How important are the ACT/SAT essays in admissions?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Wisconsin
1

<p>Hi again...I was just wondering how much weight Madison puts on the essay portions of the ACT and SAT. My high school English grades are good (mostly A's, but with an F and a D- from freshman year [because of immaturity/laziness]). Here are my scores:</p>

<p>ACT composite: 34
English: 35
Math: 36
Reading: 31
Science: 33
Essay: 6 (25th percentile...ouch!)
Combined English/Writing: 30 (95th percentile)</p>

<p>SAT composite: 2110
Critical reading: 740
Math: 700
Writing: 670
Essay: 7 (ouch)
Writing MC: 71</p>

<p>I'm a good writer; it's just that I get really nervous under time pressure. I got A's in AP English, but didn't have the $$$ to take the exam.</p>

<p>I know ACT/SAT scores are less important for transfer applicants, but they might help me because of my bad HS record. But, in general, how much do they look at the writing scores?</p>

2

<p>Your 34/1440 is more important than the 6 by about 5:1.</p>

3

<p>Some strong applicants choose to send in an application to Madison without an essay. I advise you to not do that. Write a good one, and you should be fine.</p>