Cracking 600

LadderdaddyO

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Well my KK just received her SAT scores back. Shes not to happy. The highest she has gotten on the math/580 verbal/660 SATs 24/30 ACTs the rest of her app is very completive. I told her we can get a tutor for the math and it may help getting her over the 600 mark. Well hopefully when her ACTs result come in a couple of weeks the'll hit the mark. She a little frustrated with the test and her results. A few kids in her class who don't do nearly as well in her class received in the mid 600s on there SATs taking them only once.
We're both under the impression that the 580 will stick out in a bad way even if the rest of her app looks good. She is not to excited about taking them again in Dec. I don't blame her. But she is driven and determined to do what it takes.
 
USNA1985

I applied for NROTC and interviewed last month. This week, I got a call from the local BGO to set up an interview for the Academy. I was very surprised because I only finished the online pre app and felt I wasnt academically competitive so I did not go any farther. The BGO had alot of info not on the app, he said it might have come from the NROTC. He said he thinks I am competitive and is encouring me to continue the process. Is this common? I am also applying to USAFA - I am medically qualified and all the MOC interviews are set up already (without USNA listed as a choice). Is it too late to get started? Thank you.
 
Hi.

Our son has taken the SAT a ga-ZILLION times (approximately) and the ACT a few times. He has gone through numerous books, taken a Sylvan course and taken an "eprep" online course ...

http://www.eprep.com/

(I would HIGHLY recommend the eprep course - it IS pricey - but if you watch the demo video - I suspect you'll be impressed - and "no", I don't have stock in eprep :rolleyes: ...)

Please encourage her to NOT GIVE UP. Our son's scores have improved DRAMATICALLY in my opinion over the last year or so - but again - he has taken the tests MANY MANY MANY times and has "busted his tail" studying. With all that said, however, and we are waiting on his last ACT scores - I am encouraging him to take the SAT again in December - don't know if he will or not - its his choice. But my last email from the academy was basically - keep taking the tests until you get a perfect score or get an appointment - because it is a very competitive year.

Clearly an EXCRUTIATING process for candidates (and parents), but NOTHING compared to what they're going to encounter if they get in ....

Just my thoughts. Best of luck.

Murf
:smile:
 
By the way, just another thot ... if I read your post correctly, it appears that her Math score may be the main issue? You might go to www.amazon.com and search for SAT or ACT Math test books. You may be able to find one or more that zero in on math - I'd recommend looking through the feedback on the books to find one or more that are not riddled with errors and that have a good track record with those who have purchased it (them). We used this approach and our son's math score was very good on his last SAT test. Now, I'm trying to encourage him to use the same basic approach for the Critical Reading section ... :smile:

Have fun!

Murf
 
This reminds me of something, why is it that the academy looks at "Critical Reading" from the SAT but "English" from the ACT, when the ACT also has a Critical Reading section. I ask because, my score for Critical Reading was 770 SAT, and my ACT English score was 35. I was hoping the academies looked at Critical Reading on the ACT as well because I got a 36, which I assume would have been better than either my 770 or my 35. Anybody know why they choose English over Critical Reading on the ACT, but choose the Critical Reading over "Writing" (which is more like the English from ACT) on the SAT?
 
Wisconsin,

You have great test scores from both exams so I wouldn't worry if I were you.

GoNavyMom
 
Thanks USNA1985

Thank you for the PM, so far it hasnt crossed into my messages but will anxiously look for your response. Thanks again!
 
Look into the SAT prep that is offered by collegeboard.com
I have known several candidates who have purchased this study course (believe it is around $80) and their scores really improved!
This option is now being purchased by many high school's here in the northeast for their students to use to prepare for the exam.
 
Wisconsin,

What part of Wisconsin are you from, and I take it you're applying for 2014? I'm from Wisconsin as well, the Kenosha area.

Rascal
 
Ladderdaddy,

If you need to know the approach I had taken to improve my SAT math score. Please PM me as I have many materials that I can give to you for your son/daughter. With my approach, it requires an external purchase of the CollegeBoard official SAT study guide. And after applying methods, I raised my score from 550 Math on my first test, to a 740 in the math section on my most recent test. Most importantly, please assure your son/daughter to not panic about his/her scores now, and that through perseverance and hard work they will get the scores they need.
 
a less expensive option is to get the prep books from your local library ... ours has at least one of every company's study guide. The trick is to actually read and practice the techniques ... some come with computer disks ... remember though ... perfect scores are not the only thing they look at... applicants with perfect scores likely have not gotten in ... it's the candidate's whole package ... are they rounded, are they a team player, what is their potential ... don't obsess on just one aspect of the application! good luck!
 
Well rounded

Thanks for all the advice. We know that the academy looks at the whole application and their looking for the best fit. Everything in her application looks very good. She just sweating the fact that she is having a problem of cracking math portion of the SATs. I do understand her concerns. I know when the board looks at her application it something that sticks out a little. I've seen how hard this kid is working and worked to try to obtain this dream and as a parent I will do what I can. I can tell you all one thing she is determined and will succeed.
Thanks again
A proud father.
 
Update

My D just called me and received her ACTs scores. 30 E---27 M I think this is better than her SAT scores 580M/660E Does the academy use composite English/Math scores or individual English math scores. Also she has her MOC interview this weekend should she report these scores to the interviewer. Once again thanks for any input.

This site is a must have for parents and candidates.:thumb:
 
USNA "superscores" which means they use the highest math, highest english, etc even if not on same tasting day. Most MOC's do not superscore.

You can compare those SAT and ACT scores online. Google "SAT/ACT conversion."
 
Update on D

Although my d is still anxiously awaiting anything from USNA/CGA. I just wanted to inform all of you that have help in this stressful process that she just received a NROTC tier 2 scholarship to Duke. YA:yllol:
 
a less expensive option is to get the prep books from your local library ... ours has at least one of every company's study guide. The trick is to actually read and practice the techniques ... some come with computer disks ... remember though ... perfect scores are not the only thing they look at... applicants with perfect scores likely have not gotten in ... it's the candidate's whole package ... are they rounded, are they a team player, what is their potential ... don't obsess on just one aspect of the application! good luck!

I'll bet you can count on one hand the number of candidates with perfect ACT/SAT scores who were not admitted.

Unquestionably, some Blue & Gold Officer is now going to chime in and say, "Well, there was this one kid I knew ..." Blah, blah, blah. The reason he remembers that "one kid" with the perfect ACT/SAT scores that didn't get in is because it happens so rarely.
 
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