Does The Common App Want Ela Or Writing Score

Does the Common App Want ELA or Writing Score? A Guide to Navigating the Testing Maze

Let’s talk about the Common App, that online portal that’s basically the gateway to your dream college. It’s a love-hate relationship – you need it, but it’s riddled with confusing questions that make you feel like you’re navigating a maze with a blindfold on.

One of these particularly tricky questions is: “Does the Common App want ELA or Writing score?” The answer is a little more nuanced than you might expect.

Here’s the TL;DR:

• The Common App wants your ACT Writing Subscore, not your combined ELA (English Language Arts) score.
• If you took the ACT with Writing before September 1st, 2016, you’ll enter a score between 1 and 36.
• If you took it after September 1st, 2016, you’ll enter a score between 2 and 12.

So, why is this so confusing?

Well, the ACT used to report a combined English/Writing score on a scale of 1 to 36. That was before September 1st, 2016, when they decided to shake things up a bit and introduce this new separate Writing Subscore. Talk about a major plot twist!

The change was supposed to make things clearer, but it’s basically created a whole new level of confusion for applicants like yourself.

Let’s break this down further:

• The ACT Writing Test: This is a 40-minute essay-writing section that assesses your ability to analyze a topic, develop arguments, and express your ideas clearly. Think of it as your own personal SAT essay, but with a more chill vibe.
• The ELA Score: This is a combined score that represents your performance across the Reading and English sections of the ACT. It’s a holistic measure of your reading comprehension and English grammar skills. It’s like a comprehensive English proficiency test, but without the stress of writing an essay.

Now, let’s dive deeper into the Common App’s preferences:

• Why just the Writing Subscore? The Common App wants to see how well you can write, plain and simple. It’s a crucial part of your application, showing your ability to articulate your thoughts and present a compelling argument. Your ELA score, while important for your overall academic profile, isn’t the main focus here.
• Why is the ELA score not as important? Colleges want to see how well you can read and analyze information, but they already see this through your high school grades and your application essay. The Writing Subscore, on the other hand, provides a direct measure of your writing ability, something that isn’t as clearly evident in other parts of your application.

So, how do you figure out what score to enter?

1. Check your ACT report: Look for the Writing Subscore, typically represented as a number between 2 and 12. This is the score you should enter on the Common App.
2. If you took the ACT before September 1st, 2016: You’ll need to find your Writing score, which was reported on a scale of 1 to 36.
3. If you’re still unsure: Don’t panic! Contact the ACT directly or consult the official Common App website for more guidance.

The Bottom Line:

The Common App wants to see your Writing Subscore because it provides a direct assessment of your writing ability, a crucial skill for success in college. So, don’t get bogged down by the ELA score. Focus on that Writing Subscore, and you’ll be on your way to a successful college application.

Remember, the Common App is just one piece of the puzzle. Focus on showcasing your strengths and making a compelling case for why you should be accepted.

Now, if you need some extra help navigating these confusing waters, don’t be afraid to reach out to our amazing JobLoving community! We’re here to answer your questions, offer advice, and help you navigate the college application process with confidence.

Good luck, and happy applying!