<p>Well, I live in an area where you don't have to take the writing option. I just figured out that I may be moving when the time to go to college comes around. This means I may be going to a school that requires the writing option. </p>
<p>I've taken the ACT without the writing and received a 32 (and happy with it/not looking to retake it). If I retake the test (with writing portion) and get lower than a 32, can I combine the writing and the 32, or do I have to send in the new score w/writing only? </p>
<p>Or better yet, is there a way around retaking it altogether? :D</p>
<p>I'm going to be a senior next year and feel like time is running out.</p>
<p>I have never heard of cetain "areas" saying you had to take it or that you did not have to take it. Generally, it is the colleges that require the additional writing section or not.</p>
<p>Include more information and I will try to help you further...</p>
<p>Since the ACT sends score reports from each ACT test separately, I doubt the college would look at both and "superscore" them. If the college requires +writing (as most do) you HAVE to take it the writing. Just don't get lower than a 32 when you retake it. :)</p>
<p>Sorry for not specifying. When I said areas, I meant that my state has very few colleges that require the + writing option (Mississippi). Only one or two private colleges require it, while all others don't.</p>
<p>Mainly I'm just scared of scoring lower if I had to retake (which it looks like I do).</p>
<p>It depends on the level of selectivity of the college you're looking at. The most prestigious schools will require or "prefer" it, especially since the SAT has a writing component so they like to have an equal comparison if you submit the ACT instead.</p>
<p>Theres really no way to get around retaking it. However, colleges will receive your separate subject area scores so on the off chance you completely bomb every section of it the second time, you might have the chance of them looking at your writing score with your 32.</p>