<p>First off, I don't mean to offend anyone by saying my writing score is "bad" universally, I just feel it's a bit low for the colleges I'm aiming to apply to. Of course, this feeling is a gut instinct and I don't actually now how heavily the writing score is weighted in admissions.</p>
<p>Anyways, I got a 36 on every section, and an 8 on writing. Any suggestions as to what to do? This was my first ACT but I'm so busy over the next few months I don't know if I'll be able to take the ACT again. The one my school offers doesn't have Writing because they had to cut it due to district funding...</p>
<p>"As far as how much the essay affects admissions, it depends on the school… But, generalizing, most schools don’t look at it harshly. They know you’re writing an essay in 30 minutes at the end of taking 3-4 hours worth of standardized test; they know you’re exhausted and that’s definitely not your best work. It’s a number they can glance at for an “okay, they know the fundamentals of writing and they’re not completely clueless.” What will really matter are your college application essays.</p>
<p>A 35 composite is pretty much amazing. If you know you can pull that off again with a higher writing score (a solid essay to shoot for is a 10, IMO) then go for it."</p>
<p>Basically, if you think that you could pull off another 36 while improving your essay score go for it.</p>
<p>I would strongly advise against it though. In my opinion, retaking a 36 would not be worth it.</p>
<p>IMO, 8 - alright, 10 - good, 12 - damn.
Not sure how the schools will weigh your specific writing based on the abilities you show with your composite. Then again, generalizing, most schools don’t look at the essay grade too harshly. It’s a number they can glance at for an “okay, they know the fundamentals of writing and they’re not completely clueless.” What will really matter are your college application essays.
With a 36 composite it’s up to you. If you know you can pull off those scores again, practice the essay section and go for it.</p>
<p>I’m going to repeat what everyone else said in this thread. If your 100% sure you can get the same composite score, then by all means do it. However, your weak essay score will not matter if:</p>
<ol>
<li>You have high letter grades in a honors or AP lang course (if AP, at minimum a 4)</li>
<li>(Only applies to colleges that read your ACT essay) Your essay was well written, but made futile mistakes (such as forgetting to address a counter argument) that hurt your score
→ Also, your writing style is consistent in the essay and in your college essay</li>
</ol>
<p>As you are well aware, a 36 is a superb score. No matter what you choose, congrats on the score.</p>