Is it Better to Take the ACT With or Without Writing?

Introduction

The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized exam used by colleges and universities to assess the academic performance of applicants. It is a multiple-choice test that covers English, Math, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing section. The results from this exam can be used to determine admission and scholarship eligibility at many schools.

This article will explore the question of whether it is better to take the ACT with or without writing. We will look at the advantages and disadvantages of both options, as well as how to decide which one is right for you.

Pros and Cons of Taking the ACT With and Without Writing

Let’s start by looking at the advantages and disadvantages of taking the ACT with and without writing.

Advantages of Taking the ACT With Writing

One of the main advantages of taking the ACT with writing is that it can improve your overall score. This is because the Writing section is scored separately from the other sections, so if you do well on the Writing section, it can help boost your overall score. Additionally, the Writing section offers a more comprehensive examination of your writing skills than the other sections do.

Another advantage of taking the ACT with writing is that it can give you a greater opportunity for scholarships. Many colleges and universities offer scholarships based on ACT scores, and some of these scholarships may require a score from the Writing section.

Disadvantages of Taking the ACT With Writing

One of the main disadvantages of taking the ACT with writing is that it takes longer to complete. The Writing section adds an additional 40 minutes to the exam, which can make it difficult to finish all the sections in the allotted time. Additionally, taking the ACT with writing is more expensive than taking it without writing, as there is an additional fee for the Writing section.

Advantages of Taking the ACT Without Writing

One of the main advantages of taking the ACT without writing is that it takes less time to complete. Without the Writing section, the exam is shorter, making it easier to finish in the allotted time.

Another advantage of taking the ACT without writing is that it is less expensive. Since there is no additional fee for the Writing section, taking the exam without writing can save you money.

Disadvantages of Taking the ACT Without Writing

One of the main disadvantages of taking the ACT without writing is that your score may be limited. Without the Writing section, you won’t get the benefit of a higher score, as the Writing section is scored separately from the other sections.

Additionally, taking the ACT without writing means that you won’t get a comprehensive examination of your writing skills. This can be important for certain colleges and universities that require a Writing score for admission or scholarship eligibility.

Finally, taking the ACT without writing can mean a lower chance of getting a scholarship. As mentioned above, some scholarships require a score from the Writing section, so taking the exam without writing could reduce your chances of getting one of these scholarships.

Exploring the Benefits of Taking the ACT With and Without Writing

Now that we’ve looked at the advantages and disadvantages of taking the ACT with and without writing, let’s explore the potential benefits of each option.

Benefits of Taking the ACT With Writing

Taking the ACT with writing can provide several benefits, including:

• Improved Score – As mentioned earlier, taking the Writing section can help boost your overall score.
• More Comprehensive Examination – The Writing section provides a more comprehensive examination of your writing skills than the other sections do.
• Greater Opportunity for Scholarships – Some scholarships require a score from the Writing section, so taking the exam with writing can give you a greater chance of getting one of these scholarships.

Benefits of Taking the ACT Without Writing

Taking the ACT without writing can also provide several benefits, including:

• Shorter Exam Time – The Writing section adds an additional 40 minutes to the exam, so taking the exam without writing can make it easier to finish in the allotted time.
• Lower Cost – Since there is no additional fee for the Writing section, taking the exam without writing can save you money.

Examining the Advantages and Disadvantages of Taking the ACT With and Without Writing

Now that we’ve explored the potential benefits of taking the ACT with and without writing, let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

Advantages of Taking the ACT With Writing

• Improved Score – As mentioned earlier, taking the Writing section can help boost your overall score.
• More Comprehensive Examination – The Writing section provides a more comprehensive examination of your writing skills than the other sections do.
• Greater Opportunity for Scholarships – Some scholarships require a score from the Writing section, so taking the exam with writing can give you a greater chance of getting one of these scholarships.

Disadvantages of Taking the ACT With Writing

• Longer Exam Time – The Writing section adds an additional 40 minutes to the exam, making it difficult to finish all the sections in the allotted time.
• Higher Cost – Taking the ACT with writing is more expensive than taking it without writing, as there is an additional fee for the Writing section.

Advantages of Taking the ACT Without Writing

• Shorter Exam Time – Without the Writing section, the exam is shorter, making it easier to finish in the allotted time.
• Lower Cost – Since there is no additional fee for the Writing section, taking the exam without writing can save you money.

Disadvantages of Taking the ACT Without Writing

• Limited Score – Without the Writing section, you won’t get the benefit of a higher score, as the Writing section is scored separately from the other sections.
• Less Comprehensive Examination – Taking the ACT without writing means that you won’t get a comprehensive examination of your writing skills.
• Lower Chance for Scholarships – Taking the ACT without writing can mean a lower chance of getting a scholarship, as some scholarships require a score from the Writing section.

Which is Better: Taking the ACT With or Without Writing?

So which is better: taking the ACT with or without writing? The answer to this question depends on several factors, including your academic goals, the cost of taking the exam, and the amount of time available to you.

Factors to Consider When Deciding

• Academic Goals – If your goal is to get the highest possible score, then taking the ACT with writing may be the best option. However, if your goal is to save time and money, then taking the ACT without writing may be the better choice.
• Cost – Taking the ACT with writing is more expensive than taking it without writing, so you should consider the cost when deciding which option is best for you.
• Time – Taking the ACT with writing takes longer than taking it without writing, so you should consider the amount of time available to you when deciding which option is best for you.

How to Decide if You Should Take the ACT With or Without Writing

Now that we’ve looked at the factors to consider when deciding whether to take the ACT with or without writing, let’s look at how to make the decision.

Evaluate Your Academic Goals

The first step in deciding whether to take the ACT with or without writing is to evaluate your academic goals. If your goal is to get the highest possible score, then taking the ACT with writing may be the best option. However, if your goal is to save time and money, then taking the ACT without writing may be the better choice.

Consider the Cost

The next step is to consider the cost of taking the exam. Taking the ACT with writing is more expensive than taking it without writing, so you should factor this into your decision.

Assess the Time Available

Finally, you should assess the amount of time available to you. Taking the ACT with writing takes longer than taking it without writing, so you should consider this when deciding which option is best for you.

Make a Decision

Once you’ve evaluated your academic goals, considered the cost, and assessed the time available, you can make a decision about whether to take the ACT with or without writing.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to take the ACT with or without writing can be a difficult choice. However, by evaluating your academic goals, considering the cost, assessing the time available, and making a decision, you can decide which option is best for you.