They changed the ACT writing scale last year to be the same as the other sections. The writing test itself is different too.
I can not remember who told me this, but I do believe that someone at USMA indicated that, although the writing component is required, and you need a score, it isn't weighed to the same extent as the other sections, and a score well below your overall composite wont kill you. The other ACT sections will carry the day.
I know that my sons writing score was several points below all or his other ACT sub scores, and when anyone went over his application with us no one ever even mentioned that it was an issue at all. Frankly, it wouldn't surprise me if they barely score it at all. But I'm not sure.