How important is ACT writing?

<p>I took the April ACT with no preparation or knowledge of the test, planning to take the SATs and not even send my ACT scores. I did pretty well- 34 composite (34 science and English, 33 math and reading). I was discouraged today when I saw my writing score- an 8, which makes my writing/English composite a 31. Should I retake just to raise my writing score? How seriously are those scores taken? I'm taking the SATs next weekend, should I wait and see how I do on them to register to retake the ACT?
I know pretty much nothing about the ACT and how it is used, so any guidance would be appreciated.</p>

<p>Not very important.</p>