<p>I've taken the ACT twice so far, with writing both times, but I am planning on taking it again in October. I got an 8 on my last test and am wondering if I should take writing again. Say I do worse on the writing portion but better on the multiple choice, will the colleges be sent the crappy writing score or the 8 from the previous test? I felt my essay was really good last time (expected a 10 at least)and am not sure if I should take a chance at doing worse on the writing and having the colleges be looking at a fat 6 or something.</p>
<p>Since this is the first year that the writing section is mandatory, it is tough to say exactly what colleges will do with the score. However, regardless of your essay score, you should send in the test result with the higher MC score. Colleges would rather see that then a 2 point difference in the essay.</p>
<p>Only some colleges require the writing section (many of your high ranks) and those colleges will not rely on an ACT test that does not have the writing score (even if a previous test does have it). In other words, if you are planning to submit that third test to an ivy or like ilk and have them use it for admission, you must take the writing portion.</p>
<p>The rest of the colleges that do not require the writing section are not relying on it even if the test score you submit has a writing score so it is irrelevant for those whether you do better or worse in writng next time around.</p>
<p>When you request ACT to send a test, it sends only the test requested and not scores from any other ACT test you took.</p>
<p>Also remember that you can send scores for more than one test to schools...I think you have to order them separately, though (I'm not sure about that.) Some schools will take your highest sections from multiple tests just as they do on the SAT. Others take your highest single test.</p>