ACT Writing Section - Yay or Nay for College Applications?

So I'm prepping for the ACT, and I'm wondering if colleges even look at the writing section anymore. Do they require it or is it basically optional at this point? I'm trying to decide if I should invest time into preparing for that part too. Thoughts?

The importance of the ACT Writing section in college admissions tends to vary with each institution, but it's true that many schools do not require it. That said, while you may find that most of your target schools do not require the ACT Writing test, preparing for and doing well on it can still offer benefits. For instance, a strong writing score can strengthen your application, particularly if you're applying to a program that places a premium on writing skills.

Before making a decision, I recommend that you check the specific requirements of the colleges you are interested in. If the schools on your list do consider the ACT Writing score, it would be worth your time to prepare for it. Conversely, if none of the schools require it, you might focus your efforts on the other sections of the ACT instead to maximize your composite score rather than worrying too much about this optional section.

Keep in mind that some of your schools may not even require the ACT in general, as many schools have extended their test-optional policies in the wake of the pandemic. That being said, at highly selective schools, your best bet is likely to still treat the test as required. At these schools, admissions is so competitive that you want to give yourself as many gold stars as possible.

To sum up, it's best to tailor your preparation to align with the expectations of your chosen colleges. Good luck with your testing!