{"id":5537,"date":"2025-09-07T05:00:15","date_gmt":"2025-09-07T12:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/act\/?p=5537"},"modified":"2021-10-02T13:40:39","modified_gmt":"2021-10-02T20:40:39","slug":"what-is-a-good-act-writing-score","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/act\/what-is-a-good-act-writing-score\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Good ACT Writing Score?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The ACT Writing<\/a> section is an optional part of the ACT. However, optional does not mean unhelpful<\/a>. While most colleges do not require you to take the ACT with Writing, many will consider it, and if you can score well on the essay, it can enhance your application.<\/p>\n

\"Good<\/p>\n

Start improving your ACT writing score<\/a> (and everything else) today with Magoosh!<\/h4>\n

ACT Writing: Essay Percentiles<\/h2>\n

The ACT Essay is scored from 1-6 in four categories by two graders. This gives you four scores from 2-12. You then receive a final ACT Essay score from 2-12 that is the average of these four scores.<\/strong> This is the score you will be reporting to colleges. For more detail on how the essay is scored, make sure you check out Rachel\u2019s article on ACT Essay scores<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Here’s the breakdown for ACT essay scores and percentiles<\/a> for the 2025-2026 reporting period:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
ACT Writing Score <\/th>\nPercentile<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
12<\/td>\n100<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
11<\/td>\n99<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
10<\/td>\n99<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
9<\/td>\n97<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
8<\/td>\n93<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
7<\/td>\n74<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
6<\/td>\n61<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
5<\/td>\n34<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4<\/td>\n21<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
3<\/td>\n9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/p>\n

As you can see from this table, the mean, or average, score on the ACT Writing section is 6. It’s a good idea to aim for at least the 75th percentile, so in this case a good ACT writing score would be an 8 or above. A 9 or above would put you in the 97th percentile, which is great! <\/p>\n

Of course, a lot depends on the schools to which you apply (this thorough rundown on ACT scores<\/a> has more info). Generally, the more selective the school, the higher your score should be to be competitive. <\/p>\n

If you aspire to Ivy League or other highly-selective schools<\/a>, a 10 is the threshold you should try your best to achieve in order to enhance your application. <\/p>\n

If you are ever concerned that your essay score is inaccurate, however, you can ask for your essay to be re-scored. The $58 fee for the re-score will be refunded if you do get a higher score<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Takeaways<\/h2>\n

So what\u2019s the takeaway from all of this? Really, a few key points:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Research the schools you plan to apply to, and see where your application might benefit from the ACT Writing test (hint: it could be for a scholarship).<\/li>\n
  • At the least, shoot for an 8+ overall score for a “good” ACT Writing score.<\/li>\n
  • A score of 10+ is an ideal score for applications to selective schools.<\/li>\n
  • If you believe your essay has been mis-scored, you may request a re-score for a fee.<\/li>\n
  • Don\u2019t panic!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    ACT Essay Grader<\/h2>\n

    If you’re coming to this post after taking your first ACT practice test, you might be wondering how the heck you’re supposed to even grade your essay. You’re thinking, “What even IS my ACT Essay score?”<\/p>\n

    To start, let your essay sit for a day or two before grading it (it’s helpful to get some distance). Then, follow the official scoring rubric from ACT<\/a>, and ask a trusted friend\/teacher\/parent to do the same. Be as objective as possible as you grade—you won’t do yourself any favors by inflating your score! <\/p>\n

    Then, use our handy ACT Essay Grading tool to find your score:<\/p>\n