<p>Before everyone gets too riled up, this is a legit question. Bear with me. So, I got a 36 composite on the ACT, but I received a 7 on the essay portion of the test. Does anyone have any suggestions for what I should do? I don't want something like this holding me back, especially since I do not think I am a bad writer... I guess my best excuse is that I ran out of time, terrible at time management I guess. Reposted from the Yale board.</p>
<p>In the very small chance you are actually serious about this, the answer is no. A 36 is a 36; forget about the specifics.</p>
<p>I don't think I've ever lol'ed more at any other post on CC.</p>
<p>^if you want another laugh, look at the hundreds of other "should i retake a 2400?" threads</p>
<p>Why would this not be a serious question? I feel that, since significant number of colleges require the writing, that some weight would be placed on the essay score - if this were the case, getting a 7 would be like getting 36 36 36, and then 20 on the english section, if we considered it in the context of just multiple choice. please dont post if you do not have anything to contribute, perhaps im just not as confident as you "beefs" in the admissions process.</p>
<p>Your application essays are far more important than a 7 on the ACT essay. Congrats on your score and move on to other things you enjoy!</p>
<p>schools only see 1 ACT score, so if it bothers you that much, then go ahead. unless one of the CC people who have worked in an admissions office responds, then none of us here will have very sound advice about whether that one section of the ACT is cared for very much.</p>
<p>perhaps try taking the SAT, and going off that essay score? I know my SAT essay was 12, while my ACT a 10. I can't remember where, but I know either on CC or in my own school I've run into a few people who did better on the SAT essay than the ACT.</p>
<p>You guys can't seriously be telling this kid to retake ANY test.</p>
<p>If you're operating under the assumption that retaking the test cannot detrimentally impact you in any way, then you could considering going for it. I faced a similar dilemma after taking the SAT -- despite obtaining the "maximum" score overall, my essay was of very poor quality (thankfully, it received an 11, but it deserved a lower score). Currently, I'm opting not to retake it as I can't see the marginal cost outweighing the possible benefit; however, I'm sure you could significantly improve your grade on the essay portion, making it worthwhile for you.</p>
<p>If it would make you feel better you could retake it once and really concentrate on the essay, and then send both scores. I honestly don't think your score would hold you back, but with everything being so competitive every little thing helps.</p>
<p>Well, if you don't retake, it's straight to the local community college for you, bud. So sorry.</p>
<p>LOL^^^^ (10 char)</p>
<p>Clap, clap.</p>
<p>Lol, REALLY! you dont need to retake. Standarized test essays are dumb, colleges know you can't spew out a brilliant essay in 25 minutes (or however amount of time u get) and will never, ever need such a skill.</p>
<p>dont retake. i got an 8 on my act essay with a 36. still got into many good schools with that score only</p>
<p>points well taken. thank you. i was just concerned about this showing a "hole" in my application.</p>
<p>S is in a similar situation and is retaking without the writing. Because you can choose which administration scores to send, the only loss is the time and money for the retake. It is possible that your composite will go down a point but if you prep, your essay may go up and provide a more balanced array of scores.</p>
<p>The schools receive a full report of the subscores including the writing. What they attend to differs, I'm sure, from school to school.</p>
<p>man ****. cc</p>
<p>my opinion for what it's worth: The perfect 36 is enough. You will have to write a number of essays in your applications for admission and for scholarships that you'll have plenty of opportunity to prove your writing skills in a more meaningful way. And if you take the SAT and do well, you can submit both ACT and SAT if your SAT is in a position to help you.</p>