I’ve taken the ACT twice, scored 31 and 32. I know I can do better and am retaking it again to hopefully bring up my science score. My essays on the two tests were 33 and a perfect 36.
When I take the test the third time do I need to also include the essay or can I skip it? I know most colleges don’t superscore the ACT, but did not think the essay fell into that category anyway. Thanks.
You have a choice when paying for it if you want to take the writing portion of the test.
First, I need to dispose of a false assumption: the fact that a college superscores does not mean it will do so with an ACT w/o writing. The issue is whether it will use the ACT w/o writing at all even if it suprescores. Most colleges that require the writing do not tell you on their sites what they will do if you submit an ACT test w/o writing and also submit one or more with writing. Thus, the only way you can determine whether they will use the one without writing at all is to contact them and get an answer. If you are not prepared to do that with all the writing-required colleges to which you intend to apply, then you should assume that you will need the writing section in the test if you want to use it for such colleges.
Look at websites and ask admissions officers if not there. Some schools we are looking at require it with at least one ACT. Others require writing everytime and one says “when offered” so I’m hoping the recent test at my daughter’s school that didn’t offer writing will count.