SAT Scores, should I send these?

K_Delrosario

K_Delrosario

10-Year Member
5-Year Member
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May 21, 2009
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Hello all here is what my score report for my SAT will look like if I send it. Should I send it?

December 2008--->June 2009

Critical reading 590----> 580

Math- 550----> 590


I focused my studies on math the second time around which was why my CR score dropped slightly, but I dont know if I should send these because they arent above 1200. Feedback please on whether I should send this report to USAFA?
 
You need to send all of them. The academy super-scores your SAT/ACT. That means they take the highest from each category and for each test. So the highest in math could be the first test, while the highest for reading could have been the 3rd time testing. But they can't take the highest if they aren't sent in. Then they'll only take the one you send.

No, having said that; I recommend that you study up more and continue to retake the SAT. But I also recommend that you take the ACT. For some people, it's easier, and the academy will also take the best of ACT or SAT. So give your self more chances. I'm not saying that you did bad; I have seen worst. But many of the academy applicant's SAT scores are a bit higher. Best of luck to you.
 
I agree with CC, although they will superscore, you are below the median, which is in the mid 640's for Math. Remember, this is known as the little engineering school in the rockies and you have control over getting better SAT scores. You never want to be below the median, since it will effect your WCS. Re-take the SAT and try the ACT.

They will look at your entire package, which will include your gpa and SAT. The PAR accounts for 60% of your WCS.
 
K DelRosario,

Just so you know, the next time you take and send SAT scores, Collegeboard sends ALL current and previous scores--so, USAFA will see these scores eventually. My point: you don't necessarily have to pay again to send these scores right now. When/if you retake the SAT, they will also be sent.

Note: You can opt to chose the "Choice" scoring and then you can pick and choose which scores are sent. ...just trying to save you a bit of money becuause I know there's an extra charge to send scores after the test is over.

Good Luck! (Also, I agree with the others--retake the SAT and try the ACT) You want to be in the 600's at minimum.
 
Speaking of SAT's... does the Academy look at PSAT scores also? I haven't taken the SAT, but based on my PSAT I should get a 2030. Does being a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist count for anything? (Which I'm not yet, since I'll be a junior this coming year.)
 
They will look at PSAT when making their considerations if you apply to go to Summer Seminar in the summer prior to your senior year. But as for your actual application, no they don't look at the PSAT.
 
SAT Scores

Hello

I also have a question about SAT scores. I just retook the SAT and greatly improved my scores:
Previous - Second Try
Math 610 - 720
Reading 560 - 620
Writing 630 - 640

I know they are greatly improved, because I studied my butt off, but should I take it one more time? Or do you think I should just call it good? Are these scores good enough to at least make me competitive.

Thanks Guys

Brian Andre
2014 Hopeful
 
Your scores look MUCH better and much more competative. While I would say they are 'good enough,' taking it again can't hurt. Also consider taking the ACT since some people do better on it than on the SAT. They will superscore both the ACT and SAT in your file.
 
Agree with Hornet 100%. Definitely great scores. Spend the time and money now on trying the ACT. You might pop a 32-34 composite. Definitely worth a try.
 
Thanks Guys

I have heard that the ACT can be easier for some people. Does the Academy not count one of the sections of the SAT? I have heard that the Mean for 2013 was around 1200, that is definitely not all three sections. How do they get that number? Do you guys mind if I ask what some of your scores are? I know my Math is descent, but what is the average for reading comp. Also, I am home schooled (which some people say can decrease your chances of getting in), does it? Sorry for all the questions, I guess I am just nervous. Just passed my DODMERB though, which makes me feel better.

Brian Andre
2014 Hopeful
 
bsa07eagle said:
I have heard that the ACT can be easier for some people. Does the Academy not count one of the sections of the SAT? I have heard that the Mean for 2013 was around 1200, that is definitely not all three sections. How do they get that number? Do you guys mind if I ask what some of your scores are? I know my Math is descent, but what is the average for reading comp. Also, I am home schooled (which some people say can decrease your chances of getting in), does it? Sorry for all the questions, I guess I am just nervous. Just passed my DODMERB though, which makes me feel better.
Click to expand...

The academy requires, but does not strongly consider the writing section. My class was the first group to take the 2400 SAT and not the 1600 SAT.

I can tell your verbal is not perfect! Descent is going down, decent is being ok. :wink: lol

My SAT was:
740 math
650 verbal
660 writing

I have MANY home-schooled friends at the Academy, doesn't seem to be a negative unless you let it.
 
My son took the ACT for the first time this past April. His composite was a 32 with the following subject scores: English 27, Reading 32, Math 33, and Science 34. (I've always known the kid is going to be an engineer. He reads very well, but English isn't his thing.) ACT indicated his composite is in the 99th percentile so I told him not to take the test again. It's not a matter of money, it's just that I wanted him to be able to relax before school starts back in the Fall, since he'll be taking six AP classes as a Senior. He attended Summer Seminar (Session II) and is spending the rest of the summer in Chicago with his dad. Did I give him the right advice?
 
did he take the SAT?

The scores are great, but I would suggest unless the resume is out the door (filled with a ton of EC's, like Eagle, NHS, class leadership, sports, volunteerism, etc). I would have him re-take it because of the verbal...25 is their bottom and I believe 28 V is the median. They do superscore, thus it is no harm no foul. The ACT/SAT is something you have control on for getting more pts on the WCS (PAR portion) Even getting a 28/29 would give more pts. The boards do not meet until Oct, and unless you have a nom (which most likely would be a presidential), you will not meet the board. You need the nom to meet the board. Can get an LOA without the nom, but not an apptmt.

What candidates need to understand is you should not hand in your file and say that is it. You should constantly strive even further. Keep updating.

I understand the 6 AP's and the thought that this will be his last FREE summer, but until you have the appt keep updating. Many kids do that up until Mar. Each time something is updated it goes back up in front of the board, just the part that was updated goes, not the entire package, however, the score is readjusted.

Also don't hand in that CFA until you can not do any better. There are no mins, but they do have maxes and you want to be near the max, since again this is something you have direct control on. Handing a CFA with 6 pull-ups when the max is 18 will give you less points than the candidate that has 9. Now let's say you are equal on the PAR, recs, and EC's...guess who gets the appt? The kid with 9 pull-ups because they have more CFA pts and that all adds into the WCS, they must ask for another CFA, you can't request it, only those that they feel is competitive will be asked to re-take. The candidate with the most points wins the appt from that slate.

I am not trying to be negative, I just want people to have a reality check and realize that it is not only about the SAT/ACT, there are other factors. 1 pt in the WCS score could be the difference from an appt and I'm sorry letter!
 
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I'll add my own $0.02 here on time. Many people go into senior year, or the second semester (especially if they have an appointment) thinking that they should relax, take it easy while they still can before USAFA. I think this is a very bad plan, and sets many up for failure (as I saw with many of my friends). It was those of us that kept our full AP/IB loads (I had 8 AP courses senior year) and were busy with jobs, applications, etc. that were the most prepared when BCT came. We were still in the habit (even with a brief summer break prior to I-day) of staying busy, managing our time, and getting to work when we needed. I would recommend AGAINST trying to get your son to just take it easy for a year, it could hurt him when the big day comes.
 
Information from the AFA and AOG

Hi all!

A lot of questions popping up about "what's the mean SAT, etc...etc..." so I thought I'd post a copy of the information being put out by both USAFA and the AOG:
***************************************************
The class includes 312 minorities, which make up 23 percent of the class. Overall, the Academy received 9,897 applications for admission into the class, with 1,667 being offered appointments. As of June 24, 1,376 had accepted appointments, including 1,097 men and 279 women. Other credentials of the Class of 2013 include:

* 41 are prior-enlisted members; 31 attended the Academy's Prep School last year

* 15 percent were either high school class presidents or vice-presidents

* 65 percent were in an academic honor society

* 89 percent were athletic letter award winners

* 28 percent were in band or orchestra

* 27 percent were Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts

* 9 percent were Civil Air Patrol

* 13 percent were in Junior ROTC

The high school grade point average of the Class of 2013 is 3.86. College entrance score average for the SAT is 1294. (Math and Verbal only)
***********************************************

Final comment...someone mentioned "taking it easy" during their senior year as they've done great already, things are good, etc...etc..

DO NOT DO IT! We look at that, CLOSELY...

'Nuff Said.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
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