What do colleges see? [AKA 'so apparently I can't write essays']

Test Preparation ACT Preparation
1

<p>Last week when composites and breakdowns came out, I was thrilled. Yesterday when I found my essay score, I was not. My ACT page on the site now looks like this:</p>

<p>Composite: 36
English: 36
Math: 35
Reading: 36
Science: 36
Combined English/Writing: 32
Essay: 8</p>

<p>So obviously I'm fine at mechanics of language, but my essay sucked (on a side note I wish their comments were more helpful - if my essay "adequately supported general statements with specific reasons, examples, and details", shouldn't my score be higher? FML).</p>

<p>My question is, when I send this to colleges, what will they see? I know the composite score isn't affected, but how much does this really matter? It's kinda pointless to retake cause there's a chance I would get lower scores in other areas, but I'm really worried.... For context, I'm applying Yale SCEA next year, my grades in school are great, and for most of the other schools I'm applying to, admission will be strongly based on audition (music major wootwoot).</p>

<p>So... should I be worried? What should I do? Agh.</p>

2

<p>Many colleges don’t pay attention to the essays.</p>

<p>I wish my ACT scores would come in. D:</p>

3

<p>the fact that the essays are the only subjective part of the test is probably why colleges dont care much for it (other than you taking it).</p>

4

<p>I heard that as long as the essay is an 8 or above, you are totally fine for any school. Relax, you got a 36. You are in the 99.9th percentile.</p>