My son is a Junior and took the October 2015 ACT. He scored 36 on Reading and 36 on English (34 Composite) but only scored a 24 on the Writing section - which his score report indicates is in the 88th percentile. I’m concerned that this Writing score will knock him out of Ivy contention. Has anyone had their essay re-scored? Is it possible that his re-score could result in a lower score? How much emphasis will Colleges put on the Writing score? I am hesitant to have him re-take the entire ACT to raise his Writing score as a 34 Composite is a pretty solid score.
There are hundreds of threads on this issue already. Lots of students have been reporting high composites (32+) and low writing scores (<25). I wouldn’t worry too much about it, as the 34 composite is competitive for every school. Focus on other parts of the application.
I would not have him retake for the writing. His time would be better spent working on his essays/ taking subject tests.
It is best to have him call the particular school to get direct clarification, often times the website are not clear about what if any meaning the ACT writing has. Some schools will not even require it next year.
Thank you golfcashoahu. I’m new to CC…what’s the best way for me to search for the relevant threads? Thanks in advance for your help.
There is a search feature at the top of each page @tigermom3.
Same situation here – 35 composite/23 writing, going for most selective schools, and not re-taking it this school year.
There are some majors where a low Reading/Writing can raise an eyebrow, but his Reading is super.
What’s the potential major? How well does he know those Ivies (or other highly competitive schools,) to know what they really like and look for- to assess his match and produce a solid app/supp?
And btw, they don’t just look at the composite, golf.