<p>Just how bad is a 9 on the ACT essay? I took the ACT in september and got a 36 composite, but I got a 9 on the essay because I couldn't find a way to write a sophisticated essay based upon the mindless drivel that the essay was forcing me to defend or challenge (something about whether or not social events should be allowed). How bad will this reflect upon colleges?</p>
<p>You better start looking at some state schools, because a 36 on the ACT with only a 9 on the essay will have a lot of schools throw your app away on the spot.</p>
<p>Are you serious? That's not good for me either.</p>
<p>suppasonic, I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not. I really want to know how bad a 9 is.</p>
<p>it won't matter at all, with a 36 you have an excellent chance anywhere (regardless of your essay score)...and yes, he was being sarcatic</p>
<p>and a 9 isn't that bad, it's above average, i'm sure schools wouldn't mind if you just prove that you can write based on college essays</p>
<p>Haha seriously...don't worry. Your ACT isn't the only thing that they look at. I have horrible scores but excel in other areas - and have chances at decent schools!</p>
<p>Relax!
I got an 8 on my essay and I am a great writer too! Hopefully I get a 10+ on the next one.</p>
<p>a 9 isn't bad at all. I'll probably get an 8 on this essay. I really hate the ACT essay prompts.</p>
<p>The ACT essay is much easier than the SAT essay in my opinion.</p>
<p>Get ready for community college.</p>
<p>some of the quesions on CC are absolutely hilarious. This is almost as bad as the people who get 2350 SAT scores and want to retake. Perspective seems to be absent with some individuals.</p>
<p>Well I consistently make 35's 34's on the English section and to accompany them is always a 6 essay...haha it's great.</p>
<p>the only thing a "bad" essay score will do is that it your English+ Writing Composite will be lower than just your English Composite. I got a 34 with just english, but with my 10 essay, it brought it down to a 33..</p>
<p>most schools are recognizing that the writing portion of either the SAT or ACT measure you ability to write a boring formulaic treatise capable of putting the most wide awake person to sleep.
Creativity isn't measured.
If you get a poor score, have an English teacher who knows you and your abilities write your rec. Submit a paper for the adcom.
The adcoms know that Hemingway, dos Passos, Dickens ain't gonna get a high grade from the ACT/SAT.</p>