Comparing ACT/SAT scores

kjc_25

Member
Joined
Feb 22, 2015
Messages
72
Hey everyone, I know a lot of us have taken the ACT or SAT already and are starting to apply to the Academy and I thought it would be cool to compare with people who got in and see where we stand. I know that standardized tests are only one part of a much larger equation as to getting in but it is a tangible thing to compare. Also if people could share what they did to prepare for the tests it would help a ton!
 
Here's what I got on this last ACT:
English:34
Math:28
Reading: 33
Science: 29
Composite:31
 
Here's what I got on this last ACT:
English:34
Math:28
Reading: 33
Science: 29
Composite:31
Hi!

As an ALO, here is what I would tell you if you were my candidate: Your ACT scores are good; they'll get you in to perhaps 90% of colleges and universities in the USA, you should be VERY proud of that! However...this is the AF Academy you're shooting for; it's a small pond with only HUGE fish and you want to swim with them. A great goal!!! However...Math and English are the two biggies and your math score isn't high enough, in my opinion. Of course that and 85 cents will get you a nice big drink at Circle K! In 21 years as an ALO I have told precisely 4 candidates to stop taking the SAT or ACT; their scores were high enough in my opinion. I would tell you to retake the ACT as often as you can afford it; focusing upon the math section. In my opinion your English score is fine, as is your reading. The science score could use some raising however put a 33-35 math score out there, and that 29 in science will be fine; again, in my opinion.

What am I getting at with this? ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS try to score the highest you can; don't settle until you're at that point that it's almost pointless...if you took the ACT in September and pulled 3X English (your 34 is always there), 35 math, 35 reading, 34 science, you'd probably have a 34ish composite. You would probably be my fifth to be told "that's fine, focus elsewhere."

When testing for any service academy, remember the immortal words of Buzz Lightyear: "Too INFINITY and BEYOND!" That's your focus!

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
Ill be a 2020 applicant as well and my test scores are:
ACT: Math 25
English 25
Reading 32
Science. 33
Composite 29
SAT. Math: 600
Verbal 660
Yes, I know my math and english are very low on my ACT I'm retaking in September.
 
JMPO,

Remove the scores for a minute. Now look at the USAFA required course curriculum.
~ Big Hint. USAFA in the ADAF is known as the little engineering school in the Rockies.
~~ IOWS when you hit there they expect that you have that academic foundation....Median is closer to 31 on the ACT, and I believe close to or over 670.

Is it test anxiety or you lack the academic foundation?

Apply, but while you go through this year, study...study...study.
~ Retake at every opportunity.

Just prepare yourself for the curriculum that is required when you hit USAFA.

OBTW,
AFROTC scholarship is best sitting. Your Math and Eng ACT. is @5-6 points off for a type 7. Your SAT is @ 50+

You are in the running, but remember that is only a portion of the score. 40% will be ECs, CFA/PFA, recs. etc.
 
Here's what I got on this last ACT:
English:34
Math:28
Reading: 33
Science: 29
Composite:31
Hi!

As an ALO, here is what I would tell you if you were my candidate: Your ACT scores are good; they'll get you in to perhaps 90% of colleges and universities in the USA, you should be VERY proud of that! However...this is the AF Academy you're shooting for; it's a small pond with only HUGE fish and you want to swim with them. A great goal!!! However...Math and English are the two biggies and your math score isn't high enough, in my opinion. Of course that and 85 cents will get you a nice big drink at Circle K! In 21 years as an ALO I have told precisely 4 candidates to stop taking the SAT or ACT; their scores were high enough in my opinion. I would tell you to retake the ACT as often as you can afford it; focusing upon the math section. In my opinion your English score is fine, as is your reading. The science score could use some raising however put a 33-35 math score out there, and that 29 in science will be fine; again, in my opinion.

What am I getting at with this? ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS try to score the highest you can; don't settle until you're at that point that it's almost pointless...if you took the ACT in September and pulled 3X English (your 34 is always there), 35 math, 35 reading, 34 science, you'd probably have a 34ish composite. You would probably be my fifth to be told "that's fine, focus elsewhere."

When testing for any service academy, remember the immortal words of Buzz Lightyear: "Too INFINITY and BEYOND!" That's your focus!

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

Hi Flieger! Just reading over posts and trying to learn as much as I can. DD will be applying for c/o 2020. You said as an ALO you told 4 students to stop taking tests...my DD was told to stop as well by her ALO - her SAT 800R, 750M and 770W; ACT 36R 29M 31Composite. Just wanted your opinion as well. Most of the other posters said take the ACT as many times as possible to increase your score. Will it really do any good? BTW, when she took the SAT, she only missed one question on the math and received a 750. She did not think it worthwhile to take it again. Any insight would be appreciated as I value your opinion. Thanks.
 
Hi!

Okay...without the SAT scores, were your daughter my candidate I would tell her to retake the ACT because the math score (especially in relation to the others) is low. However with her SAT scores at that level, were she mine, I would have my fifth...

Truly outstanding SAT scores!!!

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
I wasnt going to ask how you all think my son stands, because it seems that question is somewhat frowend upon, and is so subjective since it depends on other candidates in the district. But this thread seems to solicit, so since i am wondering...... My son: 28 English, 32 math, 29 reading, 30 science. (He really thinks he can get english up when he retakes in september, and will also retake in october). He is top 16% in class, but hopes that will move up slightly at least. He is President of NHS at school. We live in rural Midwest town, and he attends a medium sized school. He has played varsity soccer since freshman year, varsity baseball since sophomore year, and will captain both this upcoming year. He was captain of JV baseball team as freshman. Also played basketball until last year. He has held a job as well.

There are several other positives on his resume, but any thoughts on his prospects?
 
Hi!

Okay...without the SAT scores, were your daughter my candidate I would tell her to retake the ACT because the math score (especially in relation to the others) is low. However with her SAT scores at that level, were she mine, I would have my fifth...

Truly outstanding SAT scores!!!

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

:D Thanks for your reply, but I am still a little confused. I understand that her ACT math is a tad low compared to others, but you did have a "however" in there :) So are you saying since her SAT is so high, she should not retake the ACT? Can she just send in her SAT score and not send the ACT since only one is required? Sorry for being so dense, but we don't want to get this one wrong. Thanks again for all your sage advice, it makes this application process much easier to navigate.
 
No problem!

"...her SAT 800R, 750M and 770W"

Where this my candidate, I would tell her to stop taking tests and focus upon her grades, outside accomplishments, and her fitness level; with GREAT EMPHASIS on pullups (NOT the flexed arm hang) and pushups.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
My act scores
31 composite
32 english
32 reading
28 math
34 science
08 writing (i never have finished an essay in the 25 minutes)
My sat score
550 Read 650 Math 570 writing
I know my sat scores are really low but I've taken it only twice. First time I signed up because our school wanted me to a few weeks before the test and second test was day after state track meet so i got home late and was exhausted the next day
 
No problem!

"...her SAT 800R, 750M and 770W"

Where this my candidate, I would tell her to stop taking tests and focus upon her grades, outside accomplishments, and her fitness level; with GREAT EMPHASIS on pullups (NOT the flexed arm hang) and pushups.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

Thank you Steve. Great advice. I will pass along your message.
 
If I remember correctly, the USAFA super scores the SAT and the ACT (at least it did 2 years ago when my son applied). So taking it again can help you.
 
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