My DS is a college re applicant. He was wait listed at NAPS and did not get in off of wait list. He was qualified medically and physically so we can assume NAPS because of his SAT scores. Math 610 reading 520. Now that he is reapplying he has retaken his SAT and did better in math and writing but not in reading....his highest reading is 520. Math is 640. I believe i read somewhere that if you are taking college classes and doing well, they may tend to overlook lower SAT scores because you are proving you can do well in college level courses. I am just wondering if he should take another SAT. After 5 times his reading has stayed the same. He had an A in English, an A in calculus and a B+ in chem at midterms and is continuing to do well. My thoughts are he should focus on his college grades, not studying for an SAT again.
SAT again?
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LongAgoPlebe
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I'd generally* agree with how your DS is prioritizing his time and resources. One question, though: has he taken the ACT at all? Sometimes applicants (even where I am) do significantly better on either the ACT or SAT. If he hasn't yet taken the ACT, I'd suggest he do so as it may provide a more complete, and perhaps more persuasive, picture of your DS's academic qualifications.
* I say generally because I'm not affiliated with USNA and cannot/am not making any recommendations or predictions for them. If others have better information, they will offer it.
* I say generally because I'm not affiliated with USNA and cannot/am not making any recommendations or predictions for them. If others have better information, they will offer it.
JShawshank
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+1
DS took SAT one time and got high 500's for Reading and then got 29 on ACT English first take (approx. 660 SAT Reading equivalent) and 34 (approx. 770 SAT equivalent) on 2nd take. The questions are less 'tricky' on the ACT which is one of the drivers of SAT reworking their test beginning in 2016.
DS took SAT one time and got high 500's for Reading and then got 29 on ACT English first take (approx. 660 SAT Reading equivalent) and 34 (approx. 770 SAT equivalent) on 2nd take. The questions are less 'tricky' on the ACT which is one of the drivers of SAT reworking their test beginning in 2016.
LongAgoPlebe
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Okay, if he's taken the ACT too, I'd ask how long it's been for either SAT or ACT. If over a year (give or take a month), then it can't hurt, and may help, to take one again. Given that his SAT reading score hasn't budged over five replicates, he might take the ACT this time.
Is he still in touch with his BGO? What does s/he say about taking either exam again?
Is he still in touch with his BGO? What does s/he say about taking either exam again?
usna1985
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Has your DS taken an SAT prep course? I know they're expensive, but they can be helpful.
To answer your original question, USNA does weight college courses more heavily for college applicants. That said, competition gets tougher every year and you want to give yourself every opportunity. Someone similarly situated as your DS with higher SATs will obviously be in a more favorable position (all other things being "equal").
The English teacher rep may count for a lot in such circumstances.
Your DS might check with his RD on the benefits of retaking.
To answer your original question, USNA does weight college courses more heavily for college applicants. That said, competition gets tougher every year and you want to give yourself every opportunity. Someone similarly situated as your DS with higher SATs will obviously be in a more favorable position (all other things being "equal").
The English teacher rep may count for a lot in such circumstances.
Your DS might check with his RD on the benefits of retaking.
He has taken an on-line prep class for the SAT. He and his English teacher at Florida Tech seem to get along well and she has already sent her letter in. I am hoping it was a good one. I did email DS and told him to email is RD to see what his thoughts were. I don't want him to not be academically qualified due to a score that is obviously a misrepresentation of his academic ability since his college classes are going so well.