Should I Take The Writing Portion Of The ACT?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: You are applying to colleges that explicitly require or strongly recommend the ACT Writing score for admission or scholarship eligibility. In this scenario, completing the writing section fulfills a concrete requirement and can avoid the need to retake the test later.
• Good fit: You have a strong writing background—perhaps you have taken advanced English courses, earned high grades on essays, or received positive feedback on writing samples. Your confidence and skill can translate into a solid score that enhances your overall ACT profile.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: The colleges you are targeting do not consider ACT Writing scores in their admissions process. Adding the writing portion would increase test length and cost without providing a measurable benefit.
• Warning sign: You struggle with timed essays, experience test‑taking anxiety around writing, or have limited preparation time. Including the writing portion could lower your overall test performance, especially on the multiple‑choice sections.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Provides an additional data point for colleges that value writing ability, potentially strengthening your application and scholarship chances.
• Practice under real test conditions can improve your essay‑writing skills, which are useful for college courses and future standardized tests (e.g., SAT Essay, college exams).

Cons

• Extends the test by 40 minutes, increasing fatigue and reducing focus on the multiple‑choice sections that make up the majority of the ACT score.
• Incurs an extra fee (typically $10–$15 per test center), adding cost without guaranteed benefit if schools don’t use the score.

Decision Checklist

• Do the colleges you plan to apply to require or give weight to the ACT Writing score?
• Are you comfortable writing a clear, organized essay in 40 minutes under test conditions?
• Can you allocate extra study time to prepare for the writing prompt without sacrificing preparation for the other sections?

Alternatives to Consider

If the ACT Writing is not required, you might focus solely on the multiple‑choice sections and retake the test later if a school later asks for a writing sample. Another option is to submit a separate writing portfolio or personal statement directly to colleges that accept them, which can showcase your abilities without the pressure of a timed essay.

Final Recommendation

Take the ACT Writing if at least one of your target schools mandates it, if you have strong essay skills, and if you can afford the extra time and cost. Otherwise, it is often wiser to concentrate on maximizing your composite score on the core sections and address writing ability through other application materials. For any high‑stakes admission decision, consult your high‑school counselor or a college‑admissions advisor to confirm requirements and weigh the impact on your overall plan.