Perfect SAT Score

USMA - I'm on my way!

5-Year Member
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Aug 1, 2011
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Just a hypothetical question...

I'm just curious as to how influential a perfect or near perfect (2300+) SAT score is on the chances of being accepted. Is it possible to get accepted to WP, assuming everything else about a candidate is normal or 'average', with only amazing standardized test scores?
 
Well, it depends on what "average" is, what district/state...

Just talked to a couple of my MOCs. They said that they have turned down some perfect scorers because they weren't great in other areas - ie. they are academically promising in some way, but that doesn't mean they'll be a great Army Officer...
 
Well, assuming someone is competitive enough in their district, does that change anything? Im trying to just calculate, or get an idea at least, about how much weight is given solely to exceptional scores.
 
Last year I got an LOA in July. They only had my official test scores (35 ACT), official transcripts (1 out of 148), and the CFA I took at West Point (which was above the posted averages but still not all that great due to a variety of reasons that would bore you). So yeah, academics are a big deal.
 
While academics may big a large part of the application to get into an academy, it takes much more to get through the academy. I am only 2 weeks into class at USAFA and we have a kid in my squad who is very bright in the classroom, but he was almost disenrolled during BCT because he just didn't work with the military system. Getting in is huge, but making it through is what counts.
 
Yes, 60% of the whole WCS.

But what I'm saying is, if you can also get a great standardized test score, GREAT... but don't focus your whole life into it I suppose. Be well-rounded... be excellent in all areas :thumb:
 
I know someone who made straight As their whole high school career and then got a 2400 on their SAT. The only school they applied to was UNC at Chapel Hill. They did not get in because they had no ECs. I have a feeling that WP is much harder to get accepted to than UNCCH so they dont want candidates to be stellar in only one or two areas. I assume they want a well rounded candidate who is exceptional in all areas of the 60, 30, 10, percent chart. Thats just my 2 cents
 
You guys are ignoring the question by telling him all academics and nothing else won't get him in. That's not what he asked. He asked if superb academics and average other stuff will be enough. My guess is yes, but my guess isn't worth a whole lot.
 
I think people tend to take the whole "be excellent in everything" thing too seriously.. I dont know if this is just me, but Ive seen alot of people thinking that a perfect SAT score and perfect everything will get them an appointment. Its not. Ive had friends who were perfect at everything who did not get a nomination or direct admission but rather wait-listed or sent to prep school.
 
He asked if superb academics and average other stuff will be enough.

Just a parent of a 2015 Plebe, and you really need to talk to your MALO or RC to get the right answer. That said....

DS had very strong academics. Coaching from MALO types was that he needed to rock the CFA to answer the unasked question: "Can a scholar type keep up? Pass the APFT?, etc".

They also want to know are you leadership capable.

Apparently, strong academics can offset lack of Varsity athletics, etc. USMA recruits for many things, and apparently Scholarship is one of those things.

But apparently, you need to factor in the subjective aspect. Can the candidate meet the physical demands? Can they lead when asked?

The best way to answer those questions proactively is via your EC's & CFA. Don't have varsity athletics? Rock the CFA. Likewise, it will look odd if your EC's are slim, along with minimal athletics. What did you do with your time?

Academic year is just starting for 2015 cadets. And it's a very full day, with heavy academic load, military training, and athletics. Physical training you do on your own time. How will a candidate who did little in HS but school be able to adapt to a 18-19 hour full day schedule? (or more!)

These are the questions you'll want to answer proactively via your application. And not just for USMA, also your noms are looking at this.

Add to that the points aspect (WCS) and you see why balance is a good idea even if not mandated. :thumb:
 
I appreciate everyone's responses, but I feel that it has gotten a little off track. I can almost score max on 5 events of the CFA, yes I'm still practicing - taking it in a week (that darn 5:20 mile) :rolleyes: and I have leadership as president of a club, sports, Army future soldier training, and CAP. but my real question is, disregarding all of that, how much weight is given to just an SAT score? Practice tests I have taken say that my average score range is 2200 to 2300 which would be nice! I know it is apart of the 60% of your WCS. I have taken the SAT before, but i feel I can do better.

So has anyone ever heard of someone getting an appointment purely on high test scores? (assuming they are quote un-quote average in competitiveness)? Thanks!
 
I appreciate everyone's responses, but I feel that it has gotten a little off track. I can almost score max on 5 events of the CFA, yes I'm still practicing - taking it in a week (that darn 5:20 mile) :rolleyes: and I have leadership as president of a club, sports, Army future soldier training, and CAP. but my real question is, disregarding all of that, how much weight is given to just an SAT score? Practice tests I have taken say that my average score range is 2200 to 2300 which would be nice! I know it is apart of the 60% of your WCS. I have taken the SAT before, but i feel I can do better.

So has anyone ever heard of someone getting an appointment purely on high test scores? (assuming they are quote un-quote average in competitiveness)? Thanks!

My friend (currently class of 2014) got an LOA off a 2080 SAT and mediocre other stuff (like 1 varsity letter and hardly any extra-curricular). He's a great guy though so I'm glad they were able to find a spot for him! Then again, they really just threw out LOAs to a lot of people for the c/o 2014 I hear.
 
If you are confident in your ability to score 2200 and above, I wouldn't worry much about the SAT at all. Spend your time worrying about other things.

I too have a 2014 friend, and he scored in the 1900s on his SAT. No LOA. As far as I know, he did no varsity sports. He must have done various things outside of school and outside of my notice, and he must have impressed quite a few people during his interviews. My impression is that the whole thing greatly varies. There's no shoo-in guaranteed formula of success.

-edit-
Sorry, didn't notice that this was the USMA forum. Anecdote above is for USNA. Surely what I've said about it still applies though.
 
The issue might not be your scores, but the fact that West Point will not get them until October at the earliest. I think i remember last year the LOA well drying up about then. If you do not have official scores in, you might just run out of time. Of course, this is just speculation, but I remember a number of posts last year about LOAs and then nothing.
 
A note on LOAs: my RC said that most LOAs would go out in September and then a trickle in October. So yeah, get scores in... now.
 
Thanks for all of the responses! To all of the current USMA cadets: what were your standardized test scores, extra curricular stuff, GPA, etc. that ultimately gained you an appointment? I think for the people who always try and ask, "What are my chances?" need to compare to someone who had the merit to get in. And any tips for interviews would be very much appreciated as well! :smile:
Thanks, Kevin
 
Yes, that would be interesting!

Some people had to do a lot of things to get considered, whilst others had a total different life story!

I would definitely be curious about each and every cadet's life story :D
 
So if any cadets are willing to post there stats they had during their time while applying for admission, please post them. It will be very much appreciated!
 
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