<p>I took the ACT this year as a sophomore and got a 36 composite but 8 on the writing. I definitely don't want to retake the test, but how much will the 8 hurt me? I'd never taken the writing section before, even for practice, because I wrote so many in-class essays in my honors English class (and because I was lazy and didn't feel like writing more unnecessarily). The 8 really drops my score :( What will colleges think? Do they weight that particular section very heavily in admissions?</p>
<p>no one gives a ■■■■ about the writing. especially when you got a 36. you’re good. don’t take it again. for the love of god, don’t take it again. it’s a complete waste of time. focus on your gpa</p>
<p>You’re fine, no need to worry at all. </p>
<p>Thanks for the advice!</p>
<p>8 is considered proficient in writing although it is not a great score. Don’t worry about it.</p>
<p>My daughter was in a similar position. She also scored 5 on the AP English Language exam. So the 8 was pretty incongruous.</p>
<p>Harvard did not seem to mind. 
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<p>^ LOL. My D also got 5 in AP Eng but an 8 in ACT essay score.</p>
<p>Agreed per the others. One 8 will not hurt you at all. In fact, I’d go as far as to say, many colleges won’t even notice it with your strong ACT composite score. ( most colleges don’t expect straight 36’s in all the sections anyway, that’s a bit ridiculous…) Besides, a timed test is hardly a place to get a fee for your writing skills. Your essays, grades in english courses, and possibly even APs will do that. </p>
<p>You have a terrific score, go relish in it and do something worthwhile that you love</p>
<p>Sleep in on that next ACT Saturday morning…</p>