I got a 36 composite on the ACT, but I only received a 7 on the essay section. What should I do? Should I try SAT again (I got a 1450 last year)? Do colleges really look at the essay score? What sorts of colleges should I aim for (4.0 UW, 4.42 W, track and field, engineering club, hospital volunteering, etc.)?
Colleges don’t usually look at your essay test score. Apply to u of Chicago, where test is optional.
Stop testing (maybe take some SAT 2s if you Haven’t taken any) . Invest in one or two of those activities you love and try to create a spike. Your scores wont be the thing that holds you back.
What English classes have you taken? What grades did you get?
If you took CP English and got a C, then the essay would confirm that English isn’t your strong suit.
If you took AP Lang and got an A, then I don’t think they would care.
I currently have an A in AP Lang and am planning to take AP Lit…I was so happy about my composite but honestly surprised at my essay score because I generally consider myself to be a strong writer. Guess the essays are maybe just graded really harsh.
Please do not stress over this. You do know that a 36 composite is the highest possible composite score, right? You cannot do better than that for a composite. It puts you way over the best “middle 50 percent” ranks that colleges look for. Some colleges do not want to see an ACT essay score anyway; find out what your particular colleges you’re pursuing want from you. Don’t stress, and with a 36 ACT, I absolutely would not retake the SAT. Just go with what you have. The 7 on the essay will mean nothing with a 36 composite, especially if your score on the language arts (reading and writing) portion of the ACT is fine.
Your essay score is fine. The maximum score is 12 anyway. & is perfectly fine. No college is going to deny you because of a 7 with a perfect score of 36. Do not retake. BTW, I am a test prep tutor, and I know how it works.
^^This. Definitely do not retake.