High composite score but low essay score?

Test Preparation ACT Preparation
1

<p>I'm pretty sure this question gets asked a lot, but I'm just anal enough a person to want specific reassurance that this isn't a big deal. I'm a motivated student trying to get into schools like Harvard, Columbia, Brown, U. of Chicago, Northwestern, and so forth. I was extremely pleased to find out I got a 35 composite score on the ACT that I took in October (34 English and Math, 35 Science and Reading) but was undeniably disappointed when I found out my essay score - 8 out of 12. </p>

<p>I know the essay score doesn't count towards your composite, but I can't help but feel like crap when I look at it and my new combined English score - a dismal 31. </p>

<p>This might not be such a big deal but writing is by far my greatest strength and I thought I wrote a great essay in October, though evidently two scorers did not think so.</p>

<p>Is this score enough to detract from my chances of getting into Harvard or Columbia in a major way? Is it worth it (I know it sounds crazy and OCD but that's just me) to RETAKE a 35 just to possibly raise the essay score? Or should I just focus on getting good grades in AP English and my English Lit subject test in order to say, "Hey, the ACT essay is pretty subjective and not reliable"?</p>

2

<p>I would try not to worry, but that could be just wishful thinking on my part. My D, an excellent writer, got an 8 essay with 35 English score and 35 composite. We are trusting that the 35 is impressive enough, and that good grades in writing-intensive classes will go a long way toward alleviating any doubt the adcoms have about the essay grade. The college counselor - very experienced - agrees with that approach.</p>

3

<p>Well it’s helpful to know that someone is at least in the same boat as me, I suppose. Is your daughter planning on applying to the same sort of schools that I am - Harvard, Columbia, etc.?</p>

4

<p>She might apply to a couple Ivies if she doesn’t get in ED to her dream school - a highly selective LAC. But she’s not counting on Ivies - nobody should!</p>