<p>So, its December 29, just finished up most of my essays and I'm about ready to submit all of my applications. By chance, found a list of colleges that require ACT + Writing and literally 90% of the colleges that I am applying to seem to require it. I have not taken the writing section, but I do have a 33 on the normal ACT. However, I took the writing test last year and got an 8, but my overall composite was a 29 with some scores that I'm not particularly proud of. I can only send one test at a time, which means that it would cost me twice as much money to send this writing score to all of the colleges I am applying to, so would it be worth it? </p>
<p>My applications are due in 3 days so I don't have time to take another ACT obviously, and since everybody kept telling me that colleges don't care about the writing section of the ACT, I am simultaneously furious and freaking out now since it apparently does matter. With an 8, should I even bother applying to these schools? Am I f***ed?</p>
<p>Examples of colleges I am applying to: Vassar, Vanderbilt, Brandeis, Carleton, Boston U, NYU, etc.</p>
<p>Do I have to send this writing score? I know they say that its required, but they might not actually care and I don't want to spend another $150 to send a specific test score when I'm not proud of that score or the rest of that test. Please advise me, I am very stressed out right now.</p>
<p>Some colleges will accept upcoming January test scores. You can send ACT scores after the deadline, they’re not due by Jan.1. If you’re still confused, you should wait until school opens and ask your college counselor.</p>
<p>According to the ACT website, the next exam I can take is on February 7. If I were to get my scores back 3 weeks later, say, February 28, would I be able to send that to colleges? Also, do all schools have separate deadlines for the ACT score and the application? I don’t want to wait until school starts only to find out that I am too late. Is an 8 on the writing section good enough? Do I even need to retake specifically for writing, or is this to hide my previous score of 29? Sorry I am barraging you with questions, I am angry and confused.</p>
<p>Oh, I think Feb. might be a little too late. But school opens on the 5th which isn’t late at all. And a 29 isn’t horrible, you could probably go to the top state school in your area.</p>
<p>If you look at my post, I am applying to some small liberal arts colleges. My actual ACT score is 33, but that is without writing. My ACT with writing was a 29 with an 8 in writing. If it is too late for me to take another ACT, then will I still be able to get into the colleges that I applied to despite the less than good previous score, since I also got a 33?</p>
<p>Lots of colleges will accept the February test date exam because it is way before the admissions decisions come out. I would check all of your colleges just to make sure.</p>
<p>Also, I would highly, HIGHLY recommend sending them, especially if these colleges require them. They may not care… but more likely than not, they will care, and I don’t recommend you risk it.</p>
<p>Check the Common Data Set (google “common data set” + [college name]) and check in section C to see what it is they use the writing score for. That’ll give you an idea as to what they use they use them for. Then, with that in mind, actually contact each individual school. Some may tell you straight-forward that it’s fine if you don’t have the writing score. </p>
<p>Really, every answer you’ve gotten so far is from a current high school student. While well-meaning, would you trust them with your application? No, so contact the colleges individually. Some might even accept the unofficial report, it’s happened before.</p>
<p>I am applying to 15 schools, hence the hefty price-tag for sending ACT scores. Most of the college websites say that I must take the ACT by January, so I don’t think I can take another ACT. More importantly, however, will my ACT w/ Writing scores of 29 w/ 8 hurt my chances of getting into the colleges I am applying to even though I also have a 33 on the ACT w/out writing? I feel like someone has just dropped a bombshell on my life right now, I’m terrified that I won’t be able to get into any of the schools I applied to because of this.</p>
<p>I know NYU superscores ACT so it won’t hurt you, idk about the others, though. They most likely would., as well. Check their website just to be sure.</p>
<p>Right… which is why you should contact the college - not check the website, actually pick up the phone and call the admissions office. That’ll give you the best, clearest and most accurate answer. You might find that the admissions counselors are fine without the writing score.</p>
<p>Admissions offices stay open outside of school hours. I called my university yesterday and got an answer, so don’t assume that there’s no point in calling. Only one way to know.</p>