I'm a bit confused about the ACT format. Is there an essay portion for the ACT, or is it strictly multiple-choice? If there's an essay, how does it factor into the overall score?
Yes, there is an essay portion on the ACT called the ACT Writing Test. The ACT Writing Test is optional, meaning you can choose whether or not to take it. It consists of a 40-minute time frame to write an essay based on a given prompt. The prompt typically presents a topic with varying perspectives, and your task is to analyze the perspectives, present your own point of view, and explain the relationship between your perspective and those given.
The ACT Writing Test score is separate from the overall ACT score. It does not factor into your composite score, which ranges from 1 to 36 based solely on the multiple-choice sections (English, Math, Reading, and Science). The Writing Test is scored on a scale of 2-12, with two trained readers assigning scores ranging from 1-6 to four separate domains: Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organization, and Language Use and Conventions. The scores from the four domains are then averaged to produce the final score out of 12.
When considering whether to take the ACT Writing Test, make sure to check the requirements of the colleges you're interested in applying to. Some colleges may require or recommend it, while others may not consider it at all. It can also be a useful way to showcase your writing abilities if you think you can score well on this section.
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