More weight - SAT scores or college grades?

Vista, you are correct that the process is based on competition and that was implied. However, my point still stands. Just because one is in college doesn't mean they should just focus on getting A's and re-taking SATs/ACTs....that will not be good enough and the Admissions Board won't have much to go on other than academic data. If a candidate really wants to standout, in my opinion, they will fill their day with important sports/ECAs/etc. to prove that they have more than their academic prowess in college. Being proactive, having initiative, and going beyond of what was asked are qualities that will make them standout.
 
usnabgo08 said:
Vista, you are correct that the process is based on competition and that was implied. However, my point still stands. Just because one is in college doesn't mean they should just focus on getting A's and re-taking SATs/ACTs....that will not be good enough and the Admissions Board won't have much to go on other than academic data. If a candidate really wants to standout, in my opinion, they will fill their day with important sports/ECAs/etc. to prove that they have more than their academic prowess in college. Being proactive, having initiative, and going beyond of what was asked are qualities that will make them standout.
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+1
Which one is weighted more is academic (I'm here all week! Try the veal!). Anything that you can do to improve your overall whole-person score is worth doing unless it radically impacts the rest of your efforts - retake the ACT, take the SAT, aim for higher scores on the CFA, A's in everything, excel and lead in ECA's and Athletics, they're all worth doing, and none of them will hurt your application.
 
LTSackett said:
Anything that you can do to improve your overall whole-person score is worth doing unless it radically impacts the rest of your efforts - retake the ACT, take the SAT, aim for higher scores on the CFA, A's in everything, excel and lead in ECA's and Athletics, they're all worth doing, and none of them will hurt your application.
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I agree completely. Too many times re-applicants do not retest thinking excellent grades is all that is needed and my point is EVERYTHING is all that is needed.

My son(s) benefited (and are benefiting) from great advice on this forum so I feel compelled to pay it forward and my best piece of advice I can give is:

Lieutenant Colonel Moore's dictum that states "there is always one more thing you can do to increase your odds of success."
 
I applied as a freshman at an accredited university and had a 4.0 GPA for the first semester, and 730 math, 630 reading. I was deemed QNS at USMA. I'm not sure what they weigh more, but my guess would be SATs, since I couldn't do any better in college haha.
 
WestPoint2017 said:
I applied as a freshman at an accredited university and had a 4.0 GPA for the first semester, and 730 math, 630 reading. I was deemed QNS at USMA. I'm not sure what they weigh more, but my guess would be SATs, since I couldn't do any better in college haha.
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You couldn't do any better at your college with courses you took (unless your courses had higher than 4.0 grading scale). But at a different college, you could have done better or worse.

Cannot make a deduction that a college student at an accredited university that got 4.0 in his freshman Chemistry will get 4.0 in his Plebe Chemistry if he went to West Point.
 
True, but the engineering program at TAMU was rated 11th in nation by U.S. News and World Report. Sure, I wasn't faced with the extra demands that are placed on plebes, but a 4.0 in that kind of program seems impressive to me, Its not like I was at Southern North Dakota State Community College haha
 
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WestPoint2017 said:
True, but the engineering program at TAMU was rated 11th in nation by U.S. News and World Report. Sure, I wasn't faced with the extra demands that are placed on plebes, but a 4.0 in that kind of program seems impressive to me, Its not like I was at Southern North Dakota State Community College haha
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As far as I am concerned TAMU is in the same league as the South Dakota State Community College as I have no idea what TAMU stands for.

There is a another thread about college ranking. What is impressive to you doesn't matter, especially if you attend the school yourself.
 
MemberLG said:
As far as I am concerned TAMU is in the same league as the South Dakota State Community College as I have no idea what TAMU stands for.

There is a another thread about college ranking. What is impressive to you doesn't matter, especially if you attend the school yourself.
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LOL. In for the Aggie umbrage. Touchy folks, Aggies.
 
WestPoint2017 said:
Haha I have too much school spirit and pride :) In all seriousness, thanks for the input LG.
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I have known some great officers from TAMU.

Unfortunately for you, no points in the WCS for school spirit and pride.

I know that I can get very cynical, but in SA admissions we deal with quantifiable things. If you can quantify "school spirit and pride" you deserve an appointment to a SA.

Good luck!
 
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