SAT scores as a sophomore
- Thread starter cali13
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DS took ACT several times. USNA super scores across multiple dates for SAT/ACT (see link below) and previously used English and Math, and ACT scores were converted to SAT. I believe USAFA looked at all ACT scores for DS. Not sure about USMA. My two cents is take the June ACT and prep a bit in advance. Good luck.
http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Steps-for-Admission/index.php
http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Steps-for-Admission/index.php
Thank you so much
USNA_Dad2019
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Unless you have a perfect score, take both the SAT and ACT as many times as you can between now and graduation. You don't want your standardized test scores to be the deal breaker. A couple extra pull ups on the CFA, a few points on the ACT/SAT, a couple tenths of a point in GPA, they all add up to enhance your chances of getting into a SA. You don't want to leave any points on the table in any area.
Will do, thank you for the advice!
Cali13 - In general, I agree with your advice and that is certainly the approach my DS took 2-3 years back. What we realized later was, for some Plan B schools, they required all of the test scores. And I am guessing that at some point for a few schools, it might work against you to take the ACT or SAT x times. I don't think this impacted my DS, but it might be an issue for some folks so just wanted to share the thought...
USNA_Dad2019
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Interesting. However, if your scores are trending up, I'm not sure how the number of times you take the test would count against you for plan B schools. Having said that, and admittedly having ZERO experience with the admissions process outside of my DS, I would love to hear opinions. My DS only reported his highest ACT scores to his plan B schools, none of them ever asked for additional scores. I believe he took the ACT six times throughout high school. Does anyone have experience with plan B schools being concerned with the number of times you take the ACT/SAT? Strictly for my edification, I have another kid going through the college admissions process in a few years.
I've been told by numerous counselors that "normal" schools will take your highest score if you take the SAT 3 or less times. Once you take it more than 3 times, they start averaging your scores which is why I didn't want to take the SAT anymore. I'm not sure if this applies with the ACT though! Hope this helps!
USNA_Dad2019
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MIT, not exactly a state school, was one of DS's plan B schools. He submitted his highest score only, and was never asked for additional scores, or if he had taken the ACT multiple times. Admittedly, since he received his USNA appointment, he did not finalize the MIT application process. I don't know about Ivy League schools though; DS was never interested in applying. I've just never heard the advice to limit the number of times you take standardized test.
JShawshank
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Let's not forget that you can take SAT/ACT and not report it to any schools or just report it to select schools. IMHO, it's not a bad idea to not report scores for either test the first time. If that first test ends up being your best, you can go back later and have those scores sent to the relevant schools.
DS only sent in his SAT score "after the fact". I know its free to send them in at the time you register for the test but I didn't want the schools to see ALL the grades. We wanted to hand pick the best. Oddly, his highest on each section was all on one exam, his last (and third) one. So we ONLY sent the scores from that one test at a cost of $11.25. Although he took the ACT as well, we did not use that score for any schools. MIT and Chicago were also Plan B schools and they never asked for more than that one SAT score.
Cali,
The frame of mind represented by your statement above alone probably costs you 100 SAT points. You have received good advice about the strategies and tactics of deploying your test scores among the various admissions departments. More important is raising the scores you deploy.
Both my sons smoked the Math SAT, but had problems with Verbal. We used a private tutor for each, spending about $30-40/hour for 6-8 hours. BTW, we didn't pay the tutor to watch them take the tests. He taught them the techniques which they employed while taking the tests at home. He then analyzed the results with them looking for consistent weaknesses, most of which were correctable.
In both sons' cases, it was intimidation by and dislike of the Verbal section feeding off of each other. Once they learned the "tricks", it became more of a game. There are general strategies for test taking, but also tactics for standardized tests. The SAT and ACT even have their own individual peculiarities. There is a specific way to read each question. For instance, there are tricks and tactics which allow you to eliminate answers almost without reading the question, thereby giving more time to go back and check your work before the buzzer sounds. The tactics are few and they are simple. Learn the skills and then employ them with practice tests. After doing that, you will walk into the test looser and with greater confidence.
Whatever you do, don't simply grind through endless practice tests. You'll only frustrate yourself. I'm sure you've heard of "practice with a purpose." The best athletes arrive at the game with a few butterflies, but also with confidence based on an attention to detail and technique during practices which he/she made meaningful. Make sure you walk in with that same mindset.
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Just as a side note, many high schools record all SAT and ACT scores on the official transcript. If the official transcript is requested, those test scores will be listed. You should check with your high school to confirm. DD took the ACT/SAT multiple times and it did not affect her admission to her desired schools.
This is amazing advice, thank you for the encouragement! I said that I didn't want to take the SAT again because I already took it 3 times and it's been a while since my last one. I admit, I'm a little hesitant about getting back in the game, I am going to be taking these standardized tests many more times after receiving the wonderful advice I've gotten on this forum!
I seriously doubt that ANY tutor is worth $1,000 per hour as this article claims, no matter how many tips/tricks he thinks he has to show you!!!! If you are NOT good at math (for example), no amount of tutoring will magically enable you to ace standardized tests. I think some do better when taking the SAT/ACT's multiple times since they are more comfortable about the overall testing environment. It is also possible you have learned new math skills since your sophomore year that would enable you to do better this time on the math section.
Avoiding the SAT this year since they have modified it is seems like bad advice from someone worried about losing their lucrative tutoring income.
Some students do better on the ACT vs. SAT, so it is a good idea to take both tests. Re-taking them an excessive number of times is certainly no guarantee of getting a better score.