No not at all!!! I think it is a good idea and impressive to retake the ACT, and your ECs are stellar.
I just got my ACT writing scores back. On the December ACT, I received a 31 composite and a 27 writing score. On the April ACT, I received a 32 composite and a 23 writing score. Obviously I will be submitting my higher composite score. I don’t know how my writing score decreased by so much, but will this extremely low writing score negatively affect my admissions not only at Vandy but at any school?? @writer80 @gandalf78 @Janizary @beepybeetle @BigDreams12 @shadyconcepts @idkName @XCjunior2016 @olliegt @yinuos
Honestly, the writing section is one of the easiest to improve. It seems like you don’t have a firm grasp on grammar. I would read up a few books on ACT grammar and do practice tests and retake next year.
In terms of retaking the ACT, you might go at it after taking a test preparation course from a reputable person (and your guidance counselor might be able to give you some local names). Our high school senior did so, and got a 3-level increase in ACT (to the upper end of the range predicted by the ACT-PLAN).
I don’t see where you have SAT scores to report. Have you taken the SAT? If not, you might consider taking it; many students do better on either the ACT or SAT, so it could be an option for you.
Its easy to improve
@Fijiblu Low writing score obviously is going to hurt, but it isn’t nearly as important as the other score.
P.S
I got in with a 19 on writing.
ACT Writing scores really don’t matter. I have the exact same score (32 composite, 23 writing) and I asked an admissions counselor from Duke (I know it’s not Vanderbilt but it’s still a top tier school) if it would matter, and my counselor said not as much. They can’t see the essay you wrote for the ACT, so they mainly focus on your essays you submit, because the exam is quite subjective in their grading. They would rather read what you can write based on a topic relating to you instead of the irrelevant essays from the ACT. You could probably submit both scores, since a 31 is also a solid score and that writing is higher. Best of luck!
@Janizary On the English section of my ACT, I got a 34. That is the section that tests grammar. The writing section asks you to analyze three perspectives, and it does not factor into your composite score. The writing test is the section that I received a 23 on, not the English / grammar section.
@gandalf78 I took the SAT in March, and since it was the first administration of the new SAT, I am still awaiting my results. The results are expected to be reported on May 10th I believe. I will let you know what I receive!
@writer80 @idkName @allison1225 Thanks for your replies! So my low writing score won’t be a “red flag” in the admissions process or be the reason I don’t get admitted??
@Fijiblu No. As long as your college application essay is good, it should be fine. They can tell if you are a good or bad writer from the actual essay you submit to them.
No one thing is a red flag (not tiny thing as a single test score at least). Like it has to be a combination. Maybe you have a low ACT English score, low writing score, and submit an essay full of grammar errors. They would think, hey maybe this person doesn’t know how to write. But if it was just 1 score? Well, they would probably assume you just had a bad day or something. That is completely understandable. Obviously, you shouldn’t ignore it, because it it part of the app, but improving it should be relatively at the bottom of the to do list.
You are fine