ACT writing scores

A

Armymom93

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How important is the ACT writing score for admission? I can’t seem to find the average ACT writing score for the most recent classes anywhere. DS scored an 9 and we don’t think he needs to take it again since no other colleges he’s interested in require it. (Also got a 32 superstore so he will take the ACT again this summer to try to get that score up but not with the writing).
 
USMA asked for ACT ELA (English + Reading + Writing) score when DS opened an application to SLE this spring.
 
Armymom93 said:
How important is the ACT writing score for admission? I can’t seem to find the average ACT writing score for the most recent classes anywhere. DS scored an 9 and we don’t think he needs to take it again since no other colleges he’s interested in require it. (Also got a 32 superstore so he will take the ACT again this summer to try to get that score up but not with the writing).
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id say just try for the sat instead, writing is a lot of hassle
 
Typically, if you achieve an "8" on the writing section, then you are good shape. Your son's score should be sufficient.
 
Thank you. Just wanted to make sure he shouldn’t do the writing section again when took the ACT again.
 
Armymom93 said:
Thank you. Just wanted to make sure he shouldn’t do the writing section again when took the ACT again.
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USMA asks for ACT plus writing why not just take the test as it is requested by the Academy? Why take a chance on it not being accepted? Why take the easy way when an appointment is the goal? My DS #2 didn't get accepted until his 3rd try at USMA and took many ACT tests (12) and always with writing. He even traveled out of state during Covid to take the test.
 
A 9 is more than good. I'd be satisfied with that, but keep in mind that the other parts of the ACT are just as important.

USMA superscores standardized tests. That means they take your highest score in each individual category over multiple tests. So, for example, if your spread was:

Test 1: 27, 32, 21, 30, 7
Test 2: 30, 27, 23, 31, 6
Test 3: 31, 29, 20, 32, 8

USMA would review your score as:

USMA: 31, 32, 23, 32, 8
 
Agree with above - no real reason not to take the the test with Writing if you are going to take it again.

The Writing score is essentially Pass/Fail with respect to USMA admissions, but a higher score is always better. You never know when admissions may change the cutoff.

If your file is otherwise strong, but the Writing score is below the cutoff, admissions may send your writing samples to the English department for review. You do not want the English department involved - when you take Plebe English you will understand why 😱
 
Armymom93 said:
How important is the ACT writing score for admission? I can’t seem to find the average ACT writing score for the most recent classes anywhere. DS scored an 9 and we don’t think he needs to take it again since no other colleges he’s interested in require it. (Also got a 32 superstore so he will take the ACT again this summer to try to get that score up but not with the writing).
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My DS took the ACT 3 times and only did the writing portion the first time, and he got an 8. That is roughly in the 90th percentile. He got a 32, 33, then 34 on his 3 tries. He just really did not want to do the writing portion again, and wanted to focus on the other components. And I didn’t fight him on it. It worked out for him as he is heading to USMA this summer.
 
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