<p>Hello,
What is the advantages and disadvantages to taking the writing section?</p>
<p>Also, they say it is optional, how does that work? When you walk in do they ask if you want to take it or not? Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks.</p>
<p>You choose writing or no writing when you register. You can also switch options on the test day if they have enough materials at the test center. Advantages: some colleges require it. Disadvantages: costs $14 extra, and if you bomb it you can't separate your writing score from your multiple choice score (they all get reported together).</p>
<p>Check on all your potential schools. If I'm not mistaken, the ACT web site even has a chart. (If not, or something isn't listed, go to the colleges' web sites.) For some places, the writing part isn't optional!</p>
<p>If you think you might take the test more than once, you could do it with the writing section and see how you do. If you don't do well and don't need the writing section, take the test again without. ACT has score choice, so colleges need not see the first scores.</p>
<p>I took the ACT 3 times with the writing test. I took the writing test because I am going to be a writing major and even though my schools did not require it I figured it would look better.</p>
<p>the only reason why i am taking the writing section is because the schools that im applying to require the new SAT or the ACT with writing. you just need to check to see what requirements there are for the schools that you are interested in. most east coast schools require the ACT with writing. and plus, it is only a half hour...it doesnt seem that long after taking a 3 hour test</p>
<p>^^sorry that was me in my mom's log in...grr she is always logging me out!</p>