Should I retake the ACT w/ Writing?

Test Preparation
1

Hello,
I got a 30 composite on the ACT (I took it without writing), and would like to apply to a state college where writing is “recommended” (UofA), should I retake the test with writing? Writing is not required for the school but should I take it anyway, in case they start to require it (I just finished 10th grade and am not sure if they change anything in the future)?

Here are my main questions:

  1. Should I retake the ACT w/ Writing?
  2. When the writing portion is recommended, is it better to have no writing or a poor writing score (<8)?
  3. If I were to send my scores to the college now, would that exclude me from needed writing if they change there policies (or does it only matter when you apply)?
2

bump!

3

If it’s “recommended,” you should take it. If you don’t take the ACT with writing, many schools will want to see at least 2 SAT subject tests.

4

Do you think even without writing that I would have a chance at admission (I have no subject tests)? Do you think that University of Arizona puts a lot of emphasis on the ACT Writing (also, is having it better than having a poor score)?
In addition, with my scores do you think I have a chance at admission without writing?

5

Also, do colleges ever change their ACT writing policies (or is it “set in stone”)? I still have a ~1 and a 1/2 years until I apply.

6

Bump! Could someone help me with my most recent question?

7

Can I ask you something?
Why are you so afraid to take the ACT with writing?
You said that you have plenty of time.

8

Take the ACT with writing since you have plenty of time and may change your mind about your college list. There are many schools that require the ACT with writing so it is better to have it completed just in case.

9

I’ll take the ACT writing in June.
I heard that the ACT Writing is changing in September, do tests taken with writing before that count if I’m not even in 11th grade yet?

10

You have nothing to lose by retaking, with study you could bump higher and have better auto scholarship chances. You could actually fit in at least 2 more well prepped attempts, but your 10th grade test will count to any schools who do count all tests. If you get your scores up will Az seriously be your only school option? Keep the doors open.

11

I think I’ll take it with writing (once as of now–I do not plan on taking it again), as it will change in the future (September) and will probably be harder. I’ve already got a $32,000 Scholarship for U of A (it just needs a 29 ACT composite score). I just want to take writing in case they start to require it. Is that a good plan?

12

I have one question (even though I am taking the ACT w/ Writing for sure), will a college that “does not require, but recommends ACT with Writing,” accept people who didn’t take writing? UofA has an acceptance rate of 77% and does not even require test scores (ACT/SAT), would I still be able to get in?

In addition, if a school says that they only consider your best test score and you have one test score that’s higher without writing and another that’s lower with writing, which one will they take as your best test score (assuming a school recommends/requires writing)?

13

bump for the last question.

14

Bump for these two questions:

  1. If a school says that they only consider your best test score and you have one test score that’s higher without writing and another that’s lower with writing, which one will they take as your best test score (assuming a school recommends/requires writing)?
  2. Will a college that “does not require, but recommends ACT with Writing,” accept people who didn’t take writing?