What Is A Good ACT Writing Score?

Writing

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Are you getting ready to take the ACT? 

If so, a big question is probably bouncing around in your head: what does a good score look like for the ACT writing part? 

Trust me, you’re not the only one with this question. 

So many students feel the same way. 

They all ask, “What’s a good score?” 

And that’s okay and common! 

Well, let’s explore and clear this question out together. 

We’ll see, keep things nice and easy, and determine what “good” means regarding ACT writing scores. 

By the end, you’ll see it’s not as tricky as it first seems!

Understanding the ACT Writing Score

All right, let’s first see how the ACT writing score works. 

First, it’s different from the other parts of the ACT. 

While the other sections, like math or reading, have scores ranging from 1 to 36, writing differs. It’s scored on a smaller scale, from 2 to 12. You might wonder, “How do they decide my score?” Well, two people, called graders, will read your essay. Each grader gives you a score from 1 to 6 in four main areas: Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organization, and how you use Language. Then, they add up those scores. The total of these numbers? That’s your Writing Strategies score. 

The Average ACT Writing Score

Now, let’s talk about numbers. 

Regarding the writing section, you might be curious about what’s considered a “good” score. So, let’s break it down. On average, many students score around 6-7 out of 12. If you are in this range, pat yourself on the back because you’re with most students. 

Now, you might be ambitious, thinking, “I want to do even better!” 

And why not? 

If you score 9 or more, you’re in an extraordinary group—the top 10% of all test-takers. 

That means you’ve got some serious writing skills. While getting a 6-7 is pretty solid, reaching for a 9 or even higher? 

That’s like adding a shiny star sticker to your test. Especially if you’re hoping to get into a college where everyone’s bringing their A-game, a high ACT writing score can make your application shine a little brighter.

How Colleges View Your ACT Writing Score

Most colleges will consider your writing score part of your overall ACT performance. They’re trying to assess your writing and reasoning skills. While it’s just one part of your application, a stellar ACT writing score can make you stand out.

However, remember that many colleges emphasize your composite ACT score (the average of your English, Math, Reading, and Science Fiction scores) more than your writing score. Still, a high score on the ACT writing can be a cherry on top of an already solid application. 

If you’re aiming for top colleges, you’ll want to ensure every part of your application, including your ACT writing score, shines. For these schools, scoring 10 or above is advantageous.

How to Achieve a Good ACT Writing Score?

Achieving a high writing score might seem tough, but don’t be intimidated. You can significantly improve your writing skills by following tried and tested strategies and dedicating time to practice. 

Understand the Prompt

It all starts here. Before you put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard, take a few moments to thoroughly digest the prompt. 

What is it asking? 

What are the key points you need to address? 

Understanding the essence of the prompt ensures you remain on track throughout your essay. This way, you avoid turning off-topic and focus on what’s important.

Plan Your Essay

Jumping into Writing a Book Review may look attractive, especially with the ticking clock. However, a few minutes to draft an outline can make a difference. Think of your essay as a journey. Your outline is a roadmap, ensuring a logical flow from the introduction to the conclusion. It also helps organize your thoughts, leading to a clear and well-structured piece that’s a delight to read.

Evidence is Key 

Strong statements need strong support. It’s not enough to make a claim; backing it up with relevant examples solidifies your argument. Whether you’re drawing from personal experiences, historical events, or current affairs, concrete evidence lends credibility to your essay.

Revise

While it’s important to be careful of time, sparing a few minutes for revision can elevate your essay. Checking for grammatical errors, refining sentences, and ensuring clarity can make your essay stand out. The minor things often transform a good essay into a great one.

Practice

Remember, “Practice makes perfect?” 

It holds true for the ACT writing section. Regularly writing mock essays under timed conditions can help you become familiar with the format. More importantly, seek feedback. Knowing where you can improve is half the battle won.

And as a bonus tip: Books as resources. While there are numerous online resources, don’t underestimate the power of a good book. Some, like the offerings from book publishers New York, look into essay writing techniques, offering insights, examples, and exercises to help you polish your skills.

Conclusion

The ACT writing score is like a spotlight on how well you can write. Most people get scores between 6 and 7, but if you can get a 9 or more, that’s really great. Remember, while this score is important, it’s just one part of everything colleges look at. They also see your grades, what clubs you’re in, and other stuff. But a good writing score? 

It’s like a gold star on your report card. Keep trying your best, and you’ll do great things.