<p>Wondering if it would be a positive or a negative to include an "explanation" for an 8 on the ACT writing score on the Common App and other applications (in the "Is there any thing you need to explain" category?) He has received an 8 for the 2nd time and isn't taking it again.Has a 36 in English basic score.. typically has good writing/essay tests in schoolwork and has term papers included in school "documentation" for college credit accreditation more than once. (which says he's at the top of his class -- in an all-honors program.)</p>
<p>He can clearly write-- have had tutor look at prep ACT essays and she believes they are 10/11,but handwriting is a problem. (He typically needs to edit his first drafts as well, which isn't possible in the ACT environment). But who really knows, because they really don't say anything negative on the ACT website about his essay -- or offer points for improvement. </p>
<p>So, does he go dead on this and let his college essays speak for themselves (although I hear some colleges use the writing portion as a "check" on your essays), or address it somehow? And how would he even address it? </p>
<p>Any experience with this situation would be appreciated. He is applying to Wake, Richmond, W&L, etc. </p>