ACT - With Writing, or Without?

Should you sign up for the ACT with writing, or without? Good question, and an answer that has changed in the world of test-optional schools.

The short answer: if you’re a good writer, consider it. If you’re not, then leave it behind.

The longer answer: I haven’t been able to remember a single school that requires the ACT essay. There may be a handful out there, but they’re not schools I’ve ever seen our students apply to. You can (most likely) feel free to safely abandon the essay/writing portion if you’d like. However, some students may wish to take the writing portion anyway.

Who would benefit from taking the ACT writing portion?

Good writers might. The ACT essay has a particular style of prompt and a particular rubric. You can learn how to write for the test fairly easily if you are already a decent writer. You will need some in-session work, some practice, and some real attention to the rubric, but that’s it. It’s a great way to showcase your skills if you have them. Furthermore, it is the only instance in which schools can see a guaranteed-to-be-written-by-you timed essay.

Will the schools you care about look at the actual essay? Maybe. Will they look at the score? Also maybe. Will they indirectly get information based on your score through the predictive analytics ACT uses? More likely (but still unknown).

Final ruling: We’re ambivalent here. If you think it might turn out to be a high score, sure, go ahead and do it. It’s unlikely to hurt you. Alternatively, if you’re not feeling up to it or know you’re not a great writer, feel free to skip it. Whatever you do, don’t take it with no preparation. If you plan to take it, prepare for it. And if you’re one of the unfortunate souls locked into the choice of a farther test site with no essay vs. a closer test site with an essay, sign up for the better location and see if you can opt out on test day.

Questions? Feel free to reach out to us here or via email!