Should I retake the ACT because of my writing score?

Test Preparation
1

I took the ACT in February with writing. I received a composite score of 33, but only a 7/12 on the essay portion.

How heavily do colleges weigh the ACT writing score? Is it worth it for me to retake the test? Will a lower ACT writing score hurt my chances of admission?

Also, I know some schools do not require the ACT writing. (For example, UPenn and Cornell recently announced that applicants will no longer need to submit standardized test essay scores.) However, you cannot send your ACT composite score without sending the writing score.

If a school states that they do not REQUIRE the ACT writing section, will they look at my writing score when I send my score report? (My hope is that they will not even consider my writing score.)

Thanks to all who respond!

2

It depends on where you are applying. I would say that 33 is well above average. I don’t think it would hurt your chances really.

3

You can also resubmit your writing/essay to get it rescored - might be worth it.

4

I suggest having the writing score rescored. A friend of mine’s son did that and they increased his score. But I highly doubt that score will hurt you. Many colleges don’t even require the essay portion of the ACT.

5

Do you happen to know how much they increased your friend’s son’s score?

6

By 1 point but this was back when the top score was only 12 so that one point increased his score by a significant percentage. At that time he had already been accepted to college so it made no difference. He just felt the score was so unjustified that he had to get a regrade. If they do give you a higher grade then the result will be sent to all the colleges you applied to and to your high school.

7

@junior225 I don’t understand… the Feb ACT was done using the new scoring for writing. What was your score out of 36?

8

@suzyQ7 Out of 36 I received a 20.