How do ACT writing optional schools view submitted writing score?

Test Preparation
1

Junior D will be taking her first ACT in June. She’s taken a couple practice tests with a comp score of 33, With more practice, her goal is to get her comp to 35. She did one writing portion with no prep. Using the scoring rubric, two graders (mom and dad), both scored it as 6. Her challenge is writing well with speed. She is working on this.

She will likely be majoring in mechanical engineering.

A couple questions:

With ample practice, is it reasonable to think she can increase her writing portion a few more points?

How much, in general, do those schools that do not require the writing portion weigh the writing score if submitted?

For her latest practice ACT she scored 35s for both reading and English.

Thank you!

2

Unless a college actually says it is “required,” " recommended," “considered,” or “optional,” it is unlikely the college will use the writing score at all. If optional or considered, it will likely get minor consideration and then only if it helps you. If recommended, it may take on a bit more importance, particularly considering that most schools that now “recommend” the writing section required it in the past. If it is any consolation, there have been reports in the past that a 6 is a very common score for students who score 34 to 36 on the ACT.