<p>Let's say you take the ACT with writing and score well on the essay but want to take the ACT again and up your comp score. DO you have to take the essay portion a second time?</p>
<p>No, you don’t have to take the writing section, but they won’t add your previous writing score into your new score report. If you want colleges to see your essay score and your new composite score, you’ll have to send both.</p>
<p>I would call the colleges in question; some will not consider a re-take without the writing</p>