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ACT General Info , ACT Writing

Because ACT Writing is optional, many students are unsure whether they need to add the extra 40 minutes to the test. However, there's a simple answer to whether you should take the ACT with writing or without writing: it depends on whether the colleges you want to apply to require a writing score.

This guide will walk you through how the ACT writing section got started, how to determine whether you should take the ACT with or without Writing, and some other considerations you may want to keep in mind.

What Is ACT Writing?

Since 2005, students have had the choice between two different versions of the ACT: the ACT and the ACT with Writing. The writing test is an optional 40-minute essay task that students can elect to take at the end of the multiple choice test.

ACT, Inc. added the Writing section in response to the 2005 SAT overhaul, which added a Writing section that included both grammar multiple-choice questions and an essay. The addition of the writing task to the ACT was meant to keep the two tests equivalent and easily comparable. Nonetheless, the SAT's essay was required and the ACT's was optional .

This discrepancy between how the two tests incorporated their essay portions caused a fair amount of confusion for students and colleges. Ultimately, each college set its own policy about the two tests' Writing sections : some simply ignored SAT Writing scores and didn't require the ACT Writing, others considered SAT Writing but didn't require Writing with the ACT, and a third group considered SAT Writing and required the Writing with the ACT.

To complicate the situation further, the SAT's essay has now been discontinued . This caused many schools to change their policy about ACT Writing as well. Very few schools now require ACT Writing. Nonetheless, the basic facts remain the same: whether you take the ACT with or without Writing depends on whether the schools you're applying to require it.

The Key Consideration: Which Colleges Require ACT Writing?

With the trend of more schools becoming test optional (especially as a result of the coronavirus pandemic), more and more schools were already not requiring SAT or ACT Writing. When the SAT ended its essay, nearly all schools that required or recommended ACT Writing changed their policies.

Currently, most schools either don't look at your ACT Writing scores at all, or they'll consider them, but they won't have a large impact on your application (and not doing ACT Writing won't hurt your application). Check out our updated list of the schools that require or recommend ACT Writing for the most up-to-date information.

You can also look up schools' most up-to-date standardized testing policies on their individual websites: just search for "[school name] ACT writing requirement" online.

A Few Other Things to Keep in Mind

Although whether the schools you're interested in require you to submit the ACT with Writing should be the primary factor in your decision about which version of the test to take, there are a couple of other pros and cons worth taking into account.

A Good ACT Writing Score Can Boost Your Chances of Admission—Slightly

Even if a school doesn't require the test, a high score on the ACT Writing may give your application a slight boost , since it serves as an indication of strong writing and analysis abilities. This is basically just a way of providing some extra information and will generally have only a minor benefit (similar to submitting both ACT and SAT scores ).

The main circumstances in which it would be worth submitting the ACT with Writing even if it isn't required would be if you're applying to especially competitive schools or schools that recommend the Writing section .

Also be aware that some schools simply won't look at your Writing score, even if you send it. Make sure to read each school's policy carefully so you know what's worth spending time on.

Costs of Taking the ACT With Writing

So far I've focused on reasons you would want to take the Writing section, but there are also some costs associated with doing so.

Registration Fee

There is an extra fee ($25) to take the writing portion of the test.

Extra Study Time

If you take the Writing section you will need to study for the Writing section, which means investing extra hours into ACT prep .

However, ACT Writing is relatively straightforward once you know how it works, so even just a few hours of prep (say, reading through the rubric and some examples and trying a practice essay ) can be very helpful.

Both of these costs are relatively minor and neither should prevent you from applying to schools that do require ACT Writing . If the added fee is a serious issue, you may qualify for a fee waiver , which covers the writing section as well as the general registration.

Final Verdict

Let's go through each possible situation you might be in and whether you should take the ACT Writing.

If even one of the schools you want to apply to requires the ACT with Writing...

...take the ACT with Writing. You won't be able to get in without it, so it's worth the slightly higher fee and extra time commitment.

If you're applying only to schools that won't consider ACT Writing scores...

...skip taking the ACT with Writing. If schools won't even consider it, it's just a waste of time and money.

If you're looking at schools that don't require ACT Writing and aren't very competitive...

...only take the ACT with Writing if your application shows major weaknesses in English language skills.

If you're applying to more competitive schools or schools that recommend ACT Writing...

...take the ACT with Writing, unless the cost and stress profoundly outweigh the potential benefit of more information for colleges.

If you're not sure where you want to apply...

...take the ACT with Writing. It will save you from having to retake the test if you realize you need to submit ACT Writing scores later.

No matter what your situation, make sure to double check whether the schools you're applying to require you to submit ACT Writing scores . There's nothing worse than thinking you're completely finished with standardized testing, only to realize that you have to take the test all over again.

What's Next?

Just realized you need to take ACT Writing ? Check out our complete guide to the new Enhanced Writing test and tips on how to get a 12 on the essay .

If you're more focused on other sections of the test , check out our ultimate prep guides for ACT Reading , English , and Science .

Want to improve your ACT score by 4+ points? Download our free guide to the top 5 strategies you need in your prep to improve your ACT score dramatically.

Raise Your ACT Score by 4 Points (Free Download)

Alex is an experienced tutor and writer. Over the past five years, she has worked with almost a hundred students and written about pop culture for a wide range of publications. She graduated with honors from University of Chicago, receiving a BA in English and Anthropology, and then went on to earn an MA at NYU in Cultural Reporting and Criticism. In high school, she was a National Merit Scholar, took 12 AP tests and scored 99 percentile scores on the SAT and ACT.

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Everything You Need to Know About ACT Writing

student smiling at laptop with headphones on while writing in notebook

The ACT Writing test, or essay section, tests your ability to read different perspectives on a topic and present your own opinion in writing. It’s the optional last section of the exam, meaning that you don’t have to take it if you don’t want to–although there are many colleges and universities that require or recommend it for admissions. Here’s what you need to know about ACT Writing in a nutshell!

What is the ACT Writing section?

Here are the need-to-know facts about the ACT Writing section :

It’s a 40-minute test to complete with pencil and paper
You’ll get one essay prompt about a debatable topic and three different perspectives on it
evaluate the three different perspectives
present your own perspective (which may agree in part or in full with any of the provided viewpoints)
explain the relationship between your viewpoint and the provided ones.

Do I have to take ACT Writing?

Nope! It’s not a required part of the exam. You can think of it as an add-on that, yes, also costs a little bit more. But whether the test requires the essay and whether colleges do are two separate issues. While you can submit the ACT without writing to many colleges and universities, others (including most super-competitive colleges) will ask you for it. Because the list of which colleges require ACT writing is constantly changing, it’s best to check with the individual schools you’re thinking of applying to before you register.

With that said, some students do take the exam before they know where they’ll be applying to college. So in this case, is it better to do the ACT test with or without writing? If you’re really uncertain, take it with writing. This will ensure that you don’t have to go back to the test center because you’ve decided to apply to a college that does require it in a few months! Yes, it requires some extra prep–but it’s worth it to keep your options open.

How does ACT Writing scoring work?

If you’ve been prepping for the ACT overall, you’re probably very (overly?) familiar with the 1-36 scoring scale by now. But this isn’t how the ACT essay is scored! Because it’s not a multiple-choice section, the essay has its own unique scoring. Take a look!

Liam got a 35 on the ACT. Get a higher ACT score with Magoosh.

How ACT Writing Is Scored

The writing portion of the ACT is scored by two graders, each of whom will assign you a writing score of 1 to 6 on four different writing “domains.” These domains include:

Ideas and Analysis: does your thesis statement and writing examine the implications of the issue with clarity and nuance?
Development and Support: do you use well-developed and specific examples to support your thesis?
Organization: does your essay have a strong structure and a logical flow?
Language Use and Conventions: do you use correct grammar, word usage, mechanics, punctuation, and sentence structures?

Your total points added up between these two graders are converted from these domain scores to a scaled score of 2 to 12, which is the final score you will see on your score report.

Getting Your ACT Writing Scores

So you’ve done it! You sat down, you wrote your essay…now what? When will ACT Writing scores be available? Well, you’ll get your multiple-choice scores in around two weeks, and you’ll get your ACT Writing scores (and full score report) about two weeks after that. So anticipate waiting around a month to get the total view of how you did on the ACT essay.

Can ACT Writing hurt your score?

No! Not, that is, if you’re talking about the composite ACT score on the 1-36 scale. This is an average of your 1-36 scores in each of the four multiple-choice sections (Reading, Math, English, and Science). It doesn’t take your essay score into account. In other words–does the ACT writing score affect composite scores? It doesn’t.

With that said, the essay score will affect your ELA subscore on the exam. (You can see what this looks like on a score report here .) But colleges and universities are far more interested in your sectional and composite scores.

What essay score is good?

Generally, an 8+ is an excellent ACT Writing score , but it depends on where you’re applying. Ivy-League-bound students should aim for 9 or above !

Can ACT Writing be superscored?

Nope! The ACT superscore is a way of combining your highest multiple-choice scores from different sections and different test dates to give you the highest possible combination. But it only affects your composite score . Because the essay isn’t part of your composite score, it’s not part of the superscore, either.

What happens if I mess up on the writing section?

If you’re wondering if you can cancel the section after they’ve taken it, unfortunately, the answer is no. Once you’ve written the essay, your score will appear on your score report. But if you change your mind about taking the writing section of the ACT, you can cancel it before you get into the testing room.

If you feel that you didn’t do your best, or you get a lower score than you’d like, can you retake ACT Writing? Definitely! But for the moment, ACT sectional retesting is on hold—and it may or may not include the ACT writing test being taken separately. To retake ACT Writing, in other words, you’ll need to retake the entire exam…for now.

How to Improve Your Writing Score

So how do you boost your ACT essay score? Take a look at these tips!

✅ Practice planning and writing essays on practice ACT essay prompts. Although writing full essays (preferably as part of ACT practice tests ) is the best practice, ten-minute outlining sessions in which you plan out your essay (like you will do on the test) can go a long way in helping you learn how to quickly generate and organize your ideas.

✅ If grammar is not your strong suit, check out our post on ACT grammar rules . Not only will this help you improve your grammar for the ACT essay, but it also will help you with the ACT English section !

✅ Share your writing with the strong writers you know and get feedback from them. Have them score your practice essays using the ACT rubric .

✅ Review the sample essays on actstudent.org so that you can get a sense of what kinds of essays get which scores. This can be incredibly helpful!

✅ Learn about current events and form your own opinions on them. Engage in lively debates with your friends and family so that you can practice supporting your opinions and anticipating opposing arguments!

Want even more? Read Your Magical Guide to Scoring a Perfect 12 on the ACT Essay , which will guide you through all the basics (if you’re a beginner) and how to improve your score (if you’ve already taken the test). There, you will find lots more writing tips and strategies that will help you show the ACT Writing test who’s boss. Happy Studying!

Rachel is a Magoosh Content Creator. She writes and updates content on our High School and GRE Blogs to ensure students are equipped with the best information during their test prep journey. As a test-prep instructor for more than five years in there different countries, Rachel has helped students around the world prepare for various standardized tests, including the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT, and she is one of the authors of our Magoosh ACT Prep Book . Rachel has a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature from Brown University, an MA in Cinematography from the Université de Paris VII, and a Ph.D. in Film Studies from University College London. For over a decade, Rachel has honed her craft as a fiction and memoir writer and public speaker. Her novel, THE BALLERINAS , is forthcoming in December 2021 from St. Martin’s Press , while her memoir, GRADUATES IN WONDERLAND , co-written with Jessica Pan, was published in 2014 by Penguin Random House. Her work has appeared in over a dozen online and print publications, including Vanity Fair Hollywood. When she isn’t strategically stringing words together at Magoosh, you can find Rachel riding horses or with her nose in a book. Join her on Twitter , Instagram , or Facebook !

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The ACT Writing: What is the ACT essay, and should your student take it?

April 23, 2021

In the words of Shakespeare, “To take the writing or to not take the writing? That is the question.” Okay, so maybe that’s not exactly what he said, but it’s still a question that plagues many parents and students as they sign up for the ACT. As your cursor hovers over the registration button, you may be wondering if your child needs to opt for the essay section in addition to the full test. The short answer? Probably.

The writing portion of the ACT isn’t required by all schools, but around 300 colleges do require or at least recommend that applicants take it. If your student isn’t exactly sure where he or she wants to apply, then we recommend signing up for the writing to be on the safe side. This ensures that all bases are covered, and you won’t be in a bind if your student adds a last-minute school to their college list. The writing section cannot be taken separately from the ACT test, so you will need to plan for your student to take it along with the full test.

So what does taking the writing portion of the ACT mean?

The writing section is a 40-minute essay where students will showcase their abilities to form and support an argument. The paper-and-pencil test presents one writing prompt that describes a complex issue and gives three different perspectives on that issue.

Registration Fee

There is an extra registration fee to take the writing portion of the ACT. This is currently $16.

Preparation

Preparing to take the writing portion is relatively easy. It requires reading through the grading rubric and sample essays, and writing a few practice essays. Overall, a student should plan to devote a few hours to preparation. The ACT website has great resources to prepare, which can be found here . For parents, our online test prep platform Testive, has a guide just for you . Additionally, here are some tips to tackle the writing:

Fully understand the prompt before beginning the essay.

Plan and outline the essay by writing the thesis and the main idea for each paragraph.

Aim to write at least three pages in the exam booklet.

Write at least five paragraphs (introduction, minimum of three body paragraphs, and conclusion).

Use advanced vocabulary.

Do not criticize perspectives and remain objective.

The ACT writing is scored by two trained readers. Each reader will score the essay on a scale of 1 to 6 in each of the four writing domains. Each domain score represents the sum of the two readers' scores. The grading rubric can be found here . A score of 8 or more on the writing is exceptionally good, with 6 as the average score. The table below details the percentiles for each score and gives an idea for what range your student should target.

What about the SAT?

The ACT added the writing section in response to the SAT essay to keep the two tests equivalent. The main difference was that the SAT essay was required while the ACT writing was optional. This has now changed, however. In January of 2021, the College Board announced that after June 2021, it would no longer be offering the essay portion of the SAT.

That’s it! Hopefully you have a better idea of whether or not your student should take the ACT essay. If your student needs assistance preparing for the essay or other sections of the tests, contact us today.

Should You Take The ACT With or Without Writing?

The ACT, a widely recognized standardized test for college admissions, offers students the choice of taking the exam with or without the optional Writing section. The inclusion of the ACT Writing section has been a topic of discussion among students and educators alike. It prompts the question: Should you take the ACT with Writing or opt for the version without?

While the ACT Writing section is optional, it’s important to note that some colleges and universities require or strongly recommend it for admission, scholarships, or specific programs. Therefore, before deciding whether to include the Writing section, it’s essential to research the requirements of your target colleges and understand their stance on this portion of the ACT.

In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make a decision to take the ACT with or without writing, including an overview of the ACT Writing Section, how this section is scored, which colleges require the ACT Writing portion, the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, and how to ace the ACT Writing Section should you choose to take it. Let’s get started!

Advantages of Taking the ACT With Writing

Reasons To Take the ACT Without Writing
Deciding To Take the ACT With or Without Writing
Tips For Preparing For the ACT Writing Section

Frequently Asked Questions About The ACT With Writing

Related ACT Resources

What Is the ACT Writing Section?

Following in the footsteps of the SAT, the administrators of the ACT added the optional writing section to the exam in 2005 in order to assess students’ effectiveness in reasoning & argumentative capabilities through written language.

The Writing Section of the ACT is a 40-minute written test that measures your ability to effectively craft a compelling essay in response to a variety of contemporary topics, such as the impact of social media on the modern world.

You’ll be tested on your ability to develop evidenced-based arguments , explain ideas & concepts using logic and reasoning, analyze situations, events or ideas (for example: “Analyze the impact of Shakespeare’s writing style on his audience.”), and to compare and contrast ideas from different sources.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re good at English class or not – the ACT simply wants to know if you can convey your ideas clearly and coherently using standard written English conventions.

How is the ACT Writing Section Scored?

Wondering how the ACT Writing section is scored? If so, you’re not alone. The most important thing to note is that the ACT Writing section does not affect your overall ACT score or impact other areas of the test.

Your raw ACT essay is scored by two trained readers who use a rubric to evaluate how well you did on each of the four scoring dimensions: Ideas and Analysis , Development and Support , Organization, and Language Use & Conventions .

The readers will score your essay on a scale of 1-6 for each of these dimensions, and each of these dimensions have its own evaluation criteria, which we’ve listed below:

Ideas and Analysis

A student’s ideas and analysis will be judged based on his or her ability to effectively analyze an argument or explanation. The student will need to provide evidence from the passage that supports his or her analysis of the argument or explanation presented in the prompt. Students can also use outside knowledge to support their analysis of the prompt.

If the prompt asks about the impact of social media on society, a high-scoring essay will provide a clear thesis statement (e.g., “Social media has both positive and negative effects on society”) and analyze various perspectives (e.g., the benefits of connectivity vs. the risks of misinformation).

Development and Support

The development and support category evaluates how well students develop their ideas in relation to their prompt. Students should use relevant evidence from their own experiences as well as outside sources to support their arguments or explanations in this section of the test.

This category also evaluates how effectively students use transitions between paragraphs; these transitions help readers understand how different parts of an essay relate to each other in terms of content or logic.

Continuing with the social media prompt, a high-scoring essay might use examples like the Arab Spring to demonstrate the positive impact of social media on political activism, while also discussing the spread of fake news as a negative consequence.

Organization

This scoring criterion evaluates the overall structure and coherence of the essay, with emphasis on clarity and purpose . To meet this criterion, students should ensure that their essay has a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, uses clear transitions to connect ideas and paragraphs, and maintain a consistent focus on the central argument of the essay.

A high-scoring essay on the social media prompt from above would begin with an introduction that presents the thesis statement, followed by body paragraphs discussing the various perspectives, and concluding with a summary of the argument and its implications.

Language Use And Conventions

The Language Use & Conventions scoring criterion measures a student’s command of the English Language, and will assess the usage of proper grammar, punctuation, and syntax, as well as the overall tone of the essay as it relates to the intended audience.

In the social media essay, a high-scoring writer would use a mix of simple and complex sentences to convey their ideas, choose precise words to describe the impact of social media (e.g., “polarization” or “echo chambers”), and avoid grammatical and punctuation errors.

By understanding and addressing these four scoring criteria, students can improve their chances of achieving a high score on the ACT Writing Section. For more information on how essays are scored, you can visit the official ACT website .

Want To Get The Highest Score Possible On The ACT?

Why The ACT Writing Section is Optional

Now that you understand how the ACT Writing section is scored, let’s discuss why this section of the exam is completely optional.

Below, we’ve broken down the three primary reasons the ACT Writing Section is optional: varying college requirements, separate scoring, and test duration & fatigue.

College Requirements Vary

The primary reason the ACT Writing Section is optional is that not all colleges and universities require a writing score for their admissions process.

Colleges have different requirements and preferences when it comes to evaluating applicants’ writing skills. Some institutions may place a higher emphasis on other aspects of a student’s application, such as their GPA, extracurricular activities, or letters of recommendation .

By making the Writing Section optional, the ACT allows students to tailor their testing experience to the specific requirements of the colleges they are applying to.

This flexibility can be beneficial for students who are confident in their writing abilities and want to showcase their skills, as well as for those who may struggle with writing and prefer to focus on the other sections of the test.

Separate Scoring

Another reason the ACT Writing Section is optional is that it is scored separately from the rest of the exam. While the English, Math , Reading, and Science sections contribute to a student’s composite score (ranging from 1 to 36), the Writing Section receives its own separate score (ranging from 2 to 12) . This means that a student’s performance on the Writing Section does not directly impact their overall ACT score.

By keeping the Writing Section optional and separate from the composite score, the ACT allows students to decide whether they want to invest time and effort into preparing for and taking this portion of the test. For some students, focusing on improving their scores in the other sections may be more beneficial for their college applications.

Test Duration and Fatigue

The final reason the ACT Essay is optional might not seem like a big deal, but for students who struggle with test-taking, it’s an important factor to consider in your decision on whether or not to take the ACT With Writing.

The ACT is a lengthy exam, with the four required sections taking approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes to complete. Adding the optional Writing Section extends the test by an additional 40 minutes . For some students, this extra time can lead to fatigue and decreased performance on the Writing Section.

By making the Writing Section optional, the ACT gives students the choice to determine whether they can maintain their focus and energy for the full duration of the test, including the essay portion. This can be especially helpful for students with accommodations or those who struggle with test anxiety.

Ultimately, the decision to take the ACT Writing Section depends on a student’s individual circumstances and the requirements of the colleges they are applying to. It is essential to research each college’s specific requirements and weigh the potential benefits of taking the Writing Section against the time and effort required to prepare for it.

Which Colleges Require ACT Writing?

Since the biggest factor in whether or not to take the ACT With or Without Writing is whether or not a specific college requires it, you’re probably wondering what colleges actually do require it.

As of February 2021, a mere five institutions specifically mandate the ACT Writing Section for incoming first-year students. These schools include:

Soka University of America
United States Military Academy – West Point
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
The University of Montana Western
Wyoming Catholic College

While very few colleges still require the ACT, many colleges strongly recommend the Writing Section (while others may not consider it at all). It’s worth noting that even if a college does not explicitly require the Writing Section, a strong score can still be a valuable asset in showcasing a student’s writing and critical thinking abilities.

In addition to taking the ACT as a college requirement, students may need to take the ACT as part of a requirement by their state . The states that require completion of the ACT with Writing are below:

Missouri, but only some districts
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio (only certain school districts)
Oklahoma (only certain school districts)
South Carolina (only certain school districts)
Tennessee (only certain school districts)

By understanding which colleges (or states) require or recommend the ACT with Writing, students can make informed decisions about whether to take this optional section and ensure they meet all admission criteria for their desired schools.

There are a plethora of advantages to taking the ACT With Writing, or else this portion of the exam wouldn’t have any reason to exist! Below, we’ll break down all of the reasons why a student might elect to take the ACT With Writing.

Meeting College Requirements

One of the main advantages of taking the ACT with Writing is that it ensures students meet the application requirements for a wider range of colleges and universities. As seen above, some institutions require or recommend a writing score as part of their admissions process, while others may use it as a factor when awarding scholarships or determining course placement. By opting to take the Writing Section, students can avoid limiting their college choices and increase their chances of being considered for admission or financial aid.

Demonstrating Writing Skills

The ACT Writing Section provides an opportunity for students to showcase their ability to write a clear, well-structured, and persuasive essay. Strong writing skills are essential for success in college, as students will be required to write essays, research papers, and other written assignments across various disciplines. By taking the ACT with Writing, students can demonstrate to college admissions officers that they possess the necessary writing skills to excel in higher education.

Furthermore, a high score on the Writing Section can help balance a student’s overall ACT profile, particularly if their scores in other sections are lower than desired. For example, a student with strong writing skills but weaker math abilities might benefit from taking the Writing Section to highlight their strengths and offset any potential weaknesses.

Developing Critical Thinking and Argumentation Skills

Preparing for and taking the ACT Writing Section can help students develop valuable critical thinking and argumentation skills. The Writing Section requires students to analyze different perspectives on a given issue and construct a well-reasoned argument in response. These skills are not only important for success on the ACT but also for success in college and beyond.

By practicing for the Writing Section, students can hone their ability to evaluate complex issues, consider multiple viewpoints, and develop logical, evidence-based arguments. These skills will serve them well in college coursework, as well as in their future careers and personal lives.

Standing Out in the College Application Process

In a competitive college admissions landscape, taking the ACT with Writing can help students stand out from their peers. Including a strong writing score on their application can demonstrate a student’s commitment to academic excellence and their ability to excel in a challenging college environment.

Additionally, a well-written essay can provide valuable insight into a student’s personality, values, and critical thinking abilities, allowing admissions officers to gain a more holistic understanding of the applicant.

As you can see, there are clear benefits to opting for this additional portion of the test. By understanding these advantages and preparing effectively for the Writing Section, students can enhance their college applications and increase their chances of success in higher education.

Reasons To Take The ACT Without Writing

Despite the compelling reasons to take the ACT With Writing, there are a variety of different reasons why a student might elect to take the ACT Without Writing.

Better Focus on Core Subjects

One of the main reasons students may choose to take the ACT without Writing is to focus their preparation efforts on the core subjects of the test: English, Math, Reading , and Science .

These sections contribute to a student’s composite score, which ranges from 1 to 36 , and is often the primary factor colleges consider during the admissions process.

By concentrating on these core subjects, students can maximize their composite score and increase their chances of being admitted to their desired schools.

For students who struggle with writing or do not feel confident in their essay-writing abilities, opting out of the Writing Section allows them to allocate more time and resources to improve their performance in the other sections.

This can be particularly beneficial for students who excel in subjects like math and science, as a high composite score can outweigh the absence of a writing score in the eyes of college admissions officers.

Shorter Overall Test

As mentioned above, the ACT is a lengthy exam, and the Writing Section is an additional 40 minutes on top of the 2 hours and 55 minutes of the standard test.

By choosing to take the ACT without Writing, students can potentially reduce the risk of test fatigue and maintain their focus and energy throughout the entire exam. This can be especially helpful for students with accommodations or those who struggle with test anxiety, as a shorter test duration can alleviate some of the stress associated with standardized testing.

Colleges That Don’t Require Writing

Another reason students may opt to take the ACT without Writing is that very few colleges actually require a writing score for their admissions process. Some institutions may place a higher emphasis on other aspects of a student’s application, such as their GPA, extracurricular activities, or letters of recommendation.

By researching each college’s specific requirements, students can determine whether taking the Writing Section is necessary for their target schools.

If the majority of their desired colleges do not require or recommend the Writing Section, or if the desired college does not use the ACT with Writing for scholarship consideration, students may decide to forgo this portion of the test and focus on meeting the other admission criteria.

Saving Time and Money

Taking the ACT without Writing can also save students time and money. The Writing Section comes with an additional fee of $25 , and preparing for it may require extra resources, such as tutoring or test prep materials.

By opting out of the Writing Section, students can allocate these resources to other aspects of their college application process, such as visiting campuses, preparing for interviews, or working on their personal statements.

Decision Time: Taking the ACT With or Without Writing

Based on all of the criteria discussed in this post, you should now have all the information necessary to make a decision on whether or not to take the ACT With or Without Writing. To help with your decision, we put together the pros and cons of taking the ACT with Writing, which you will find below.

Tips for Preparing for the ACT Writing Section

If based on all of the above criteria you’ve decided to take the ACT with Writing, then you’re ready for the next step – preparing for this part of the exam! Below, we’ve listed all of the tips and tricks we’ve developed in our years of ACT experience to help you get the best score possible on the writing portion of this test.

Understand the Writing Section

To perform well in the Writing section, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with its format and expectations. The Writing section of the ACT presents you with a prompt that addresses a particular issue or topic. Your task is to analyze the given prompt, develop a well-structured essay, and present a persuasive argument within a 40-minute time frame.

Practice Planning and Organizing

One key aspect of success in the Writing section is the ability to plan and organize your thoughts effectively. Start by reading and understanding the prompt carefully. Identify the main idea and consider different perspectives related to the issue.

Create a brief outline that outlines your introduction, supporting paragraphs, and conclusion. This will provide a solid foundation for your essay and help you maintain a logical flow of ideas throughout.

Develop Strong Arguments

To create a compelling essay, y ou need to develop strong arguments that support your main thesis statement. Take a stance on the given issue and brainstorm relevant points and examples that substantiate your viewpoint.

These can include real-life examples, historical events, or literature references. Aim to provide concrete evidence that illustrates your understanding of the topic and your ability to critically analyze it.

Focus on Clarity and Cohesion

Writing a coherent and well-structured essay is essential to convey your ideas effectively. Pay attention to the clarity of your writing by using concise and precise language. Make sure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence that supports your thesis statement and is followed by relevant supporting details and examples.

Additionally, utilize transition words and phrases to create smooth connections between sentences and paragraphs, enhancing the overall flow of your essay.

Practice Time Management

Time management is crucial in the ACT with Writing. W ith only 40 minutes to complete the essay , it’s important to allocate your time wisely.

Plan your essay in a way that allows you sufficient time for each step: understanding the prompt, brainstorming, outlining, writing, and revising.

Aim to complete your essay a few minutes before time runs out , so you have a chance to review and make any necessary improvements.

Seek Feedback and Review Sample Essays

To further enhance your writing skills, seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers. Share your practice essays with them and ask for constructive criticism regarding structure, content, and grammar.

Additionally, review sample essays that received high scores to understand what makes them successful. Pay attention to their organization, use of evidence, and overall clarity. This analysis will provide valuable insights into the expectations of the ACT graders.

Preparing for the ACT with Writing may initially seem challenging, but with deliberate practice and a solid understanding of the test format, you can excel in this section.

Remember to develop strong arguments, focus on clarity and organization, and manage your time effectively. By implementing these strategies and seeking feedback, you can enhance your essay writing skills and approach the ACT with confidence. With dedication and consistent practice, you’ll be well-equipped to ace the Writing section and make a strong impression on college admissions officers.

If you’re still unsure about whether or not you’ll ace the ACT Writing Section, head on over to our ACT tutoring page, where our tutors are eager to help you crush your college admissions goals.

Do most students take the ACT with writing?

The decision to take the ACT with writing varies among students. In recent years, fewer students have opted to take the ACT with writing, as many colleges and universities have made the Writing section optional or have stopped requiring it altogether in their admissions process.

However, some students still choose to take the ACT with writing to demonstrate their essay-writing skills and enhance their college applications. It is essential for students to research the specific requirements of the colleges and universities they are interested in to determine if taking the ACT with writing is necessary or beneficial for their applications.

Is ACT with writing more expensive?

Yes, the ACT with writing is more expensive than the ACT without writing. There is an additional fee of $25 to take the writing portion of the test.

Related ACT Resources:

What to Bring to the ACT: Essential Items for Test Day
ACT Reading Tips To Boost Your Score in 2023
ACT 2023 Test Dates: Upcoming Test Dates & Deadlines for the ACT Exam
Ivy League ACT Scores: What to Aim For to Maximize Your Chances
How Do I Determine If I Should Take the ACT or the SAT?

ACT and SAT Score Comparison: Score Conversions and Chart

ACT Test Dates 2024: Upcoming Test Dates & Deadlines for the ACT Exam

How To Check Your SAT Score: A Step-By-Step Guide

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, does the act have a writing portion.

Hey, quick question guys. Does the ACT also have a writing portion? If it does, how does it work, and is it optional or required? Thanks!

Yes, the ACT does have a writing portion called the ACT Writing test. It is optional, meaning you can choose whether to take it or not. The main ACT exam consists of four sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. The Writing test is an additional, separate section that you can choose to take after completing the other four sections.

The ACT Writing test is a 40-minute essay in which you'll be given a prompt that presents an issue as well as three perspectives on that issue. Your task is to analyze and evaluate the given perspectives, develop your own perspective on the issue, and explain the relationship between your perspective and those provided. Your essay will be scored based on four domains: Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organization, and Language Use and Conventions. Each domain will be scored on a scale of 2-12, then the four domains will be averaged, giving a total possible range of 2-12 for the Writing test.

To determine whether to take the ACT Writing test, you should research the universities you are planning to apply to and their specific requirements. Some colleges may require or recommend the Writing test, while others may not consider it at all. If you do choose to take the ACT Writing test, be sure to practice beforehand to become familiar with the format and learn effective strategies for crafting a strong essay.

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

How to Write an ACT Exam?

Your high school GPA may play an important role in your college admission, but the ACT exam may have the final say. What is an ACT exam? The ACT is an entrance exam that most colleges utilize to decide on a candidate's admission. The main purpose of the writing test is to disclose and measure the applicants' readiness for college studies.

The admission officers review the test score along with your high school GPA to make their final decision. Of course, the classes that you took, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation from your teachers, and your application, where you discuss the high school experience from your own perspective, will be reviewed as well. While the importance of the ACT scores may vary from college to college, the higher the score, the more options for the college enrollment you have.

The ACT exam consists of four sections that include English, Reading, Math, and Science. Aside from that, the prospective candidates are given forty minutes to do the writing test. Writing an essay can be quite difficult; that's why you need to prepare for it. The good news is that ACT essay examples are available online, and you can view sample in this article as well. So, basically, that's what the ACT exam is about. But let's dive into the details with our dissertation help services team.

What is the ACT Exam?

The ACT exam 2022 consists of several sections that reveal your knowledge of various school subjects. The ACT exam stands for “American College Test”. It's a multiple-choice test where you have a number of questions and several options of answers. And you need to be ready to give it almost four hours.

How long is the ACT exam exactly? You have two hours and fifty-five minutes for the multiple-choice test and forty minutes for the writing section. The ACT exam 2022 length gives you enough time to choose the correct answers and dive into your essay, which is quite complex. Basically, in the writing test, you will have to expand on the provided important topic and three different perspectives on it.

When writing a coherent essay, make sure that you show your abilities in several core aspects. You need to be capable of generating ideas and analyzing them from various perspectives. It's also crucial that you provide pieces of evidence that support your viewpoint. The essay must be organized logically, so the reader can easily slide through the narrative. Finally, proper written language use and conventions are also extremely important.

The Structure of the ACT Writing Test

If you are planning to pass the ACT exam 2022, you need to know the structure of the exam. First, let's look at the time you're given for completing each section, as well as the number of questions each ACT section has. What is the ACT exam, if not an exercise on time management? You have to plan basically every minute while you're taking it. Let's divide the ACT exam length for every section:

How to Write an Act Exam

All in all, you have 3 hours and 35 minutes for the ACT exam, meaning that you have just enough time to go through the test once and mark all of the right answers. Aside from it, students have a ten-minute break after the Math section and five minutes rest before they start writing the essay. Try doing an ACT practice exam and actually see when you might need breaks. You've already learned the most important aspects of the written ACT exam scoring. Now, let's take a look at each section of the multiple-choice test.

English Test

The ACT English test consists of 75 questions, and the 45 minutes given for it means that you'll have between 30 and 40 seconds for each writing. This section can be divided into three parts in terms of content:

Conventions of Standard English

This is by far the largest part of the test, as more than 50% of the test is devoted to the conventions. The questions focus on grammar, syntax, punctuation, and the correct use of words. Here you may be asked to choose the correct verb or tense. This part focuses on the general rules of English, so you don't have to write essays, sharing your own perspective on world problems or books.

Production of Writing

Around 30% of the test is devoted to the production of writing. Here, students are given passages from the various texts to check how good they are at seeing the big picture. You must choose the correct answer based on the tone or purpose of the passage. Questions in this section also concern the literary style and strategies used by the author.

You may need to also know what is diversity essay while preparing for the exams.

Knowledge of Language

This is the smallest part of the English test, as its share ranges between 10% and 20%. This segment focuses on style, tone, and precision.

The Math test may seem to be a bit too easy at the beginning. But that's because it's arranged in order of difficulty. Basically, you can say that out of sixty questions; the first twenty are quite easy. The next twenty questions are of medium difficulty, while the last twenty questions are the most difficult ones. Check an ACT practice exam to see at what point you really start to struggle with the questions so that you have an idea of what to review. Now, let's see the percentages that each math topic has in the test:

Pre-algebra - accounts for 20%-25% of questions;
Elementary algebra - ranges between 15% to 20% of questions;
Intermediate algebra - up to 20% of questions;
Coordinate geometry - takes 15%-20% of questions;
Plane geometry - around 25% of questions;
Trigonometry - ranges between 5% to 10% of questions;

The good thing is that the ACT exam allows using a calculator, so you don't have to waste a lot of time if you are not the brightest in terms of calculation.

Reading Test

The reading test has a lot in common with the production of writing questions in the English test. In this section, students are given passages from texts and questions about the passages. You may be asked to identify the author's attitude toward the main subject of the passage. The meaning of this or that word in the context of the passage. The main idea of the body paragraphs. The meaning of the phrase or the function this or that sentence serves within the text. The important part is that you don't have to develop your unique perspective of the text - this is the part of the test that measures your ability to analyze given information without adding your own perspective on the issue.

Science Test

The Science section includes topics like biology, chemistry, space and earth sciences, and physics. You may be asked to pick the right conclusion from the options you have for graphs and diagrams. The section includes questions on conflicting viewpoints. Here, students are provided with a description of a certain phenomenon with several hypotheses on its explanation. Then you need to choose which assumption reflects the notion provided in the questions.

How to Improve Your Writing Skills?

Considering the ACT exam dates 2022, you still have time to practice the ability to discuss ideas and convey arguments with clarity - improve your writing skills for the essay. You don't know the topic you’ll get, so deciding to buy an essay paper won't be that helpful. But there are a few things that you can do to improve your writing for the ACT exam.

Read and write - if you do it frequently, you won't have problems with the test;
Get familiar with current social issues and various opinions on them;
Taking debate classes will prepare you for the essay;
Try writing extracurricular activities, like creative writing clubs;
Share your writing with others;

Basically, improving your writing can be shaped into a simple formula: read-write-repeat. Read how other people write and try writing yourself. That will master the style and improve your ACT exam scoring. You can try blogging to master your skills. As for the organization of your writing, you can always seek advice from your English teachers and generate productive ideas. Asking your classmates and friends what they think of your writing can also help greatly. Just remember that no one is born with perfect writing skills. You can achieve it only through practice.

Use our free Plagiarism Checker!

How to Write an ACT Essay?

After all, despite the complexity of the ACT exam 2022 multiple-choice tests, the essay task remains the most difficult part of it. You might have checked ACT essay examples, but writing one yourself in a short time of 40 minutes can be quite stressful. You need to have a strategy for writing. So, here are the steps that can help you.

Devote around ten minutes to planning your essay.
Think of the way you're going to organize it.
Read the one writing prompt and the multiple perspectives, and choose the one you're going to work on. If you check an example ACT essay, you know what to do.
Brainstorm the ideas and analysis, as well as supporting pieces of evidence you can provide.
Picture the structure of your essay, and then devote 30 minutes to writing it so that you will have just enough time on the test day.

You want to know how to write Common App Essay Prompts 2022-2023? We encourage you to check out the fresh topics in our article.

ACT Essay Sample

Finally, we are getting to something you can build your essay on. So, you are to get a prompt with three different perspectives on it, and you need to choose which one of them you're going to write your essay, just like the example ACT essay. Let's imagine that the writing prompt you get will be on cancel culture, as shown in many of last year's ACT essay examples.

"Cancel or callout culture is a tradition of removing the support for certain individuals or their work based on their actions or opinions that can be considered objectionable. Traditionally, individuals are called out on social media, which leads to the general awareness of their perceived offense. In most cases, canceling takes the form of pressuring organizations to prevent the subject of the canceling from public appearances. When it comes to business, it can include boycotting their products" — that's what the writing prompt may look like.

So Much Homework That You Don't Have Time to Prepare for the ACT?

Delegate the part of your homework to our paper writers for hire , and spend your time preparing for the ACT exam. Let the professionals do the paperwork while focusing on important things!

Now, let's check the three perspectives that you can be provided to defeat the ACT exam scoring system:

Perspective 1:

Cancel culture allows marginalized people to hold their tormentors accountable via public opinion when the justice system fails them. Movements like #metoo allowed numerous women and men to call out their abusers. The cancel culture leads to a safer world, free from abuse of various forms.

Perspective 2:

While the cancel culture allows people to call out their abusers, we cannot disregard the fact that certain people can use it for their own benefit. The culture leads to people being canceled based on proofless claims, which turns the anti-abuse campaign into witch-hunting.

Perspective 3:

Cancel culture may lead to a change in power but is ultimately unproductive when it comes to social change. As soon as it became big, it turned into simply casting stones at each other. While we may think that it leads to social justice, it's just engaging in the social media frenzy that doesn't affect real life.

So, here you have the complex issue and three perspectives on it. First, you need to analyze and organize ideas of everything you know about the cancel culture. Think about the examples that you are acquainted with well. Then, examine each of the perspectives presented to you. Think which one is closest to your own thoughts about the issue. Alternatively, you can choose the perspective that you can support with more pieces of evidence.

You start your essay with an analysis of the cancel culture as a whole. Then you should move to one of the perspectives given. There, you can expand and convey arguments on the topic by providing your own viewpoint. Your viewpoint must be supported by pieces of evidence. Regardless of the perspective you've chosen, in the case of cancel culture, the Harvey Weinstein and Depp vs. Heard cases will surely have something to do with it. Then you finish your essay with a logical conclusion.

Don't forget that there must be a logical transition between the passages of your essay. The next passage must expand on the information provided in the preceding one. Your viewpoint must be followed by the supporting evidence. Here’s a sample of an essay that uses perspective two as the foundation: Here you go the ACT exam sample:

Is the ACT Essay Optional?

If you checked the ACT exam dates 2022, you have several months to prepare yourself. The first exam will occur on September 10, 2022, while the last one in the calendar year will be held on December 10, 2022. The biggest question that bugs students is whether the essay is optional. Yes, it is. Moreover, not every college requires applicants to write an optional ACT essay.

Another important thing is that the total ACT exam scoring is not affected by your essay score. Some colleges think writing the ACT test gives candidates a more rounded score. So, all in all, the essay score matters only together with your multiple-choice results. So, why bother writing the essay at all?

If you are highly competitive, you should try your hand in the ACT writing section. To prepare for it, you can follow the instructions given in this article and read through the ACT essay examples. If you are a mid-range student, you can opt for the writing test, but you should stress out about it, considering that many colleges do not require completing this section. Less competitive students should avoid the ACT writing test and stick to the multiple-choice test. The only reason they should take it is if the college board requires the essay for admission.

How to Pass ACT with Flying Colors?

Now that we have discussed the ACT exam meaning, you can realize that it is not an easy task, but it's not that difficult either. Given all the information provided here, you know what to expect from the multiple-choice test and the writing portion, and you already know the ACT exam scoring system. ACT exam dates 2022 are approaching, but there is nothing to be scared of. Check the ACT essay examples , read through test tips once again, solve a few training tests, think about the logical structure of your essay, and keep the scoring rubric in mind- now you are ready to go and take the test without fearing the final score!

Let the experts do the work while preparing for the ACT!

You just can't get it all, so don't compromise and get the best of your last few months of school! Graduate with a great GPA by delegating some of the tasks to our experts while you'll be spending time getting ready for the big test! If you need essay help , just give us your requirements and we'll give you a hand asap.

Perhaps you need some nursing or psychology essay writing service ? Do not hesitate to contact us! Our team is always ready to help.

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is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

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ACT Writing and SAT Essay Requirements

On january 19th, 2021, college board announced that they will no longer administer the sat subject tests in the u.s. and that the essay would be retired. read our blog post to understand what this means in the near term and what the college board has in store for students down the road., our articles on subject tests and the sat essay will remain on our site for reference purposes as colleges and students transition to a revised testing landscape. as an admission tool, students should consider the essay as canceled. compass recommends our students forgo the sat and act optional essays on future exams..

The SAT Essay and ACT Writing continue to pose a conundrum for students. While College Board and ACT have made these components optional, a small number of colleges continue to require or recommend them. Compass believes that students should no longer take the SAT Essay or ACT Writing unless they are applying to (or thinking about applying to) one of the few colleges that still requires the essay. Students who have already taken the essay should not be overly concerned about scores. One reason the essay is fading away is that the scores simply aren’t that accurate or useful. Colleges never really found a use for them, and the essays created an unnecessary obstacle for some applicants.

Rather than worrying about an essay score that is mostly ignored by colleges, Compass believes students should spend their time strengthening the more valuable pieces of their academic portfolio: high school GPA and, more specifically, success in rigorous courses like APs. Compass offers AP and academic tutoring in over 50 subjects to help students stay on pace with their coursework. Our team of subject specific expert tutors will guide the program from start to finish. We also offer a Study Skills and Organizational Coaching program to provide students with the tools they need to excel in the classroom.

The following table of popular colleges provides a wide range of institutions and policies.

Colleges with essay optional policies often do not specify whether submitted essay scores will be used for admission. When the college explicitly states that scores will not be evaluated, we have listed the policy as “Not Considered.” “Optional” should not be interpreted as meaning that the college uses submitted scores. We recommend contacting the school if you have specific questions.

ACT and SAT Essay Requirements - Class of 2019 and Beyond

* In response to COVID-19, these schools have announced temporary test optional or test blind policies, which also effects their essay requirements and recommendations. Please check with the individual schools for more information.

** University of Montana Western has students submit ACT Writing in order to satisfy English proficiency requirements.

Post a comment or send an email to [email protected] with questions or recommended changes.

ACT Writing scores have gone through multiple changes. To try to clear things up, Compass has published ACT Writing Scores Explained . A similar analysis for the SAT is also available.

Our College Profiles page provides SAT and ACT scores for some of the most competitive colleges in the country.

Score choice and superscoring policies can be found for more than 400 popular colleges and universities.

Subject Test requirements continue to evolve, so Compass keeps an up-to-date list.

Updated 6/24/2020

About Art Sawyer

Art graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University, where he was the top-ranked liberal arts student in his class. Art pioneered the one-on-one approach to test prep in California in 1989 and co-founded Compass Education Group in 2004 in order to bring the best ideas and tutors into students' homes and computers. Although he has attained perfect scores on all flavors of the SAT and ACT, he is routinely beaten in backgammon.

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Hi Art, Hope you are staying safe. Son is sophomore who will be taking the September ACT. He is not a great writer, does not like writing, and does not want to take the writing portion. He likely will score in the 33-35 range and apply to a variety of schools (a couple top [sub-10% acceptance rate] privates and top publics, as well as some less competitive universities and colleges). Not applying to any UC schools. Do you think lacking the writing score — which likely would be average — will hurt him? Put another way, would doing the writing help him at schools where it is “optional” assuming his score is not great but not terrible? Thanks. ST

ST, If colleges were completely honest, they would admit that the Writing test is dead. Some won’t state it so bluntly because it sounds like writing is not important. I don’t think there will be any colleges that care about your son’s Writing score by the time he applies. He should pass on it in September.

Thanks Art — appreciate the great advice here and on this web site generally!

If I’m understanding correctly, the only students who need to be taking the writing/essay exams are those applying to the first 9 schools on your list that are “required” or “recommended”? In this wild west post-Covid era of college testing where it seems the only constant thing is change, it is hard to understand why anyone would still take the essay portion if they aren’t applying to any of those 9 schools. We are in CA so it used to be needed for the UC’s but as you noted even that has changed. So now post-Covid, do you still advise most of your students to take the writing exams, or feel that there is “more upside than downside” to taking them? My 11th grader previously did the SAT w/essay and scored 760 R&W, 650 M, and 4/4/5 on the essay. He’ll be retaking it to improve his math score, or possibly switching over to the ACT since SAT isn’t offered this summer (He was scheduled for the March exam that was cancelled the day before, so we are re-evaluating our options). Thanks very much for your insight.

BSS, I’d go even a step further and say that — except for students applying to West Point — the essay can finally be retired. I’m not sad to see it go!

Given that your son is already considering the ACT, I’d recommend looking at July ACT and August SAT dates. Not that he needs to take both, but the strategy is a hedge against cancellations. Registration for some students just opened up for the SAT dates, but it sounds like your student will need to wait until registration goes wider on June 3.

Duke: “Recommended” Duke website: “We do not require the optional essay.” https://admissions.duke.edu/apply/ I don’t see anywhere that they recommend it.

Also, on your Subject Test page: Duke: “Recommended Strongly ” Duke website: “We do not require Subject Tests.” I see nothing that would indicate it is “Recommended Strongly”. https://admissions.duke.edu/apply/

Caltech – “Optional” Caltech website – “Caltech also does not require the SAT Essay or ACT Writing exam sections. These sections will not be considered in the application review process.” http://admissions.divisions.caltech.edu/apply/first-yearfreshman-applicants/standardized-tests

I believe the vast, vast majority of the colleges you list as “Optional” similarly don’t even consider a writing score.

Thanks for reaching out! And thank you, in particular, for the Duke update. Just a few weeks ago we checked their site and they still had Subject Tests listed as recommended strongly with the “or ACT” twist. We’ve updated the Subject Test page to reflect that. We still have Duke listed as recommending the essay because of this: https://today.duke.edu/2018/07/duke-makes-sat-essay-act-writing-test-optional-applicants (this announcement is from almost two years ago, but we haven’t heard anything to specifically counter it.)

We recognize that the essay is becoming increasingly less relevant in admissions, and we have plans to revisit this list and put the “Optional” schools in better context.

Hello Mr. Sawyer, I have an SAT score of 1510 and my essay score is 5/4/6 should I consider taking the SAT again to improve the essay score if I plan to apply to the top universities such as Harvard, Yale and Duke.

Mazin, You should not repeat the SAT just because of your Essay score. You may have seen the news yesterday that College Board is phasing out the Essay. It is simply no longer a concern.

Mr. Sawyer, what are you thoughts on the ACT writing (essay). Do you expect it to follow suit and discontinue it like the SAT essay?

Marjorie, My first thought is that — ACT’s decision aside — students should not take the Writing test. It is disappearing for good reason — it’s just not very good or useful.

ACT will make a business decision, just as College Board did — although not necessarily with the same immediate result. ACT may want to retain the fees it is receiving for the Writing test. It may also try to wait just long enough not to seem that it is following College Board’s lead. ACT typically implements changes during its school calendar year of Sept – July. I would not be surprised to see the essay discontinued after the summer administrations.

Mr. Sawyer-Wanting some advice. My junior just took the ACT and scored a 33 composite with a 35 in English and a 34 in reading. Our school had recommended the writing test so he took it and bombed it with a 6/12. He has taken all honors and AP English classes offered and done excellent. GPA is 3.95 unweighted. I wonder if his horrible handwriting played a role but now he is stuck with a 6 on writing. Should he retake the test just to improve that score? If so does he take it with writing again or simply try to score a 33 without writing and submit that score. He’s looking at Carleton, Pomona, Grinnell along with some others.

Sarah, One of the reasons the essay has been abandoned is just how fluky the results can be. I would not recommend retesting only to raise his Writing score.

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Home / Blog / Colleges / How to Study for the ACT

How to Study for the ACT

The ACT and SAT exams can determine the path you take into college. For a lot of students, this can cause a lot of stress and pressure to do well on the ACT and SAT exams. But with proper test prep and a well defined study plan, you can alleviate the stress and go into your ACT or SAT exam with confidence.

How to Study for the ACT: Pick Your ACT Test Date Strategically

Peterson’s recommends taking the ACT in the early fall of your junior year. This will help reduce the amount of workload you have during the school year. Taking it sooner than later will allow you to focus more on your regular course work and will allow you to focus your studies on AP exams taken in the spring. Be sure, however, to pick a test date that aligns with your schedule. Look at your activities and coursework and choose the test date which will allow you the most time to study.

At the end of this article, you’ll find ACT dates for the 2023 and 2024 school year.

When Should I Start Studying for the ACT?

If you plan to take the ACT in the fall of your junior year, we recommend that you begin studying for the ACT at the end of your sophomore year or the summer between your sophomore and junior year. This will give you plenty of time to study the material on the exam and take ACT practice tests.

Since every student is different, here are a couple factors you should consider when planning your ACT prep schedule:

Determine Your Strengths and Weaknesses One of the best things you can do before creating an ACT study plan is to determine your strengths and weaknesses. You can do this by taking ACT practice tests. ACT practice tests will help you understand how the ACT test is structured and what types of questions will be asked on the exam. Discovering how well you perform on each section will help you identify areas to which you need more dedicated study.

Peterson’s digital test prep will give you access to 11 full-length ACT practices tests that mimic the real ACT. You’ll also have unlimited access to interactive and instructional material that you can include within your ACT study plan.

Consider Your Goals for the Future Like we mentioned earlier, the ACT can help determine your college path.. Scoring well on the ACT exam with the aim to get into a good in-state university or qualify for scholarship opportunities will look different than scoring well to get into an Ivy League school. If you are planning to attend a highly selective school, like an Ivy League institution, we recommend taking ACT practice tests and creating a robust ACT study plan early in your sophomore year, and aim for gradual, steady-paced studying.

Determine Your Desired Point Improvement If you earned a 28 on your ACT practice test, but wanted to score a 32, you’ll need to allocate a few more weeks of ACT prep to your study schedule. This is why taking a few ACT practice tests is beneficial to determining how far you are from your ACT score goal.

ACT Tips and Strategies for Success

Take Practice Tests One of the best ways to study is by taking ACT practice tests . When you take ACT practice tests, you’ll know exactly what types of questions to expect on the day of your exam. Practice tests also help you identify your strengths and weaknesses so you can work towards improving your score.
Create a Study Schedule and be Consistent Cramming for the ACT won’t help you get your highest ACT score. Determine the ACT score you want to achieve and give yourself enough time to increase your score. Gradual, consistent studying will boost long-term memory and decrease burnout.
If You Get Stuck, Move On If you get stuck on a question while taking your ACT test, move on to the next but don’t forget to revisit the question later. An unanswered question will automatically lose you points on the ACT.
Utilize the Method of Process of Elimination Eliminate any answer choices you are positive are incorrect. This helps reduce the possibility of getting the answer wrong. Once you’ve narrowed it down, use your best judgement.
Memorize Formulas The ACT test does not give you or allow ACT formula cheat sheets so it’s important that you memorize the formulas you’ll need to use during the exam. ACT practice tests will give you a great idea of the types of questions asked so you’ll be able to know which types of formulas to remember.
Practice Self-Care and Manage Your Stress Avoid burnout and fatigue the days leading up to your ACT test. Stick with your consistent study schedule, continue taking ACT practice tests, and do the things that help alleviate your stress. This could mean something different for everyone. But no matter what you do to practice self-care, make sure to sleep well, eat well, and remember that you’ve properly dedicated time to preparing for the ACT.

2024-2025 ACT Test Dates

*No test centers scheduled in New York for the July test dates.

If you want to go into your ACT test with confidence, take advantage of Peterson’s ACT test prep that includes full-length ACT practice tests, explanations to every answer, and interactive and instructional videos and study materials that will help you earn your highest ACT score possible.

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SAT or ACT? Which exam should students take? | College Connection

There are two exams that are widely accepted for the purposes of college admissions and the distribution of merit scholarship money: SAT and ACT. While students throughout the U.S. know that they can choose whichever test they want, geography tends to play a major role in their decision.

In New Jersey, for example, 90% of students choose the SAT, while only 10% choose the ACT, according to statistics from Niche.com. This ratio of 9 to 1, or even greater, in favor of the SAT is also reported in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia.

Local students find the SAT to be a natural progression from the PSAT which they typically take in the fall of both their sophomore and junior years. Also, students often find the SAT to be an easier test as it covers fewer subjects and gives students more time per question than does the ACT. States where students strongly favor the ACT include Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

More: 15 most beautiful college campuses across the country | College Connection

Although the section titles vary, both tests cover critical reading, grammar, and math. The most significant difference in content is that the ACT includes a science section, filled with reading passages on science topics including charts, graphs, and tables, while the SAT does not.

While both tests currently have a similar time frame (three hours for the SAT, two hours and 55 minutes for the ACT) there are 40% more questions on the ACT resulting in substantially less time per question for test-takers.

The ACT also offers an optional essay, which adds an additional 40 minutes to the test. The SAT eliminated its optional essay in 2021.

While students can certainly take both tests, it’s most productive to choose one and put substantial time and effort into preparing for that specific exam. Students can take whichever exam they choose as many times as they like, and colleges never know. Basically, they get unlimited “do-overs.” When the time comes to submit college applications, in the fall of senior year, students check off exactly which scores they want to send and those are the only scores colleges can view.

More: High school course selection matters on college applications | College Connection

Students interested in viewing actual past tests should check out The Official SAT Study Guide by The College Board and The Official ACT Prep Guide 2023-2024.

Upcoming SAT test dates for the remainder of 2023 are Aug. 26, Oct. 7, Nov. 4, and Dec. 2. ACT test dates are July 15, Sept. 9, Oct. 28, and Dec. 9.

The cost of the SAT is $60 while the cost of the ACT is $66, plus an additional $25 if choosing to include the essay section.

Susan Alaimo is the founder & director of Collegebound Review, offering PSAT/SAT® preparation & private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362 .

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TikTok challenges U.S. ban in court, calling it unconstitutional

Bobby Allyn

TikTok's suit is in response to a law passed by Congress giving ByteDance up to a year to divest from TikTok and find a new buyer, or face a nationwide ban. Kiichiro Sato/AP hide caption

TikTok's suit is in response to a law passed by Congress giving ByteDance up to a year to divest from TikTok and find a new buyer, or face a nationwide ban.

TikTok and its parent company on Tuesday filed a legal challenge against the United States over a law that President Biden signed last month outlawing the app nationwide unless it finds a buyer within a year.

In the petition filed in the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, the company said the legislation exceeds the bounds of the constitution and suppresses the speech of millions of Americans.

"Banning TikTok is so obviously unconstitutional, in fact, that even the Act's sponsors recognized that reality, and therefore have tried mightily to depict the law not as a ban at all, but merely a regulation of TikTok's ownership," according to the filing.

The law, passed through Congress at lightning speed, which caught many inside TikTok off guard, is intended to force TikTok to be sold to a non-Chinese company in nine months, with the possibility of a three month extension if a possible sale is in play.

Yet lawyers for TikTok say the law offers the company a false choice, since fully divesting from its parent company, ByteDance, is "simply not possible: not commercially, not technologically, not legally," the challenge states. "And certainly not on the 270-day timeline required by the Act."

Anupam Chander, a law professor at Georgetown University who specializes in technology regulations, said if TikTok loses this legal fight, it will likely shut down in the U.S.

"The problem for TikTok is that they have a parent company that has these obligation in China, but they're trying to live by free speech rules by the United States," Chander said in an interview. "The question is whether American courts will believe that that's even possible."

TikTok says law based on "speculative and analytically flawed concerns"

Lawmakers in Washington have long been suspicious of TikTok, fearing its Chinese owner could use the popular app to spy on Americans or spread dangerous disinformation.

But in the company's legal petition, lawyers for TikTok say invoking "national security" does not give the government a free pass to violate the First Amendment, especially, TikTok, argues, when no public evidence has been presented of the Chinese government using the app as a weapon against Americans.

Possible TikTok ban could be 'an extinction-level event' for the creator economy

According to the filing, the law is based on "speculative and analytically flawed concerns about data security and content manipulation — concerns that, even if grounded in fact, could be addressed through far less restrictive and more narrowly tailored means."

New DOJ Filing: TikTok's Owner Is 'A Mouthpiece' Of Chinese Communist Party

Constitutional scholars say there are few ways for the government to restrict speech in a way that would survive a legal challenge. One of those ways is if the government can demonstrate a national security risk. Also key, legal experts say, is the government showing the speech suppression was the least restrictive option on the table.

TikTok said Congress ignored less restrictive ways of addressing the government's national security concerns.

"If Congress can do this, it can circumvent the First Amendment by invoking national security and ordering the publisher of any individual newspaper or website to sell to avoid being shut down," the filing states. "And for TikTok, any such divestiture would disconnect Americans from the rest of the global community."

Since more than 90% of TikTok's users are outside of America, Georgetown's Chander said selling the U.S.-based app to a different owner would cannibalize its own business.

"You can't really create a TikTok U.S., while having a different company manage TikTok Canada," Chander said in an interview. "What you're doing essentially is creating a rival between two TikToks," he said. " It may be better to take your marbles out of the United States and hope to make money outside of the U.S., rather than sell it at a fire-sale price."

TikTok critics call app a 'spy balloon on your phone'

The filing sets off what could be the most important battle for TikTok. It has been fending off legal challenges to its existence since former President Trump first sought to ban the app through an executive order in the summer of 2020. That effort was blocked by federal courts.

Since then, Democrats and Republicans have shown a rare moment of unity around calls to pressure TikTok to sever its ties with ByteDance, the Beijing-based tech giant that owns the video-streaming app.

Trump's Ban On TikTok Suffers Another Legal Setback

Congress has never before passed legislation that could outright ban a wildly popular social media app, a gesture the U.S. government has criticized authoritarian nations for doing.

In the case of TikTok, however, lawmakers have called the app a "spy balloon on your phone," emphasizing how the Chinese government could gain access to the personal data of U.S. citizens.

Worries also persist in Washington that Beijing could influence the views of Americans by dictating what videos are boosted on the platform. That concern has only become heightened seven months before a presidential election.

Yet the fears so far indeed remain hypothetical.

There is no publicly available example of the Chinese government attempting to use TikTok as an espionage or data collection tool. And no proof that the Chinese government has ever had a hand over what TikTok's 170 million American users see every day on the app.

TikTok says it offers U.S. a plan that would shut app down if it violated agreement

TikTok, for its part, says it has invested $2 billion on a plan, dubbed Project Texas, to separate its U.S. operation from its Chinese parent company. It deleted all of Americans' data from foreign servers and relocated all of the data to servers on U.S. soil overseen by the Austin-based tech company Oracle.

While the plan was intended to build trust with U.S. lawmakers and users, reports surfaced showing that data was still moving between staff in California and Beijing.

In the filing on Tuesday, TikTok said it submitted an agreement to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, which has been probing the app for five years, that would allow the U.S. to suspend TikTok if it violated terms set forth in a national security plan.

But, lawyers for TikTok say, the deal was swept aside, "in favor of the politically expedient and punitive approach," the petition states.

Mnuchin claims he will place a bid to buy TikTok, even though app is not for sale

Despite the new law giving TikTok the ultimatum of selling or being shut down, there are many questions around how the app could even be bought by another company or group of investors.

Former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told NPR on Monday, he is planning to assemble a group of investors to try to purchase TikTok without the app's algorithm.

Mnuchin, who declined to answer additional questions, said in between sessions at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles that the proposal to buy the app is still in the works, but he would not say when it would be formally submitted.

One major obstacle in any possible sale of TikTok is a glaring problem: The app is not for sale.

TikTok Ban Averted: Trump Gives Oracle-Walmart Deal His 'Blessing'

Despite the new law in the U.S., ByteDance says it does not intend to let go of the service. Furthermore, winning the support of China would be necessary, and officials in Beijing are adamantly against any forced sale.

In 2020, amid the Trump administration's clamp down on the app, China added "content-recommendation algorithms" to its export-control list, effectively adding new regulations over how TikTok's all-powerful algorithm could ever be sold.

ByteDance, not TikTok, developed and controls the algorithm that determines what millions see on the app every day. The technology has become the envy of Silicon Valley, and no U.S. tech company has been able dislodge TikTok's firm hold on the short-form video market. Experts say key to its success is its highly engaging and hyper-personalized video-ranking algorithm.

The algorithm, which involves millions of lines of software code developed by thousands of engineers over many years, cannot be easily transferred to the U.S., even if China did allow it, TikTok's challenge states.

Lawyers for TikTok argue that "any severance [of the algorithm] would leave TikTok without access to the recommendation engine that has created a unique style and community that cannot be replicated on any other platform today."

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ACT Test Scores: Writing

Taking the ACT with writing will provide you and the schools to which you have ACT report scores with additional scores. You will receive a total of five scores for this test: a single subject-level writing score reported on a range of 2-12, and four domain scores, also 2-12, that are based on an analytic scoring rubric. The subject-level score will be the rounded average of the four domain scores. The four domain scores are: Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organization, and Language Use and Conventions . An image of your essay will be available to your high school and the colleges to which you have ACT report your scores from that test date.

Taking the writing test does not affect your subject area scores or your Composite score. However, without a writing test score, no English Language Arts (ELA) score will be reported.

Your essay will be evaluated based on the evidence that it provides of your ability to:

clearly state your own perspective on the issue and analyze the relationship between your perspective and at least one other perspective
develop and support your ideas with reasoning and examples
organize your ideas clearly and logically
communicate your ideas effectively in standard written English

Two trained readers will score your essay on a scale of 1-6 in each of the four writing domains. Each domain score represents the sum of the two readers' scores. If the readers' ratings disagree by more than one point, a third reader will evaluate the essay and resolve the discrepancy.

Sample Essays

You might be a little unsure of what to expect from a writing prompt and what kinds of responses score the highest. We took the guesswork out of it and created one sample prompt and six possible responses, ranging from weak to strong, that give you an idea of how to achieve your best score.

Remember that your scores for the four individual domains - ideas and analysis, development and support, organization, and language use and conventions - will be communicated on a scale of 2–12. These domain scores are derived by adding together the individual scores, on a 1–6 scale, from each of two readers.

Scoring Rubric Overview

Scoring your writing test

This analytic scoring rubric presents the standards by which your essay will be evaluated. The following rubric overview will help you to better understand the dimensions of writing that this assessment evaluates.

This task asks you to generate an essay that establishes your own perspective on a given issue and analyzes the relationship between your perspective and at least one other perspective. In evaluating your response, trained readers will use an analytic rubric that breaks the central elements of written argument into four domains: Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organization, and Language Use and Conventions. As you review these domains, think about the role each plays in a written argument that accomplishes its purpose.

Ideas and Analysis —Scores in this domain reflect the ability to generate productive ideas and engage critically with multiple perspectives on the given issue. Competent writers understand the issue they are invited to address, the purpose for writing, and the audience. They generate ideas that are relevant to the situation.

Development and Support —Scores in this domain reflect the ability to discuss ideas, offer rationale, and bolster an argument. Competent writers explain and explore their ideas, discuss implications, and illustrate through examples. They help the reader understand their thinking about the issue.

Organization —Scores in this domain reflect the ability to organize ideas with clarity and purpose. Organizational choices are integral to effective writing. Competent writers arrange their essay in a way that clearly shows the relationship between ideas, and they guide the reader through their discussion.

Language Use and Conventions —Scores in this domain reflect the ability to use written language to convey arguments with clarity. Competent writers make use of the conventions of grammar, syntax, word usage, and mechanics. They are also aware of their audience and adjust the style and tone of their writing to communicate effectively.

Scoring Rubric

Learn more about how the writing test is scored.

View the Writing Test Scoring Rubric (PDF)

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A.I.’s Black Boxes Just Got a Little Less Mysterious

Researchers at the A.I. company Anthropic claim to have found clues about the inner workings of large language models, possibly helping to prevent their misuse and to curb their potential threats.

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A woman works into an office with the name Anthropic on a glass door.

By Kevin Roose

Reporting from San Francisco

One of the weirder, more unnerving things about today’s leading artificial intelligence systems is that nobody — not even the people who build them — really knows how the systems work.

That’s because large language models, the type of A.I. systems that power ChatGPT and other popular chatbots, are not programmed line by line by human engineers, as conventional computer programs are.

Instead, these systems essentially learn on their own, by ingesting vast amounts of data and identifying patterns and relationships in language, then using that knowledge to predict the next words in a sequence.

One consequence of building A.I. systems this way is that it’s difficult to reverse-engineer them or to fix problems by identifying specific bugs in the code. Right now, if a user types “Which American city has the best food?” and a chatbot responds with “Tokyo,” there’s no real way of understanding why the model made that error, or why the next person who asks may receive a different answer.

And when large language models do misbehave or go off the rails, nobody can really explain why. (I encountered this problem last year when a Bing chatbot acted in an unhinged way during an interaction with me. Not even top executives at Microsoft could tell me with any certainty what had gone wrong.)

The inscrutability of large language models is not just an annoyance but a major reason some researchers fear that powerful A.I. systems could eventually become a threat to humanity.

After all, if we can’t understand what’s happening inside these models, how will we know if they can be used to create novel bioweapons, spread political propaganda or write malicious computer code for cyberattacks? If powerful A.I. systems start to disobey or deceive us, how can we stop them if we can’t understand what’s causing that behavior in the first place?

To address these problems, a small subfield of A.I. research known as “mechanistic interpretability” has spent years trying to peer inside the guts of A.I. language models. The work has been slow going, and progress has been incremental.

There has also been growing resistance to the idea that A.I. systems pose much risk at all. Last week, two senior safety researchers at OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, left the company amid conflict with executives about whether the company was doing enough to make its products safe.

But this week, a team of researchers at the A.I. company Anthropic announced what they called a major breakthrough — one they hope will give us the ability to understand more about how A.I. language models actually work, and to possibly prevent them from becoming harmful.

The team summarized its findings in a blog post called “ Mapping the Mind of a Large Language Model .”

The researchers looked inside one of Anthropic’s A.I. models — Claude 3 Sonnet, a version of the company’s Claude 3 language model — and used a technique known as “dictionary learning” to uncover patterns in how combinations of neurons, the mathematical units inside the A.I. model, were activated when Claude was prompted to talk about certain topics. They identified roughly 10 million of these patterns, which they call “features.”

They found that one feature, for example, was active whenever Claude was asked to talk about San Francisco. Other features were active whenever topics like immunology or specific scientific terms, such as the chemical element lithium, were mentioned. And some features were linked to more abstract concepts, like deception or gender bias.

They also found that manually turning certain features on or off could change how the A.I. system behaved, or could get the system to even break its own rules.

For example, they discovered that if they forced a feature linked to the concept of sycophancy to activate more strongly, Claude would respond with flowery, over-the-top praise for the user, including in situations where flattery was inappropriate.

Chris Olah, who led the Anthropic interpretability research team, said in an interview that these findings could allow A.I. companies to control their models more effectively.

“We’re discovering features that may shed light on concerns about bias, safety risks and autonomy,” he said. “I’m feeling really excited that we might be able to turn these controversial questions that people argue about into things we can actually have more productive discourse on.”

Other researchers have found similar phenomena in small- and medium-size language models. But Anthropic’s team is among the first to apply these techniques to a full-size model.

Jacob Andreas, an associate professor of computer science at M.I.T., who reviewed a summary of Anthropic’s research, characterized it as a hopeful sign that large-scale interpretability might be possible.

“In the same way that understanding basic things about how people work has helped us cure diseases, understanding how these models work will both let us recognize when things are about to go wrong and let us build better tools for controlling them,” he said.

Mr. Olah, the Anthropic research leader, cautioned that while the new findings represented important progress, A.I. interpretability was still far from a solved problem.

For starters, he said, the largest A.I. models most likely contain billions of features representing distinct concepts — many more than the 10 million or so features that Anthropic’s team claims to have discovered. Finding them all would require enormous amounts of computing power and would be too costly for all but the richest A.I. companies to attempt.

Even if researchers were to identify every feature in a large A.I. model, they would still need more information to understand the full inner workings of the model. There is also no guarantee that A.I. companies would act to make their systems safer.

Still, Mr. Olah said, even prying open these A.I. black boxes a little bit could allow companies, regulators and the general public to feel more confident that these systems can be controlled.

“There are lots of other challenges ahead of us, but the thing that seemed scariest no longer seems like a roadblock,” he said.

Kevin Roose is a Times technology columnist and a host of the podcast " Hard Fork ." More about Kevin Roose

Explore Our Coverage of Artificial Intelligence

News and Analysis

Researchers at the A.I. company Anthropic claim to have found clues about the inner workings of large language models, possibly helping to prevent their misuse and to curb their potential threats.

OpenAI released a chatbot with a voice that sounded like Scarlett Johansson, the actress who provided the voice of an A.I. system in the movie “Her.” Johansson had previously turned down the company’s request to license her voice twice.

Hoping to make the personal computer cool again, Microsoft, HP, Dell and others unveiled a new kind of laptop tailored to work with A.I.

The Age of A.I.

D’Youville University in Buffalo had an A.I. robot speak at its commencement . Not everyone was happy about it.

A new program, backed by Cornell Tech, M.I.T. and U.C.L.A., helps prepare lower-income, Latina and Black female computing majors for A.I. careers.

Publishers have long worried that A.I.-generated answers on Google would drive readers away from their sites. They’re about to find out if those fears are warranted, our tech columnist writes .

A new category of apps promises to relieve parents of drudgery, with an assist from A.I. But a family’s grunt work is more human, and valuable, than it seems.

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COMMENTS

Should You Take the ACT With or Without Writing?
ACT Writing is an optional 40-minute essay task that students can take at the end of the multiple choice test. Whether you should take the ACT with or without Writing depends on whether the colleges you want to apply to require it.
Writing Test Prep
The ACT writing test contains one question to be completed in 40 minutes. When asked to write a timed essay, most writers find it useful to do some planning before they write the essay and to do a final check of the essay when it is finished. It is unlikely that you will have time to draft, revise, and recopy your essay. Plan
The ACT Writing Sample Essays
Writing Sample Essays. Write a unified, coherent essay about the increasing presence of intelligent machines. In your essay, be sure to: clearly state your own perspective on the issue and analyze the relationship between your perspective and at least one other perspective. develop and support your ideas with reasoning and examples.
Should You Take the ACT With Writing? How to Decide
Here are a few more factors to consider: 1. Your School or State Requires It. Some colleges, highs schools, and states require the ACT writing test. Check this early on to avoid surprises. 2. You Want Your Application to Stand Out. A strong writing score can make your application more competitive.
Sample ACT Essay Prompt (and How to Tackle It)
The ACT essay follows a predictable format, which means you can practice and prepare beforehand. Take a look at a sample ACT writing prompt and learn five key steps to penning a high-scoring essay. Keep in mind: The ACT writing essay is optional. Currently, only 27 colleges and universities require the ACT with Writing.
How to Do Well on the ACT Essay
The ACT essay, also known as the Writing section, is an optional 40-minute test that students can take after the multiple-choice sections. The essay task presents an issue often relevant to high school students and asks examinees to write a persuasive essay that takes a clear stance on that issue, while also addressing and evaluating three ...
Everything You Need to Know About ACT Writing
Here are the need-to-know facts about the ACT Writing section: It's a 40-minute test to complete with pencil and paper. You'll get one essay prompt about a debatable topic and three different perspectives on it. You have to: evaluate the three different perspectives. present your own perspective (which may agree in part or in full with any ...
What Is the ACT? A Complete Guide
The ACT is one of the most popular standardized college entrance exams in the U.S. The three-hour test measures college readiness in English, math, reading, and science. Test-takers can also sit for an optional essay section. Scoring well on the ACT is a strong indicator of success your first year of college.
What is the ACT?
The ACT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. It is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test administered by ACT, Inc. The purpose of the ACT test is to measure a high school student's readiness for college, and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants.
The ACT Writing: What is the ACT essay, and should your student take it
The ACT writing is scored by two trained readers. Each reader will score the essay on a scale of 1 to 6 in each of the four writing domains. Each domain score represents the sum of the two readers' scores. The grading rubric can be found here. A score of 8 or more on the writing is exceptionally good, with 6 as the average score.
Description of Writing Test
Writing Test Description for the ACT. If you register for the ACT with writing, you will take the writing section after the four multiple-choice sections. Your score in the writing section will not affect your scores on the multiple-choice or your Composite score. The writing section is a 40-minute essay test that measures your writing skills ...
ACT With Or Without Writing: How To Decide
Practice Time Management. Time management is crucial in the ACT with Writing. W ith only 40 minutes to complete the essay, it's important to allocate your time wisely. Plan your essay in a way that allows you sufficient time for each step: understanding the prompt, brainstorming, outlining, writing, and revising.
Does the ACT Have a Writing Portion?
Thanks! Yes, the ACT does have a writing portion called the ACT Writing test. It is optional, meaning you can choose whether to take it or not. The main ACT exam consists of four sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. The Writing test is an additional, separate section that you can choose to take after completing the other four ...
Everything You Need to Know for the ACT Exam
The ACT is an entrance exam that most colleges utilize to decide on a candidate's admission. The main purpose of the writing test is to disclose and measure the applicants' readiness for college studies. The admission officers review the test score along with your high school GPA to make their final decision.
ACT Writing and SAT Essay Requirements
Compass believes that students should no longer take the SAT Essay or ACT Writing unless they are applying to (or thinking about applying to) one of the few colleges that still requires the essay. Students who have already taken the essay should not be overly concerned about scores. One reason the essay is fading away is that the scores simply ...
How to Study for the ACT
Take Practice Tests. One of the best ways to study is by taking ACT practice tests. When you take ACT practice tests, you'll know exactly what types of questions to expect on the day of your exam. Practice tests also help you identify your strengths and weaknesses so you can work towards improving your score.
SAT or ACT? Which exam should students take?
The ACT also offers an optional essay, which adds an additional 40 minutes to the test. The SAT eliminated its optional essay in 2021. While students can certainly take both tests, it's most ...
About the ACT Test
The optional ACT writing test is an essay test that measures writing skills taught in high school English classes and entry level college composition courses. The test consists of one writing prompt that describes a complex issue and provides three different perspectives on the issue. You are asked to read the prompt and write an essay in which ...
TikTok challenges U.S. ban in court, calling it unconstitutional
The high-stakes legal battle could determine the future of the popular app in the U.S. TikTok's legal filing calls the ban law an unprecedented violation of First Amendment rights.
What may at first seem as the most difficult change, could ...
It was just a test. Nothing to worry about. Nothing to lose. When I was done writing, I found it pretty difficult to comprehend that I am the one who has indeed written the essay. How can one put something together that they have no knowledge about? My jaw dropped when I was informed that I was the one whom they have chosen for the position.
Writing Test Scores
ACT Test Scores: Writing. Taking the ACT with writing will provide you and the schools to which you have ACT report scores with additional scores. You will receive a total of five scores for this test: a single subject-level writing score reported on a range of 2-12, and four domain scores, also 2-12, that are based on an analytic scoring rubric.
A.I.'s Black Boxes Just Got a Little Less Mysterious
Reporting from San Francisco. May 21, 2024. One of the weirder, more unnerving things about today's leading artificial intelligence systems is that nobody — not even the people who build them ...

Choose Your Test

What Is ACT Writing?

The Key Consideration: Which Colleges Require ACT Writing?

A Few Other Things to Keep in Mind

A Good ACT Writing Score Can Boost Your Chances of Admission—Slightly

Costs of Taking the ACT With Writing

Registration Fee

Extra Study Time

Final Verdict

If you're applying only to schools that won't consider ACT Writing scores...

If you're looking at schools that don't require ACT Writing and aren't very competitive...

If you're applying to more competitive schools or schools that recommend ACT Writing...

If you're not sure where you want to apply...

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Everything You Need to Know About ACT Writing

What is the ACT Writing section?

Do I have to take ACT Writing?

How does ACT Writing scoring work?

How ACT Writing Is Scored

Getting Your ACT Writing Scores

Can ACT Writing hurt your score?

What essay score is good?

Can ACT Writing be superscored?

What happens if I mess up on the writing section?

How to Improve Your Writing Score

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The ACT Writing: What is the ACT essay, and should your student take it?

Registration Fee

Preparation

What about the SAT?

Should You Take The ACT With or Without Writing?

Table of Contents:

Advantages of Taking the ACT With Writing

Frequently Asked Questions About The ACT With Writing

What Is the ACT Writing Section?

How is the ACT Writing Section Scored?

Ideas and Analysis

Development and Support

Organization

Language Use And Conventions

Want To Get The Highest Score Possible On The ACT?

Why The ACT Writing Section is Optional

College Requirements Vary

Separate Scoring

Test Duration and Fatigue

Which Colleges Require ACT Writing?

Meeting College Requirements

Demonstrating Writing Skills

Developing Critical Thinking and Argumentation Skills

Standing Out in the College Application Process

Reasons To Take The ACT Without Writing

Better Focus on Core Subjects

Shorter Overall Test

Colleges That Don’t Require Writing

Saving Time and Money

Decision Time: Taking the ACT With or Without Writing

Tips for Preparing for the ACT Writing Section

Understand the Writing Section

Practice Planning and Organizing

Develop Strong Arguments

Focus on Clarity and Cohesion

Practice Time Management

Seek Feedback and Review Sample Essays

Do most students take the ACT with writing?

Is ACT with writing more expensive?

Related ACT Resources:

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