sample?</p>
<p>I suspect admissions will look at the writing score, but not give it much weight. Call admissions and ask them if you are concerned. Your composite score is great - congratulations!</p>
<p>at SLS a couple of weeks ago we had an admissions brief with the Commandant and he was asked about the writing part and he said that they completely throw it out and don't care if you take it or not.</p>
<p>excellent job on composite score btw</p>
<p>Breaker:</p>
<p>I spoke with USMA admissions recently and they said the writing assessment component of the ACT (and the SAT as well) is not being included in a candidate's assessment unless the candidate had a poorly written response to the essay questions or if there was some concern voiced in the English teacher's evaluation. </p>
<p>One of the reasons for this is that there are still a fair number of candidates applying who took the old 2 part SAT(remember the 23 year old limit). USMA wants to put candidates on level comparison whenever possible.</p>
<p>USMA does not consider the ACT writing portion when it comes to admissions.</p>