Should You Take the ACT With Writing: Pros, Cons, and How to Decide
Considering taking the ACT with Writing? Explore the pros, cons, and practical tips to help you make an informed decision.
Posted February 3, 2025
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When preparing to register for the ACT, you might be wondering whether or not to include the optional ACT Writing section. The ACT Writing portion is an additional component of the test, meaning it is not required unless your target schools specifically request it as part of their admissions process.
While this section of standardized testing isn’t mandatory for most colleges, there are several factors to weigh before deciding. Below, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the ACT Writing section, how it works, and when it might be beneficial to include it in your test plan.
Should You Take the ACT With Writing or Without?
Your Target Schools
- Check Admissions Policies: Research each college on your application list to determine whether they require, recommend, or accept the ACT Writing score.
- If even one of your schools requires the Writing section, you should take it to ensure you meet their requirements.
- If a school recommends it, a high score could strengthen your application, especially for competitive programs or writing-intensive majors.
- Keep a List of Requirements: Use a spreadsheet or checklist to track which schools require, recommend, or don’t consider the Writing section. This will help you stay organized and make an informed decision.
- Undecided Applicants: If your college list isn’t finalized, taking the Writing section can keep your options open. It’s better to have the score and not need it than to miss an opportunity.
Your Writing Strengths
- Evaluate Your Skills: Are you confident in your ability to write a persuasive, well-organized essay under a strict time limit? The Writing section is an opportunity to showcase your abilities, but only if you feel prepared.
- Use Practice Prompts: Before registering for the ACT with Writing, try completing a practice essay. The ACT Writing section consists of one writing prompt that you will need to address in your essay. Use official ACT prompts to simulate the real test environment. If you score well on practice essays and receive positive feedback, it’s a sign you may perform strongly on test day.
- Struggling Writers: If writing essays is a significant challenge for you and your target schools don’t require the Writing section, it may be better to skip it and focus on maximizing your composite score in the multiple-choice sections.
Your Future Plans
- Long-Term Flexibility: Even if your current college list doesn’t include schools requiring the Writing section, your plans could change. By taking the ACT with Writing, you ensure you won’t need to retake the ACT if you later decide to apply to a school that requires it.
- Career Aspirations: Consider your intended major and career goals.
- If you’re applying to programs in journalism, English, creative writing, or education, a strong ACT Writing score can demonstrate your communication skills.
- For STEM-focused programs, the Writing section may carry less weight, but showcasing solid writing abilities can still make a positive impression, especially for research-heavy programs.
Other Key Considerations
- Cost and Time: The ACT Writing section adds an additional $25 to your registration fee and extends the test duration by 40 minutes. Consider whether this added time and expense are worth it for your situation.
- Application Strength: If your high school grades in English or your application essays are strong, you may not need the ACT Writing section to highlight your writing skills. Conversely, if these areas are weaker, a strong ACT Writing score could provide a helpful boost.
- Stress and Preparation: Taking the Writing section requires additional preparation. If you’re already stretched thin preparing for the multiple-choice sections, it might be better to skip Writing and focus on maximizing your composite score.
Expert Tip: Deciding whether to take the ACT Writing section depends on your goals, strengths, and the specific requirements of the writing test and the colleges you’re considering. Below, we break down the key factors to help you make the best choice.
Read: ACT Game Plan: How to Master Every Section and Concept
Pros and Cons of Taking the ACT With Writing
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Required by Some Colleges: Certain colleges and programs require ACT Writing scores, so taking it ensures you meet their requirements. | Additional Cost: The ACT Writing section adds $25 to your registration fee. |
| Keeps Options Open: If you're unsure about where you'll apply, taking the Writing section prevents you from limiting your choices. | Extended Test Time: The Writing section adds 40 minutes to an already lengthy test day. |
| Demonstrates Writing Skills: Taking this section allows you to showcase strong writing abilities and your ability to craft arguments. | Not Required by Most Schools: Most colleges no longer require or emphasize ACT Writing scores. |
| Boost for Writing-Intensive Majors: A strong Writing score can strengthen applications for majors like journalism or humanities. | Lower Weight in Admissions: Even at schools that accept ACT Writing, it’s often not a major factor in decisions. |
| Highlights Strengths: If you excel in writing, this section can serve as another way to stand out. | Study Time Required: Preparing for the Writing section can take time away from other ACT sections. |
Pros and Cons of Taking the ACT Without Writing
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Shorter Test Duration: Without the Writing section, the ACT takes about 3 hours (or 3.5 hours with breaks), reducing fatigue. | Limited Options for Certain Schools: If any of your target colleges require ACT Writing, skipping it could make you ineligible. |
| Lower Cost: The ACT without Writing costs $25 less, which can make a difference for students on a budget. | Missed Opportunity to Showcase Writing Skills: Strong writers won’t have the chance to highlight their abilities in a standardized format. |
| Focus on Core Sections: Skipping the Writing section allows you to concentrate entirely on the four multiple-choice sections. | Restricts Flexibility: If you later decide to apply to a school that requires Writing, you’ll need to retake the ACT. |
| No Extra Study Time Required: You won’t need to allocate time to prepare for the essay, allowing more time for other sections. | May Affect Perception for Writing-Intensive Majors: Some admissions officers may view skipping Writing as a missed opportunity to demonstrate skills for programs like English or journalism. |
| Accepted by Most Colleges: The majority of schools don’t require the ACT Writing section, so skipping it won’t impact many applications. | May Be a Missed Advantage for Undecided Applicants: If you’re unsure of your college list, skipping Writing could limit your options. |
What to Keep in Mind About the ACT Writing Section
Cost and Time
The ACT Writing section costs an additional $25. It also adds an extra 40 minutes to your test day. Students on a tight budget may qualify for fee waivers to cover this cost—speak with your school counselor to learn more.
Admissions Impact
For most colleges, ACT Writing scores don’t carry as much weight as your composite score or other aspects of your application. However, a high Writing score can be a useful supplement, especially if your English grades are weaker.
Study Effort
If you decide to take the Writing section, allocate time to practice writing essays. Use ACT’s sample essays as prompts and focus on crafting essays that meet the scoring rubric’s requirements.
What Is the Writing Section of the ACT?
The Writing section of the ACT is an optional essay portion that comes after the four required sections of the ACT. It is designed to assess your writing abilities, including your ability to construct a well-reasoned, organized, and persuasive essay under time constraints.
In this section, you will receive a writing prompt that outlines a specific issue. Alongside the prompt, three perspectives on the issue are provided. Your task is to:
- Develop your own perspective on the issue.
- Analyze how your perspective relates to one or more of the provided perspectives.
Your essay is evaluated on how clearly and effectively you communicate your perspective and how well you address the relationships between differing viewpoints. According to the official ACT website, your score is based on your writing quality, not the specific perspective you choose.
How Is the ACT Writing Section Scored?
Separate Score
Unlike the multiple-choice sections of the ACT, the Writing section does not contribute to your overall composite score out of 36. Instead, the ACT Writing section produces a separate score on a scale of 2-12, which is reported alongside your composite score.
Four Domain Scores
Your essay is evaluated based on four writing domains, using an analytic scoring rubric. Each domain focuses on a different aspect of writing, with two trained readers grading your essay. Here’s a breakdown of what each domain assesses:
- Ideas and Analysis
- This domain measures your ability to critically engage with the issue presented in the prompt and the three provided perspectives.
- Scorers evaluate how well you address the issue, how relevant your perspective is, and how clearly you analyze the relationships between perspectives.
- High scores are awarded for essays that demonstrate deep critical thinking and insight.
- Development and Support
- This domain assesses the strength and depth of your reasoning, as well as the quality of your supporting examples.
- Essays that include specific, detailed evidence and logical reasoning will score higher.
- Weak development or lack of clear examples will result in lower scores.
- Organization
- The organization domain measures how logically and clearly your essay is structured.
- Scorers look for a clear introduction, body paragraphs with distinct points, and a conclusion that ties everything together.
- A well-organized essay flows smoothly from one idea to the next, making it easy for readers to follow.
- Language Use and Conventions
- This domain evaluates your grammar, sentence structure, word choice, and mechanics (spelling, punctuation, etc.).
- Strong essays demonstrate precise language, varied sentence structures, and a formal tone appropriate for the task.
- Errors in grammar and mechanics may reduce your score in this domain.
How the Scoring Process Works
- Two Graders Evaluate Your Essay
- Each essay is scored by two independent graders.
- Each grader assigns a score between 1 and 6 in each of the four domains.
- Combining Scores
- The scores from both graders are added together for each domain. For example: If Grader 1 assigns a 5 for Ideas and Analysis and Grader 2 assigns a 4, the combined domain score would be 9.
- This process is repeated for all four domains.
- Calculating the Final Subject-Level Score
- Your final Writing score is the rounded average of the four combined domain scores.
- For instance, if your combined domain scores are:
- Ideas and Analysis: 9
- Development and Support: 10
- Organization: 8
- Language Use and Conventions: 11
- The average is 9.5, which rounds to a final score of 10.
What Is a Good ACT Writing Score?
On the ACT Writing section, scores range from 2 to 12, with the average score typically falling between 6 and 7. Understanding what constitutes a "good" score depends on how your performance compares to other test-takers and the expectations of your target schools.
To provide some perspective, here’s a percentile chart that shows how ACT Writing scores align with performance percentiles:
| ACT Writing Score | Percentile Rank |
|---|---|
| 12 | 100th percentile |
| 11 | 99th percentile |
| 10 | 98th percentile |
| 9 | 95th percentile |
| 8 | 87th percentile |
| 7 | 65th percentile |
| 6 | 45th percentile |
| 5 | 23rd percentile |
| 4 | 11th percentile |
| 3 | 3rd percentile |
| 2 | 1st percentile |
What Do Percentiles Mean?
Percentiles measure how well you performed relative to five scores of other students who took the ACT Writing section. For example, a score of 12 places you in the 100th percentile, meaning you outperformed or equaled 100% of other test-takers. A score of 6, on the other hand, puts you in the 45th percentile, indicating that 45% of students scored at or below your level.
Why Does This Matter?
A higher ACT Writing score and percentile may strengthen your college application, particularly for schools or programs that value strong writing abilities. However, even an average score of 6 or 7 is acceptable for most colleges, especially if the Writing section is optional or not heavily emphasized by your target schools.
How Long Is the ACT Writing Section?
The ACT Writing section lasts 40 minutes and consists of four writing domains and just one essay prompt. If you register for the Writing portion, your total test time will be about 3 hours and 40 minutes (or approximately 4 hours with breaks). In contrast, the ACT without Writing takes about 3 hours.
Expert Tips
- Spend 5-7 Minutes Planning: Outline your essay before you start writing to stay organized.
- Prioritize Clarity: Focus on clear arguments and examples rather than lengthy, complex ideas.
- Leave Time to Proofread: Use the last 5 minutes to check for grammar and spelling errors.
Is the Writing Portion of the ACT Required?
The ACT Writing section is optional for most test-takers. However, there are specific cases when you might need—or want—to include it in your testing plan. Understanding which colleges require, recommend or simply accept ACT Writing test scores is critical to making an informed decision.
Colleges That Require ACT Writing
Although the number of colleges requiring ACT Writing has decreased significantly in recent years, some institutions still make it mandatory for admission. If you are applying to any of the following schools or programs, the Writing portion is required, and failing to complete it could result in an incomplete application:
- Martin Luther College
- Soka University of America
- United States Military Academy (West Point)
- University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
- Yellowstone Christian College
Expert Tip: For these schools, ACT Writing is non-negotiable, so it’s essential to check their college admissions websites for the most up-to-date requirements. Skipping this section could disqualify you from the application process entirely.
Colleges That Recommend ACT Writing
A larger group of colleges recommends taking the ACT Writing section, even though it’s not a strict requirement. In these cases, a strong ACT Writing score can provide an advantage in the admissions process. Schools that recommend ACT Writing often value writing-intensive skills or seek applicants who excel in written language and communication. Examples include:
- Bethune-Cookman University
- Colorado School of Mines
- Morehouse College
- Molloy College
Expert Tip: For colleges that recommend the Writing section, submitting a high score can serve as a positive indicator of your writing abilities, especially if you’re applying to programs in the humanities, journalism, or education.
Most Colleges Don’t Require ACT Writing
For the majority of colleges and universities, the ACT Writing section is neither required nor recommended. Instead, they assess your writing abilities through other aspects of your application, such as:
- High School English Grades: Your performance in advanced English classes can demonstrate your language and writing skills.
- Application Essays: Personal statements and supplemental essays often carry far more weight than ACT Writing scores.
- Letters of Recommendation: Teachers or counselors can highlight your communication skills and academic potential.
Expert Tip: If your target schools fall into this category, you may choose to skip the Writing section and focus your preparation on maximizing your scores in the four required ACT sections.
Final Thoughts
The ACT Writing section is a valuable tool for showcasing your writing abilities, but it’s not necessary for every student. Whether you take the ACT with Writing or without depends on your target schools, your strengths, and your future plans. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can make the choice that best aligns with your goals.
Get Support for ACT Writing Prep
Still, deciding between the ACT with or without Writing? Work with an experienced ACT essay prep coach who knows what colleges expect and can guide you every step of the way.
Related Articles
If you’re interested in learning more about the ACT and how to prepare effectively, check out these helpful articles:
- The ACT vs. SAT: Which to Take and How to Ace Both
- The Top 40 College Scholarships
- Best Free Resources to Prepare for the ACT and SAT
- Test-Optional: What Does it Mean and Should I Take the ACT or SAT?
- Crunch Time: Last-Minute SAT/ACT Preparation Tips to Boost Your Score a Few Points
FAQs
Is it better to take the ACT test with or without writing?
- Whether it’s better to take the ACT with or without writing depends on your goals. If any of your target colleges require or recommend the Writing section, it’s essential to include it. Strong writers who want to highlight their skills or keep their college options open should consider taking it. However, if none of your prospective schools require it and you’re confident it won’t impact your application, you can skip it.
What is ACT with writing?
- The ACT with Writing is an optional 40-minute essay that evaluates your ability to analyze an issue and write a clear, organized response. You’ll receive a prompt that presents a topic along with three perspectives, and your task is to explain your perspective while analyzing how it relates to the others. This section is scored separately from the multiple-choice sections and is often required or recommended by specific colleges.
Does Harvard want the ACT with writing?
- Harvard no longer requires the ACT Writing section, but the admissions office will still review your score if you choose to submit it. Since Harvard has a holistic admissions process, demonstrating strong writing skills can still be beneficial, especially if your intended major is writing-intensive, such as English or journalism.
What is the ACT or process of writing?
- The ACT Writing process involves crafting a persuasive essay within a 40-minute time limit. You’ll analyze a prompt that introduces an issue and three perspectives, develop your own viewpoint, and evaluate how your perspective relates to the provided ones. The focus is on how effectively you present and organize your ideas, support your arguments, and demonstrate language control, all of which are evaluated across four scoring domains.
