Hey all,
I took the ACT a while ago, and got a 34 composite but a 8 in writing. I think my top schools are UCB, Cornell, and Northwestern. I know I have it in me to get a 35 or 36, and definitely improve my writing score, but is it worth it? I know this is not a lot of information, but I’m a pretty strong student with ECs, but no national awards or anything amazing.
Thanks
If test fees are no issue, then sure. I had the same score (34, 8) and I wasn’t worried. Colleges can’t, or shouldn’t, base your writing ability off a 30 minute prompt. The difference between 34 35 and 36 is almost negligible. You’re still in the top 1% of the nation. You can if you want
I am in the exact same situation except with a 9 on the essay. The consensus on here was to not take it because 34 is “good enough” but im going to do it anyway because I think i can improve. You dont want to look back and say damn maybe that would have made the difference. Just my opinion though 
Yea that’s kind of my thinking, but everyone a speak to is pretty against it. Thanks for the response
I think the reason people would be opposed to it is because for those colleges that require students to send in scores from every test attempt, taking the ACT or SAT three or four or five different times might seem slightly pedantic. At the end of day, it is up to you. Just take into consideration how many times you have already taken this test, and if it is so important that you’d rather spend the first months of your senior year stressing over raising your score by one or two points than strengthening your ECs, essays, etc.
Whatever you chose, good luck with applying to colleges this coming fall!
Most colleges don’t look at the writing. Don’t bother