I took the ACT on April 9th I’m mostly fine with my composite score of 27. I got 27 English, 28 Math, 27 Reading, and 27 Science. Although I was hoping for a 30, I’m happy with how consistent my scores were. Now comes the problem: a 16 on writing. I know that the scoring for writing is all whack this year so I’d be fine if it were in the low to mid twenties. But how much could the writing score hurt me? I’m looking to go somewhere like UIUC or UofW in Madison. I never had the intention of trying to go to a super elite private school (U Chicago calls out to me sometimes though…) since cost is a really huge factor. I have zero college fund so all I can do as apply to infinite scholarships and hope I make it into a good state school. Should I retake it because of my writing score? Plus would getting my composite up by just a few points significantly help earn scholarships?
Background on my testing:
I’m truly a decent test taker in normal circumstances, but timing absolutely kills me. In every single section, I was just barely making it or filling in random bubbles (I remember one I wasn’t able to get to ten questions and just had to fill them in as quickly as possible). Also, on the writing I didn’t quite realize exactly what I was being asked to do and the question itself I must say was pretty ridiculous (hopefully other April testers agree…). I didn’t know how to talk about half of it so I mainly focused on using history and it took me so long to figure out how to even relate everything that I only wrote three paragraphs-ish out of the five I had planned out in my head. So in other words, I probably deserved such a low score. But I still do believe that what I had written was excellent and was very clear and concise (I’m an honors English student, I’ve written many papers).
Also, I think having them rescore it would be pointless. If anything, maybe the writing would go up for two points but eh, not likely. On top of that, if I’m going to give another $50 to ACT, I might as well make it worthwhile and just take it again to also have the chance of improving my composite.
TL;DR: Am I screwed with that writing score? I won’t do a rescore.
Thank you 
I would take another shot at the ACT. You really have nothing to lose by taking it again. If you do well enough, it might mean some scholarship money.
But keep in mind, the ACT can only help so much. If you have a 70 avg at school and you’re already a junior, forget about scholarship money.
@morningstar03 I think you should look at the schools you are applying to and see if they even consider the writing score for the ACT. UW Madison and University of Chicago do not, and UIUC only requires it if you are an Education major.
If none of the schools require the writing portion, you could retake in June without the writing. If it turns out 27 or higher, send that one in. If it turns out lower than 27, just send your last one in.
You may want to check out Iowa State University. They have good need based aid and reachable automatic scholarships for out of state students.
Have you tried the SAT? My daughter found the pre-ACT to be too fast-paced and couldn’t complete the sections. The PSAT/SAT works much better for her. She has time to complete all of the questions.
I wouldn’t worry about the essay - low scoring is a known issue.
The 27 will get you a scholarship at University of Arkansas - Monticello and some HBCUs.
http://automaticfulltuition.yolasite.com/
Look at what score you need to get merit dollars form UIUC and UW and make that your target score.
I’ve looked into trying out the SAT. I took the PSAT in the fall and did really well, I got the second highest score in the school although I don’t remember the exact number. To take it, I’d have to drive an hour away to another school while the ACT is only a four minute drive. I do well academically and in extracurriculars as well (4.0, AP classes, All-State for band, community stuff, etc), but I don’t want them to see a 16 on writing and just toss it instinctively without even bothering to look at everything else.
I would consider trying the ACT one more time. My daughter had trouble with the timing, etc. the first attempt which was in December - but she got a 28 composite (I think 25 on the writing). She reviewed a little with some books and watched some videos, etc. (but not a lot of time/effort) and retook it in February. For some reason, she was SO much more comfortable, the questions and reading passages made more sense to her and she found them to actually be interesting … and her writing prompt was something she also felt very passionate about. So, with basically very little effort, she moved to a 32 composite - and a 32 on the writing … all because she was more relaxed and hit a test that “felt” better. She’s hoping that bump in her score, combined with her strong grades, will help get a bit more merit aid.
Take the SAT. And take some practice tests. A little bit of time doing some test prep with an SAT book will help. Have a parent drive you to the SAT test so you can just chill. If you decide to redo the ACT then you should take practice tests to work on keeping up your speed. But really, take the SAT.
My D said the same thing about the writing part. She didn’t know what they were asking. It was not just you who were confused. Like other people above, I suggest you to retake or switch to SAT.