Most colleges no longer require ACT Writing, but a few still recommend or require it—and policies change, so the only reliable answer is to check each school on your list directly on its official admissions page. There is no official ACT master list of schools that require the essay. Part of should you take the ACT Writing section.
Why there is no single answer
Admissions requirements are set school by school. A college might require Writing one year and drop the expectation the next, or treat it differently for certain majors. Any list you find online—including old PrepScholar roundups—can go stale fast. Treat each college's own admissions page as the source of truth, same approach as which colleges require ACT Science.
Where to check for each college
- The college's admissions or first-year requirements page, which usually spells out testing expectations.
- A standardized testing policypage, if the school has one—look for "ACT Writing" or "essay" specifically.
- The Common App or Coalition App testing section for that school, which sometimes notes Writing expectations.
- The admissions officedirectly. Ask: "Do you require or recommend the ACT Writing section?"
If a school does not mention Writing at all, it is usually not required—but confirming removes doubt.
When taking Writing is the smart move anyway
- You are still building your college list and might apply somewhere that wants it.
- A school recommends Writing—it can only add to your application.
- You are applying to writing-heavy programs (journalism, humanities honors) where a strong essay reinforces your profile.
- Writing is a genuine strength for you.
When skipping it makes sense
If every school on your confirmed list does not require or recommend Writing, skip it and shorten test day. See how long is the ACT with Writing for time savings. What a good score looks like if you do take it: what is a good ACT Writing score.
The bottom line
Check official admissions pages for your schools, ask when in doubt, and take Writing once if your list is unsettled. A little research now beats a surprise retake later.
Start practicing
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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.