ACT Writing Test

ACT, Inc., rolled out an optional writing component this past February. Some schools require it, some recommend it, and some say “Not Needed.” What’s most peculiar about the Writing Test is how it’s scored: both apart from everything else—as a score ranging from 2 to 12, inclusive—and then merged with the English score for a separate English/Writing score.

What is the point of this, exactly? Comparable exams featuring a separately scored writing component—including the GMAT and GRE—don’t make a fuss about the scores, using them solely to indicate whether students can write at least adequately. Since the ACT Writing Test score will not factor into the Composite score, having two separate scores for Writing seems like puffery.