Yo, I just took the ACT and got my scores back. I'm a bit confused about how to interpret the writing score. Can someone help me understand what's considered an 'average' score for the ACT writing portion? Also, how much does this section actually matter for colleges?
Sure, I'd be happy to help with that! The ACT Writing section is scored on a 2-12 scale, with two graders each assigning a score of 1-6 to your essay, and the two scores being added together.
A 'good' writing score largely depends on the colleges you're interested in. However, an average ACT writing score is around a 7 or 8. Any score below a 6 can be considered low, and scores above 10 would be seen as exceptionally high.
As for how much this section carries weight in college admissions, it really varies by institution. Some colleges may not even consider the writing score at all. Honestly, at most colleges, the ACT writing score is one of the least important factors. They're usually more interested in your composite score from the other sections of the ACT. The writing score might be used as a minor additional data point in a closely contested admissions decision, but for most students, a low or high writing score won't make or break an application.
It's always best to check with the specific admissions offices of the colleges you're interested in to know exactly how they handle ACT writing scores. This will ensure you get the most accurate information per institution. Hope this helps clarify things for you!
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