<p>I got my ACT scores today (finally!) and was ecstatic with my 35 Composite (36R, 36M, 35E, and 33S)...until I saw my essay score, which was a 9 :(</p>
<p>Can someone please tell me how important the standardized essay score is to adcoms at top-tier schools, like HYPSM and AWS? Do they take into consideration the fact that these things aren't really graded well (I didn't know that more length=better, so I focused on quality rather than quantity)?</p>
<p>If it's relevant at all, my combined English/essay score is a 32...I intend to major in something like econ/int'l relations, and I'll be getting a great rec from my lit teacher.</p>
<p>Final question: Do I have a shot at getting bumped up to 10 on handscoring?</p>
<p>i dont think anyone cares about it that much. or thats what ive been told. I got a 36 on act with 8 essay so im pretty much in the same boat as you</p>
<p>I don't think it's a big deal - I've only taken the SAT, not the ACT, but some of the worst writers I know got 11s on that essay. I got an 8 on the essay and really good scores on the writing total and CR sections. Colleges know that such a subjective (and inconsistent) scoring is not truly reflective of the applicant's verbal skill.</p>
<p>It's the most important part of the admissions process. My entire family has worked for the past ninety-seven generations at HYPSM admissions offices, and the importance of the ACT essay is known to be paramount.</p>
<p>Anything less than a 13 will not suffice. A 15 is average for a strong applicant.</p>
<p>Don't worry about... I also got a 35 composite with a 9 essay and 32 eng/writing (we have the exact same scores except with reading and science switched around) and I'm not too worried - Make sure your application essays are good and you'll be fine</p>