ACT: Should I take it with or without the writing section?

Yo, I'm about to register for the ACT but I'm not sure if I should sign up for the version with or without writing. Do most colleges require the writing section? Should I just take it to be safe or can I skip it to save time and reduce some stress?

Hey there! Whether or not to take the ACT with the writing section largely depends on the colleges you're interested in applying to and their specific requirements. Many schools have stopped requiring the writing section, but there are still some that do. To make sure you're covering all your bases, I suggest looking up the testing requirements for the colleges on your list, as well as any you might be considering in the future. If you find that none or very few of them require the writing section, then skipping it might be a sensible decision.

However, if you're not sure which schools you want to apply to yet, taking the ACT with writing can provide flexibility by ensuring you're meeting all possible requirements as you continue to narrow down your college choices. Additionally, it's important to remember that the writing score is not factored into your composite ACT score, so taking the writing section will not affect your overall ACT results.

In terms of stress, if you feel confident in your essay-writing skills, the extra time commitment might not be too significant. Remember, you're making a one-time effort that could be beneficial for college applications. So weigh the pros and cons and decide what suits your situation best. Good luck with your test preparation!