How Important Is the ACT essay score?

Test Preparation ACT Preparation
1

I just took the ACT and I scored a 34 composite. Im just worried that the essay might bring it down (I dont think I did too well on it). Do colleges neglect to look at the composite score and only focus on the score where the essay is factored into?

Thanks!

2

The essay is not factored into the composite and colleges no longer use it because the sat went essay optional too plus the grading has been so erratic this year that it was impossible to trust.