SATs

Just got my SAT scores back and I'm not really sure where I stand. They're not as good as I wanted, but it was my first one, and I'll definitely be taking it again.

Critical Reading- 680
Math- 600
Writing- 570

Thanks for any feedback.

What grade are you in? You'll hear this 1,000,000,000 times, but 700+ is really the place to be for SAT scores.

That said, I believe wholeheartedly that test scores can be improved. Tutors, test prep courses, and even taking practice tests and writing on your own can make a huge difference in your scores. I was able to improve one section by 80 points in a month, simply by practicing testing under the time limit.

Thanks for the reply. I'm a Junior at one of the top college prep schools in the area. I got a 750 on the world history subject test, does the Academy look at that score? I know that the scores were low, they were pretty disappointing. But i'm going to take a SAT course and get the prep book, so i think that I can get it at least close to 700. Does USNA allow you to update your NASS application by the way? Because I'd like to know if I can take the test, get a better grade, and send it to them in time to be competitive.

you Math score is the most important for all SA. I would really focus on trying to pull that up 100 points or so. English is important but I have read the SA really want the strong Math scores more than English. Good luck-Try the ACT- my son did much better on the ACT. You have time so take it as many times as you can.

LOL... After four tries, my scores we're still not as good as yours are, except for the writing.

BlahuKahuna said:

What grade are you in? You'll hear this 1,000,000,000 times, but 700+ is really the place to be for SAT scores.

That said, I believe wholeheartedly that test scores can be improved. Tutors, test prep courses, and even taking practice tests and writing on your own can make a huge difference in your scores. I was able to improve one section by 80 points in a month, simply by practicing testing under the time limit.

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680 Reading is pretty decent but USNA cares more about your math score. 600 can make it, but 700 is safer. There is no such thing as a guaranteed score to be accepted though!

This is definitely true. Also try the ACT.
Enroll in a test prep class. Use test prep books (cheaper than classes). I never had a tutor not taken a course.

For future applicants, I do advise getting at least 700 or 31 on the ACT too.

Definitely get yourself to 700+ in each category. You can do it. Anyone can do it. The SAT is not a difficult test.

There's much mythology about the SAT and ACT. While focused study does seem to have positive impact upon outcomes, it's all anecdotal. I'm not familiar with any research or reports lending indication that taking the courses or studying the manuals allows for certain or near-certain improvement in the testing. The data that has been available suggests that only slightly greater than half of those retaking in any specific testing date improve scores and those are not always signficant.

That noted, I join in the seemingly conventional notion that focused study can lead to signficant improvement. However, I'm a greater fan of the notion of taking both tests, trying to glean if one seems to serve individuals better than another, and then taking that specific exam as often as time, money, and perceived needs allow and require. In other words, chances seem to improve with multiple re-tests. Doing so once is about 50-50 of going up... or down, which of course does no harm for USNA.

But I'm not a fan of patronizing people with comments like, "Anyone can do it. The SAT is not a difficult test." Neither is true.

Whistle Pig said:

But I'm not a fan of patronizing people with comments like, "Anyone can do it. The SAT is not a difficult test." Neither is true.

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You are exactly correct whistle.

I would add though that the right prep course will absolutely help. There is a method to taking these tests. There is a right way to read a question. There is a right way to eliminate wrong answers. The prep course shouldn't try to add to your knowledge base, but rather practice the application of the test taking methodology.

There are also dozens of free smart phone and Ipod apps devoted to SAT/ACT vocab building ect.

My sons both felt they benefited from the courses in taking their AP exams which were heavy on multiple choice.

I had a 710 in math, and 580 in critical reading and I got in...of course there is much more beyond that that got me in too. You have to think about the whole person score.

neugs said:

I had a 710 in math, and 580 in critical reading and I got in...of course there is much more beyond that that got me in too. You have to think about the whole person score.

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I had a 580 CR as well. 650 Math. And I just got in.