Does the ACT Writing score matter?

An ACT Writing score provides a benchmark that can help admissions officers gauge the appropriate course level for new students. Scholarship programs may require an ACT Writing score as part of their selection process. Check out our ACT Writing tips if you're considering taking this section.

Do colleges look at ACT Writing score?

Currently, most schools will view your ACT Writing scores if you send them, but it won't at all be an important part of your application.

How important is the ACT Writing score?

The ACT Writing Test is graded on a scale of 2 to 12 (lowest to highest). The average ACT Writing score is between 6 and a 7 on the scale. You will need a score of 8 or above for getting admission to selective universities—however, scores of 10, 11, and 12 stand out and present excellent writing abilities.

Is it better to take the ACT test with or without writing?

What is the Difference Between Taking the ACT with Writing vs. Without Writing? Taking the ACT with writing won't affect your Composite score, but it does add an English Language Arts (ELA) score to your report. Opting out means you'll miss out on this additional score.

Is an 8 on writing for the ACT good?

Published ACT data indicate that the mean Writing test score for the two most recent classes of tested high school graduates is 6.7. Scores of 8, 9, and 10 are in the 87th, 95th, and 98th percentiles respectively.

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Is 15 a bad ACT score?

ACT Test Score Ranges

Each section has a test score range of 1-36: Below Average Score Range: 1-16. Average Score Range: 17-24. Above Average Score Range: 25-36.

Is 6 a bad ACT writing score?

What's a Good ACT Writing Score? The ACT Writing Test is scored on a scale of 2 (lowest score) to 12 (highest score). The average ACT Writing score is between a 6 and 7.

Is GPA more important than ACT score?

Recent research suggests that GPA—not standardized testing—better predicts students' success in college. In fact, researchers found that GPA was five times better at making this prediction when compared to the ACT. Another study showed that grades were a better predictor of graduation rates than test scores.

Does a bad ACT score matter?

While your GPA and transcript are very important, your low ACT score may make an admissions officer question if your grades were “inflated” (which some teachers do) or ask if you took easy classes. They may think that your low ACT score is a better signifier of how prepared you are for higher education.

Do colleges accept ACT without writing?

Most colleges do not require you to submit an ACT Writing test score. In fact, it is an optional part of your application in many top schools like Harvard and Yale and even among schools that have strong humanities and writing programs, like Georgetown and the University of Iowa.

Is 19 a good ACT score?

A good ACT score ranks you higher than the majority of test-takers. As such, any composite score above the 50th percentile, or 19-20, can be considered a solid score. That said, a 20 won't cut it at many competitive colleges.

Is a 9 on ACT writing good?

National Ranks for ELA and Writing Test Scores

For example, the national rank for a writing score of 9 is 97. This means that 97 percent of recent high school graduates who took the ACT writing test achieved a writing score of 9 or lower.

What is the average writing score on ACT?

According to the 2022 National Norms for ACT Writing Report, the average ACT Writing score is 6-7. Roughly 50-66% of test takers receive scores between 6 and 7. Here is a chart that shows the average score for the ACT writing section.

Does ACT Writing boost your score?

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.

Should I take ACT with writing in 2023?

As of February 2023, the eight Ivy League schools (Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton, and Yale) do not require you to submit your ACT Writing scores. Additionally, all of these schools have declared themselves as test-optional for the 2022–23 admission cycles.

Is a 23 on the ACT bad?

A score of 23 on the ACT is above the current national average and will make you a strong applicant at many universities, but it may fall below the average score for accepted students at more selective colleges. The higher your ACT score, the more options are open to you.

Is a 1200 ACT score good?

For example, a score in the 75th percentile (approximately a 1200 on the SAT or a 24 on the ACT) would likely be strongly considered at most competitive colleges, while applicants scoring in the 90th percentile or higher (a 1350 on the SAT or a 29 on the ACT) would likely be well received even at highly competitive ...

Is 27 a good ACT score for a junior?

A 27 ACT score puts you a good deal about the national average (20.8) and makes you eligible for acceptance at a vast majority of schools. It also makes you competitive at some selective institutions, as well as eligible for merit aid! Considering those things, it's easy to say that a 27 ACT score is good.

How bad is a 12 ACT score?

12 ACT Score Standings

You can apply to 2 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a very low chance of getting into 1505 schools with this score.

Will a 36 ACT get you into Harvard?

Average ACT: 34

The 25th percentile ACT score is 34, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 36. In other words, a 34 places you below average, while a 36 will move you up to above average. There's no absolute ACT requirement at Harvard, but they really want to see at least a 34 to have a chance at being considered.

What if I have a high GPA but low ACT scores?

Can a High GPA Make Up for a Low Test Score? Yes, to some extent, a high GPA can make up for a lower test score. Universities and colleges are increasingly looking at the entire profile of the student rather than a single metric.

What if I have a high ACT but low GPA?

High ACT or SAT scores won't cancel out a low GPA, but in addition to a good explanation and recommendation letters, high test scores can help students show that they have the ability to succeed in college.

How good is a 13 ACT score?

13 ACT Score Standings

Out of the 1.91 million test-takers, 1780773 scored the same or higher than you. You can apply to 2 colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted. You have a very low chance of getting into 1505 schools with this score.

What is a bad ACT writing score?

What is a bad ACT writing score? 6 – 7 is an average ACT Writing Test score. Scores below 6 are considered poor.

Is a 4 on ACT writing good?

An average score on the current ACT Writing exam is a little below a 7. For selective colleges, you'll probably want a score of 8 or higher. Scores of 10, 11 and 12 truly stand out and highlight strong writing skills.