Does anyone know if the writing section is required to advance from Semifinalist to finalist?
I don’t think it is, but D17s CC suggested that she take it with writing, even though she got a 34 on the ACT writing section. Not sure why. But D is a strong writer, so I don’t think it matters one way or the other.
Same. I have 36 writing ACT so if I don’t need to take it it doesn’t seem worth the risk… Just in case, cause the writing seems like it can be a bit of a toss up (at least, I have friends whose scores on the ACT writing have changed by 10 points between sittings…)
You don’t have to take it with the writing portion for NM purposes.
It is NOT required and I called NMSC about this because my D3 also has an ACT w/ essay that will work for her college admissions. She didn’t want to do another essay so this was good news for her.
NMSC always adjusted the old test to eliminate the essay component. They are happy to accept the new test w/o essay for confirming score purposes.
You have to take the SAT, not the ACT to become a finalist.