So I recently got back my ACT essay score and I got a 36 on it. My composite is a 34. My question is, how much do colleges really care about the essay section? Almost every single school I applied to was an Ivy or highly selective and they all required that applicants take the ACT with writing. But does it really impact their decision that much? I mean of course it’s only a small part of an application, but does having a 36 on this section help me more than having like a 32? Also, would a 36 on the essay be equivalent to having a 36 composite or do they not give it that much weight?
Each college is different.
Since you mentioned ivy league, I know Princeton does not consider the writing portion at all (you’ll find this on their website)
A friend of mine works for the admissions office at Brown, and he told me that they treat it like the rest of the subscores of the ACT.
A 36 on the writing portion is fantastic! For most of the ivy league it could be the thing that swings you into an acceptance if you’re on the edge. But it’s not equivalent to a 36 composite, ESPECIALLY because the ivy league have their own way of determining your writing abilities (their supplements)
Best of luck to you, I had the exact same quantities.
I’m also looking for the extent by which our success on the writing portion matters - no clear explanation to be found.
@chancethisanon Hahaha that’s so interesting! I haven’t really been able to find a clear answer yet either. Best of luck!