<p>So two weeks ago I got my ACT results.</p>
<p>C: 32
English: 33
Math: 34
Reading: 30
Science: 32</p>
<p>But then today I found out my writing score was an 8 and my combined English and Writing score went down to a 30. Would this end up affecting my overall composite score? And how do colleges look at the essay score?
Should I retake the ACT test in October? Since the September one I haven't done prep…so I'm worried I may be rusty...</p>
<p>No, essay score does not effect the composite score.</p>
<p>@viphan how much do colleges that require writing really care about it? Should OP retake the entire test just for an 8 in writing? </p>
<p>@TotallyTrudy No, I don’t think it would be prudent to take another test because of the writing score because 1) writing score does NOT effect the composite score and 2) my understanding is that for the colleges that do require the writing scores just use that as a reference to get the general idea of the applicant’s English/writing ability.</p>
<p>OP, you should spend your time elsewhere, like maintaining your GPA and college essays. </p>
<p>@viphan Thank you so much for the help and advice 
Yeah I was thinking that I should use this time to do college essays which will probably have a tad more impact considering it’s being read and isn’t just a number. </p>