S hasn’t taken SAT, but ACT one time scores were nearly all 36, with one 35. However, his writing was very low: 7. Since Princeton states they want to see the writing portion, I’m assuming this score matters to them. Seems a waste to retake just for that, though. Anyone with thoughts on this? TIA!
By “this score matters,” you’re technically correct. But it only “matters” if it’s exceptionally high or very low. Colleges don’t put much stock in one’s ability to write a fleshed out, attractive, and dynamic essay in 40 minutes. It’s a nice-to-have, but not by any stretch of the imagination a deal-breaker. If your son’s scores were all 36 except one 35, then congrats! His composite is a perfect 36.
Please don’t worry about it. That ACT score is very, very nice. Couldn’t be better–literally. It’s up to your S if he wants to take it again, just to pull up his essay score.
It couldn’t hurt.
Hmmm, I typically would say that the Writing score doesn’t matter, but that is really pretty low compared to his other scores. What went on? Did he just not try?
It’s mostly the time factor, but he also didn’t prepare much for that part. He’s a good thinker, so if he has time, he can craft a good essay, but in 40 min? It’s just not enough time for him. He’s taking AP English Lang. right now and getting a solid A, but none of the essays have been timed yet I think. I know that will be tough for him. He actually did well on the AP history exams - both World and USH - 5s in both. But he worked really really hard on preparing for those essays and really understanding the rubrics. He didn’t prepare much for the ACT writing, and it shows.
@nomadicmommy My son, class of 2020, was admitted with a 36/8 ACT. He just made sure his essay was stellar, and his SAT CR & Writing, and English AP scores were all high. If the 7 was an anomaly, and his other writing scores and grades aren’t low, I wouldn’t worry.
Our son did apply as a ChemE BSE for Princeton, which gave them another essay to better understand his writing and perhaps lowered the bar a little?
Writing is very important at Princeton, the only required class is a freshman writing seminar, but I wouldn’t retake a 36. Just make sure his essays shine.
I agree with @psywar - writing is extremely important at Princeton, evidenced by the required writing seminar for all freshmen. However it is also important to note that being able to write an excellent essay in 40 minutes only indicates that you can do so quickly. Many writers are much more methodical and will tend to work through and re-write essays multiple times over a longer period of time to produce a great result. If all the other essays associated with your son’s application are strong, there is really no need to stress over the mark he received on the writing part of the ACT.
Thanks! I think he’s a good writer, if he has enough time.
@psywar You said: He just made sure his essay was stellar, and his SAT CR & Writing, and English AP scores were all high.
So should I encourage S to take the SAT writing? He is going to take the SAT just to validate the PSAT for NMS, but I know he will dread the SAT writing bit.
@nomadicmommy can you validate the PSAT by taking SAT w/o writing? Does he have AP English scores? Anything that is a standardized test to back up his English skills?
I think if you had any supporting quantitative “evidence” along with great admission essays you’ll be fine. But if you don’t have any standardized numbers except that 7, I’d look into how to get some higher numbers.
You don’t want to give the adcoms any reason to doubt with single-digit admissions… with “just” stellar essays you might leave some doubt, especially since some kids get professional help with writing / editing their essays.
I was assuming you don’t need the writing portion of the SAT to validate the PSAT score - I need to check on that. He’s taking AP English Lang right now - he’s gotten all 5’s so far in his APs; we’ll see. I agree he should have a test score to back up his writing. I am concerned about someone thinking he had someone else write his admission essays! 
I think he may want to prep for the SAT writing portion. Thanks for your thoughts!
I have nearly the same score on the ACT (36 composite with a 34 in English and a 7 on the essay) and I’m just worried because my SAT essay is also meh at a 6/5/6. I’m going into EEB (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) and I don’t want a standardized essay that makes no sense to me to wreck my chances. I can write a research paper or long essay perfectly fine, only standardized ones bother me.
My D was accepted with 36 ACT and 8/8/8 Writing. Personally I wouldn’t retake and it didn’t cross my mind to advise my D to retake just for the essay. You get a chance to demonstrate your writing in your CA essay and supplements. Do a superb job there and it shouldn’t matter.