Should I take the writing portion of the ACT?

Test Preparation
1

I took the ACT in April and received a 32 so I am retaking it, especially because my reading score was a 29. I received a 28 on the writing portion of the ACT. I’ve heard that with this new ACT writing scale, a 28 is actually a decent score. I actually have a couple friends that received a 35 on the ACT but a 23 as a writing score and one friend that got a 36 but a 28 as the writing score. So, if I take the writing portion of the ACT again, I am scared that I will receive a lower score because I have many friends with super high ACT scores with low writing scores. But the thing is if I get a higher score on this ACT, wouldn’t I have to submit the other one because of the writing score? I don’t want colleges to see my lower ACT score since you can often choose which scores to send, but I do not want to receive a lower writing score on this upcoming ACT. So, should I take the writing portion of the ACT?

2

That really is a good writing score but whether or not to take the writing portion again depends whether the colleges you’re applying to superscore the ACT or not. If you do plan to retake it with writing, don’t worry about getting a lower score because colleges know that the ACT writing scale is not really up to standards and will see how well you write on your essays. Good luck.

3

In making your decision, be aware that beginnning with the September 2016 test, ACT is returning to its 2 to 12 point scoring scale for the essay section that it used before September 2015.

4

Also remember that the essay does NOT factor in to the composite score on either scoring scale, so it also doesn’t factor in to any superscore decisions.

5

Are you sure about ACT changing the writing? I can’t find anything about it online.

6

Nvm. If I have taken the SAT with the essay and the subject tests, then I think schools will be okay with that. So, I don’t think I will do the essay.

7

It depends on which schools you’re applying to. Some require that you take the writing portion or they won’t accept the score. I highly recommend checking with your list of colleges before you skip the writing portion. Good luck!

8

Yeah, I saw that most of the schools I’m applying to don’t require it except maybe Emory. I can’t find anything on Emory’s website if they require it or not tho.