So I got a 35 on the february ACT, which I am perfectly happy with but the problem is that I got an 8 on the writing section. So, I was wondering if it is possible to send in the composite score (35) and all the subsections but not the writing score?
Any clarification would be greatly appreciated.
@thefatpokemon Did the essay scores/writing for Feb 2018 ACT got released?
OP, no. You can’t split up the Composite from the Writing score.
However, I wouldn’t stress over the score. 8 is solid. Most colleges won’t really care about the Writing. And if they do, 8 will not be the reason they reject you.
@mmk2015 Is 3/4 correct.
Well, it certainly depends on the school, but many colleges do not even require the writing portion and I think those that do aren’t weighing it heavily. There have been many many threads here asking this same question, particularly in the past year or so. I think they’ve changed the way the ACT essays are being graded, because a lot of kids are reporting very high composites with relatively lower Writing scores. I have 2 daughters in this camp, and both have had very good results with admissions so I would not worry about this. I have no inside information though.
@suzy100 Think about it. The OP has a 35 so will likely be applying to top colleges. Most top colleges WANT an ACT with writing. Why do you think this is? The writing section is a timed pressured prompt where a student must articulate their skills in a short period of time with no advance idea of what the subject matter is. Unlike college apps and college essays where students can pick a question they are comfortable with, have other students, teachers and parents proofread their essays. Totally different animal.
ACT 35 is a great score and writing 8 is good as well
You can send your ACT with
AP English Language and Composition (5)
AP English Literature and Composition (5)
5 definitely can demonstrate your English capability.
@Luska19, I’ve thought about it. Older D applied to 3 top 20 schools. She had a 35 and an 8 on her writing score. She was admitted to 2 of those 3. One is an Ivy. Younger D has a 35 with a 9 in writing. She has been admitted to a top 20 school early, and another out of state public whose out of state acceptance rate is I believe 18%. It’s certainly anecdotal, and I specifically disclaimed inside information, and I don’t claim to be an expert but that is the basis for my advice on this.
@suzy100 If you read what I posted before I said an 8 was fine. I’m speaking in regards to you saying that the writing score wouldn’t weigh too heavily on admissions.
And I stand by that statement, @Luska19.
@suzy100 Then you need to look at the scoring scale of English crossed with the writing score. Top colleges will NOT be happy with a 7 or especially below a 7.
Directly from Prepscholar "Why Do Schools Require ACT Writing?
You may be surprised to learn that not all schools require the ACT Writing test! But those that do think they have a pretty good reason. These schools think that your essay score, combined with your English and Reading ACT scores, can help them understand your grasp of English and your ability to produce a sample of writing under pressure.
This is quite a different skill compared to what they see when you submit your personal statement and essays in your application. They are assuming that those have been proofread by 50 of your closest friends and family members, and that they have been heavily edited and reviewed for hours on end. So while your personal statement is more like a heavily photoshopped selfie in flattering lighting, ACT Writing is like a candid snapshot of your writing abilities.
Specifically, these schools want to get a better idea of your ability to defend a point of view and your reasoning skills. Can you write logically and coherently? Can you use proper sentence structure without Word telling you what you have done wrong? The Writing Test is your chance to prove all those skills.
And, apart from your application, the combined English/Language Arts ACT score has another use for many schools. They may actually use your score on this test to help place you into different levels of English classes—so it can potentially save you the trouble of taking a placement test once you arrive at college in the fall."
@Luska19, I’ve seen that article by Prepscholar. They have a vested interest in this - they make money on kids taking ACT prep with them. I do not.
And why are you referencing an article about getting a 7 on the ACT essay? That’s not even the situation here. Why are you so vested in this? I’m not asking this rhetorically, I just don’t get it.
@suzy100 Because I’ve seen others give advice to kids that writing scores on ACT don’t matter at all or very little. That’s simply not true. Again most top schools require the writing for a reason. As well if you take a students English score and cross reference with a low writing score it drops their ELA score significantly. The reference to the article was not about getting a 7 on the ACT. As I stated above an 8 or higher is sufficient and the higher the better obviously.