@thinmints the list changes so much I’m trying to make sure she has all the bases covered.
After emotionally processing for a bit, I’m not going to ask for the rescore-26 is not going to be a dealbreaker for any of the schools on her current list (her composite is 33), and I think her essays for the schools will be strong because she enjoys writing. If she sees the number and wants to take the act again or ask for a rescore, we’ll support that decision.
It’s just freaky to see a number that doesn’t go with any of the other numbers, then have to scrabble around in a panic to see how much damage I may have inadvertently done to her chances by advocating for a writing test (with the faulty assumption that she’s a good writer so why not get some extra brownie points there).
My reading of the situation is that it’s unpleasant to see that outlier number there, but it’s not going to do her any serious damage with regards to her applications.
I got a 32 composite with a 33 in English and 32 in Reading. Should I ask for a rescore? It was my first time taking, and I did no prep. I did well in AP Lang with the synthesis and argument essays however.
@MotherOfDragons wow…you were doing your best job and I’m sorry! On the other hand, a 26 is one of the better scores I’ve seen posted here from students with similar composites. I wish that the colleges would stop asking for this since most of them use the common app with the essay and many require supplemental essays.
I’ve been reading this post and haven’t had anything to add, until today. My DS17 took the ACT in Oct15 and got a composite 33 writing 29. I didn’t think the 29 was very good until I did a lot more reading and read that a 29 is very good. Today we received his ACT June16 writing score… Composite 34 writing 19. UGH!
Would you rescore or let it go? The schools my son is interested in do not require writing scores and use the score for placement or application enhancement only.
FYI, a college counselor we consulted recently said that she was at a conference with college admissions officers as well as other college counselors and everyone is aware of the ACT essay score (or scoring) issue.
FWIW, my son didn’t want to take the writing that day. We didn’t realize he was scheduled for writing until the morning of (our mistake). We jumped on the website and read the rules and were told that you can change if there is room in the “non-writing” room. However, when my son asked, the test center worker said “Nice try. You have to take what you signed up for.” Kind of wish I had gone with him and insisted, cuz it sounds like she didn’t know the rules. Oh well… I think we’ll let it go.
ACT, Inc. stinks. They are understaffed, under-trained, incompetent, and callous. Their employees can’t even compose a decent letter, but somehow these fools are in a position to judge a student’s readiness for college.
Believe me, all they care about is making money.
I hope somehow your problem has been resolved to your satisfaction.
@SuperPoofi - if you haven’t already, then yes definitely ask for a rescore! You have nothing to lose and you may see a dramatic improvement. My daughter’s composite score was a 31 with a 30E and 36R, and scored a 20 on Writing (previously she had scored a 28). We just got her rescore back and she went up to a 29 - huge jump!
I wanted to let you all know that although ACT re-scored my daughter’s writing portion and sent an official re-score letter to us indicating the new scores, they never bothered to re-send it to those Universities they originally forwarded the lower scores to. Their site indicates that their procedure is to re-send in case the score went up but they did not do it. It didn’t matter anyway because my daughter was already admitted and I didn’t care egnouph to fight with them over it. I am just letting you all know because you will need to MAKE ACT to re-send it.
My son scored 35 composite but 26 on writing. Sent in for rescore only to receive a generic letter back saying the “original reporting” was correct. The letter was so simple(no ID#, test date, case/ref #, or even score), there’s no indication they actually did anything now that we paid another $50!
When confronted “Kate” at Customer Service replied that’s their standard process There was “no physical evidence” of the actual rescoring, and they have nothing to share. But ascertained it went through two graders. There’s only one person at the Customer Service, “Kate” called herself “supervisor”, no further details.
Hmm, this may have been why I got a 17 on the writing section when I took my ACT last year, and a far better composite score. I just found this thread, and hopefully, I get a better score when I take it again next year.
No. It can’t be right. If you asked for rescoring and paid for it, they must give it to the independent rescorers and supply the evidence of their work, regardless of the result. I received all the paperwork for my daughter and you should too. Look at the rules on their site. It has all the particulars of rescoring process listed.
"For multiple-choice tests, ACT will verify that your responses were checked against the correct score key.
For writing tests, ACT will verify that your essay was scored by at least two independent, qualified readers and by a third reader in the event that the two scores differed by more than one point in any domain. ACT will also verify that your essay was properly captured and displayed to readers. If errors are discovered during score verification, ACT will rescore your essay.
ACT will inform you by letter of the results of the score verification about three to five weeks after receiving your request. If a scoring error is discovered, your scores will be changed and corrected reports will be released to you and all previous score report recipients at no charge. In addition, your score verification fee will be refunded.
You may also request to be present for verification of your multiple-choice responses—without access to the test questions—at an ACT-designated location. Additional fees will apply."
On another thread a poster said that the adcoms can see the actual essays the kids wrote for the ACT. If that’s true, then that’s enough to satisfy my kid.