Should I Take Act With Writing

Should I Take the ACT with Writing? A Comprehensive Guide to Making the Right Decision

The ACT is a pivotal standardized test for high school students in the United States, often serving as a gateway to college admissions. Among its components, the ACT Writing section—a 40-minute essay—has long been a topic of debate. Some students view it as an essential part of their college application strategy, while others question its relevance in today’s evolving educational landscape. If you’re asking, “Should I take the ACT with Writing?”, this article will break down the facts, myths, and considerations to help you decide.

What Is the ACT Writing Section?

The ACT Writing test is an optional essay component that evaluates your ability to craft a well-reasoned argument in response to a given prompt. Unlike the multiple-choice sections of the ACT, the essay requires you to analyze multiple perspectives, synthesize information, and articulate a clear stance. Your essay is scored on a scale of 1 to 6 by two human graders, and these scores are averaged to produce a final Writing score. This score is then combined with your results from the English, Reading, Math, and Science sections to calculate your composite ACT score.

Despite its name, the ACT Writing section is not a traditional essay. Instead, it functions as a “writing prompt” that asks you to evaluate three different viewpoints on a societal issue and then present your own perspective. For example, a prompt might ask, “Should schools eliminate standardized testing?” You’ll need to analyze the provided viewpoints, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and develop a nuanced argument supported by evidence.

Do Colleges Still Require the ACT Writing Section?

The short answer is: It depends on the college. Historically, many institutions required the ACT Writing section as part of their admissions criteria. However, in recent years, this requirement has become increasingly optional. As of 2023, over 80% of colleges and universities no longer mandate the ACT Writing section. Major schools like the University of California system, Harvard, and Yale have explicitly stated that they do not consider the Writing score in admissions decisions.

That said, a handful of colleges and scholarship programs still value the essay. For instance, some state universities in Texas and Florida may require it for specific honors programs or merit-based scholarships. Always check the specific requirements of the schools you’re targeting. If you’re unsure, contact their admissions office directly for clarity.

Pros of Taking the ACT with Writing

1. Boosts Your Composite Score
   While the Writing section is scored separately, some colleges may still factor it into your overall application. A strong essay could tip the scales in competitive admissions processes, especially at schools that prioritize writing skills.

2. Demonstrates Critical Thinking
   The ACT Writing test assesses your ability to analyze complex issues, synthesize information, and communicate ideas effectively—skills that are invaluable in college and beyond.

3. Prepares You for Academic Rigor
   Writing a timed essay under pressure mirrors the demands of college-level coursework. Practicing this skill can help you adapt to the academic expectations of higher education.

4. Opens Doors to Scholarships
   A few scholarships, such as the ACT Writing Scholarship, reward high essay scores with financial aid. While rare, these opportunities exist for students who excel in this area.

Cons of Taking the ACT with Writing

1. Time Commitment
   The Writing section adds 40 minutes to your test day, which can feel daunting if you’re already juggling other sections. If you’re short on time or energy, skipping it might be wise.

2. Limited Impact on Admissions
   For most colleges, the Writing score holds little weight. If your target schools don’t require it, you might be better off focusing on improving your Math or Science scores instead.

3. Scoring Subjectivity
   Unlike the multiple-choice sections, the essay is graded by humans, which introduces variability. Two graders might interpret your argument differently, leading to inconsistencies in scoring.

4. Stress and Pressure
   The essay’s open-ended nature can be intimidating. If you struggle with writing under time constraints, the added stress might outweigh the benefits.

Key Considerations: Should You Take the ACT Writing?

To answer this question, ask yourself:

• Do the colleges I’m applying to require the Writing section?
  If not, skipping it could save you time and energy.
• Am I confident in my writing abilities?
  If you’re unsure about your essay-writing skills, consider

practicing with timed prompts beforehand or weigh whether the potential marginal benefit justifies the effort.

• How does my overall test prep timeline look?
  If you’re already stretched thin preparing for the core sections, adding Writing might dilute your focus. Conversely, if you have bandwidth, a strong essay could be a nice differentiator.
• Am I applying for scholarships that explicitly consider Writing?
  Research merit-based aid at your target schools—some university-specific scholarships do review Writing scores even if admissions don’t require it.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to take the ACT with Writing hinges on your individual profile, target schools, and priorities. If your dream colleges require or recommend it, or if you’re pursuing scholarships that value writing, investing time in the essay makes sense. For applicants to schools that don’t consider Writing, skipping it can free up energy to boost your composite score in other sections. Ultimately, treat the Writing section as a strategic tool—not a mandatory hurdle. Align your decision with your academic strengths, application timeline, and the specific expectations of the institutions you aim to join. When in doubt, reach out to admissions offices; clarity upfront can save you unnecessary stress and ensure your test day serves your broader goals.

The ACT Writing section isn't a one-size-fits-all decision—it's a strategic choice that should align with your college goals, strengths, and timeline. For some, it's a valuable opportunity to showcase analytical and communication skills; for others, it's an unnecessary stressor that doesn't impact admissions outcomes. The key is to weigh the potential benefits against the costs in time, energy, and focus.

If your target schools require or recommend the Writing section, or if you're aiming for scholarships that consider it, preparing for the essay is a worthwhile investment. Even if it's optional, a strong Writing score can subtly strengthen your application, particularly if your composite score in other sections is borderline. On the other hand, if the schools you're applying to don't require it, skipping the essay can let you concentrate on maximizing your Math, Science, or Reading scores—areas that carry more weight in most admissions decisions.

Ultimately, the ACT Writing section is a tool, not a trap. Use it to your advantage if it fits your plans, but don't let it derail your overall test strategy. Research your colleges' requirements, assess your own strengths, and make a decision that keeps your application process efficient and focused. When in doubt, clarity from admissions offices can help you avoid unnecessary stress and ensure your test day serves your broader academic goals.

Final Thoughts

Choosing whether to take the ACT Writing section is less about a universal rule and more about a personalized strategy. By mapping out each college’s policy, aligning the essay with your academic brand, and weighing the opportunity cost against your overall score goals, you can turn a seemingly optional component into a decisive advantage—or deliberately set it aside without regret. Remember that the ACT is a snapshot of your readiness across several disciplines; the Writing portion is merely one lens through which admissions committees may view you. If that lens highlights a strength you already excel at, showcasing it can add depth to an otherwise robust profile. Conversely, if the essay distracts from the sections that carry the most weight for you, it’s perfectly reasonable to focus your energy elsewhere.

In practice, the decision often comes down to three quick checks:

1. Policy Check – Verify whether each target school treats Writing as required, recommended, or optional.
2. Score Alignment – Assess where your strengths lie; if you’re a natural writer, invest in the essay, but if your forte is quantitative or scientific reasoning, prioritize those areas.
3. Strategic Fit – Consider scholarship criteria, personal statement requirements, and the amount of preparation time you can allocate without compromising other sections.

When these factors converge in favor of taking the Writing test, prepare methodically: practice timed essays, study the scoring rubric, and seek feedback. When they don’t, allocate that preparation time to the sections that will most directly boost your composite score and scholarship eligibility.

Ultimately, the ACT Writing section is a tool—one that can illuminate your analytical and communication abilities, enrich your application narrative, or simply be set aside to streamline your testing strategy. By approaching the choice deliberately, you ensure that every moment spent preparing serves a clear purpose and that your college applications reflect the best possible version of you. Make the decision that aligns with your goals, and let that clarity guide you through the rest of the admissions journey.