Take the ACT Writing test if any college on your list requires or recommends it, or if you are not yet sure where you will apply. Otherwise, it is optional and does not affect your Composite score. When in doubt, taking it once keeps every door open, since you cannot add an essay score to a test you already sat without it.
The decision really comes down to your colleges
Like the Science section, the essay is optional, so the right move depends on where you are applying. Check each college's testing requirements and sort them into:
- Requires Writing: you need to take it. This settles the question.
- Recommends or considers Writing: taking it is the safer choice, since it can only add to your application.
- Does not require it: you can skip it and focus your energy on the core sections.
Because these policies change, verify them on each college's official admissions page rather than relying on older lists.
Reasons to take it even when it is optional
- You are still building your college list. If you might apply to a school that wants it, taking it now avoids an inconvenient retake later.
- Writing is a strength. A strong essay score and ELA score can add depth to your profile.
- You want to show range. For writing-heavy programs, a good essay can reinforce the rest of your application.
Reasons it might not be worth it
- None of your target schools require or recommend it, and you are confident in your list.
- You want to keep test day shorter and save the extra fee that the essay adds.
- You would rather spend your prep time on the sections that build your Composite.
If you do take it, a little prep goes a long way
The essay asks you to state your own perspective on an issue and analyze how it relates to other perspectives, then support your view with clear reasoning and examples. You do not need fancy vocabulary or memorized quotes. Graders reward a clear position, organized paragraphs, specific support, and clean, readable writing. The national average lands around 6 to 7, so a focused, well-structured essay can stand out. ACT publishes sample prompts and scored essays on its official site, and practicing one or two timed essays is usually enough to feel ready.
Pair it with your other optional-section choices
Writing and Science are both optional now, so it helps to decide them together. See which colleges still want an ACT Science score and, if the redesigned test is new to you, what changed on the enhanced ACT. To set overall targets, revisit what ACT score you need for college.
The bottom line
Let your colleges make the call. If any require or recommend the essay, take it. If your list is unsettled, taking it once is cheap insurance. And if no school wants it, feel free to skip it and pour that energy into English, Math, and Reading.
Start practicing
Start with a free diagnostic, then drill your weak spots with 15-question quizzes and track how you're doing across Reading, English, and Math. Compare plans whenever you're ready to go further.
This article offers general ACT prep guidance. The ACT can change from year to year, including its format, scoring, policies, test dates, and fees, so always confirm the latest details on the official ACT website at act.org before you make decisions. ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. thirty-six is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by ACT.