Hello, I’m a rising junior who took the June ACT with writing. I got a 34 composite (technically 34.25 ahh), with a 33 english, 36 math, 34 reading, and 34 writing. However, I only received a 8 on the essay, which makes my combined english-writing score a 30. Should I retake? Some of my top colleges include Stanford, Brown, Columbia, UPenn, UChicago, Northwester, etc. and I know a 30 is the 25th percentile at Stan. If I do take it, I would be doing the September test, and use Barron’s ACT 36 and possibly Princeton Review’s 1296 questions to study. Also, does anyone have any recommendations on what I can do to improve my writing, english, and reading scores further? Thank you!
Why? The essay score is rarely used.
Honestly, you are done with standardized tests. Even though maybe you won’t listen. A 34 or so is good for any school. A 34 won’t make a rejection. There have been students with perfect scores rejected. Try to work on your EC’s.
Taking the test again won’t hurt you but why waste your time and money. You better look beyond scores.
Good luck!
boost? thank you both for your responses, but i’m just curious how much a low english/writing score will hurt me for college admissions
The essay score is rarely used as it have little to do with your writing ability. Together, you have a 31, which is 98% percentile. You have 99th+ percentile on your ACT . Just spend the time writing great admissions essays.
Keep in mind the Essay is changing in September from a 2-12 scale to a 1-36 scale. The Essay section is longer timed wise, but you are asked to evaluate lots of different opinions.
Your essay score is fine, and your ACT too. However, if you want to get some merit scholarships and your think you can get at least 1 point more (based on your current practice score), why not. If it is going to take a lot of time in preparation before the retake, then forget about it. You are done and should focus on something else. None of the top private you are looking at offers merit scholarship (at least not common). If you do have some matches and safety schools like in state flagship, a further higher score may help you to get major scholarships.
A 34 is great. Look at some public colleges that you may attend. I would be surprised if they required higher than a 34 for their merit scholarships.
@MichiganGeorgia With your screen name, there are at least a couple schools that needs higher ACT score for merit scholarships as it is at or near the 75th percentile only.
Congratulations on a great score. As noted above, do not retake. Work on the other aspects of your application.