I took the ACT for my first time and scored a 36 in reading, 35 in science, 35 in english, and 35 in math. Unfortunately, my essay score was a 28. My GPA is a 4.8 and I think that my admissions essays will better showcase my writing skills. I’m shooting for the Ivy Leagues, but is it worth retaking the ACT just to boost my essay score?
Current Princeton student here. Your total score without the essay section is a 35, which, along with your GPA, I’d say is pretty good and more than enough to get you look through the Ivy League school test scores/grade filter.
Essays are extremely important but the role of your ACT essay is dubious. Some readers might think that “Essays written under time pressure aren’t indicative of a student’s writing talent” whereas some might think otherwise.
I’d say that instead of spending your time retaking the ACT, you should redirect that time toward crafting a really stellar essay. Make sure your essay meshes well with the rest of your application and presents a coherent “persona.” That will be far more important than a number/pressured writing sample.
If you have any more questions, do feel free to private message me.