Retake ACT composite without essay?

<p>I just took the ACT+essay for the first time today, no prep, and don't think I did so well. If I study and retake it in the spring, can I just take the regular multiple choice test without the essay and use the essay grade on its own for colleges that require it? I know about superscoring and that kind of thing, but if a school doesn't offer that, can the essay still stand on its own?</p>

<p>It depends entirely on the college. If you’re looking at more selective universities though, then I’d definitely recommend to retake the essay portion as well.</p>