If you’re planning to take the ACT soon, you might be wondering whether or not you should take the optional essay section. While this part is not required by every college, it can still be beneficial for your educational and professional goals. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of taking the ACT essay, how to decide on whether it is right for you, and tips for excelling at it.
Overview of the ACT Essay Section
Before diving into the pros and cons of taking the ACT essay, it’s essential to understand what it entails. The ACT essay is an optional 40-minute section where students have to provide a written response to a prompt. The prompt is always one of three types: topic-oriented, issue-oriented, or an argumentative essay prompt.
The section is scored on a scale of 2-12 and is evaluated based on four categories: ideas and analysis, development and support, organization, and language use and conventions. The essay score is then averaged with the English, math, reading, and science sections to produce your composite ACT score.
Pros of Taking the ACT Essay
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Shows your writing skills to colleges: By taking the ACT essay, you have the opportunity to showcase your writing skills to colleges. If you’re aiming for a college that values writing, this section can help you stand out.
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Can improve your chances of admission: By doing well on the ACT essay, you can help to improve your chances of admission to a college or university. If a college values writing, a strong essay score can set you apart from other applicants.
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Some colleges require it: While some colleges do not require the essay section, others do. By taking the ACT essay, you can ensure that you meet the admissions criteria for a broad range of colleges.
Cons of Taking the ACT Essay
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Extra time and cost: The ACT essay is an optional section that requires an extra 40 minutes to complete, and it also necessitates an extra cost. You have to pay an additional fee if you choose to take the essay section.
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Not all colleges value it equally: While some colleges highly value the ACT essay, others do not. Before deciding whether to take the essay section, research the colleges you’re interested in to determine their stance on it.
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Risk of underperforming and hurting your chances: The ACT essay is scored from 2-12, and a low score can negatively impact your overall score, which can, in turn, hurt your chances of admission.
How to Decide Whether to Take the ACT Essay
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Consider your strengths and weaknesses in writing: If you’re confident in your writing ability, the ACT essay can be a good opportunity to demonstrate that. If not, it might be better to skip it.
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Look up the policies of the colleges you’re interested in: Before deciding whether to take the ACT essay, do your research! Look up the policies of the colleges you are interested in and assess their stance on the essay section.
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Consult with a guidance counselor or an educational consultant: Finalizing your decision can be challenging, but seeking guidance from professionals can give you insights that will help you make an informed choice.
Tips for Excelling at the ACT Essay
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Understand the prompt and expectations: Read and analyze the prompt carefully, identify the key points, and develop a good understanding of what’s being asked of you.
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Plan and structure your essay: Organize your thoughts and ideas into a clear and concise structure. Your essay should have a coherent introduction, a clear thesis statement, and a logical conclusion.
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Use evidence and examples effectively: Support your argument with relevant and credible evidence and examples.
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Edit and proofread your work: Dedicate some time to reviewing and refining your work. Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
Conclusion
While the ACT essay is optional, it can still be valuable in showcasing your writing skills to colleges that value writing. However, before deciding whether to take the essay section, evaluate your strengths and weaknesses in writing, research the policies of the colleges you’re interested in, and look up the cost and time commitment involved. Lastly, with proper preparation and guidance, you can do exceptionally well in the ACT essay.
Key Takeaways
- The ACT essay is an optional 40-minute section that evaluates a student’s writing skills.
- By taking the ACT essay, you can demonstrate your writing skills to colleges, improve your chances of admission, and meet the criteria of colleges that require it.
- The cons of taking the ACT essay are the extra time and cost, varied college evaluation of the essay section, and the risk of underperforming.
- Some tips for excelling at the ACT essay include having a good understanding of the prompt, organizing your essay coherently, using evidence and examples effectively, and editing and proofreading your work.
FAQs
Q: Is the ACT essay mandatory?A: No, the essay section of the ACT is optional.
Q: How long is the ACT essay?A: The ACT essay is 40 minutes long.
Q: How is the ACT essay scored?A: The essay section is scored on a scale of 2-12 and is evaluated based on four categories: ideas and analysis, development and support, organization, and language use and conventions.
Q: Should I take the ACT essay even if my college doesn’t require it?A: That depends on the colleges you are interested in. Some schools may value the essay, while others may not. It’s best to research the policies of the schools you want to apply to and then make an informed decision.