"Send" ACT and SAT scores

[New@This]

DS has taken the ACT once and filled out the information to have his scores sent to the USMA, USNA and USAFA. He just registered for ACT again in December and will send his scores to those schools. Is there an option to wait and see how he did before he chooses to release his scores to the SA?

 

[ktnatalk]

Yes. You could wait to see the results before deciding to send them or not, though it will cost you to send them later versus "free" when entering the school codes on the test.

 

[mmb5]

USNA and USMA super score, so he can only improve his application; might as well order them with registering, save the $12, and get them there faster. Others can chime in on USAFA and USCGA.

 

[ktnatalk]

Agree with SAs superscore, but I don't know how admissions at SAs or other civilian colleges may interpret them if, say, there are four/five sets of scores and they go up and down and up and down, versus a steady upward trend. That is why I personally think that extra $12 might worth it.

 

[Fuss]

Same goes for USAFA, they will super score. It would probably be easier to just use the free reports.

 

[AFBrat21]

USAFA also super scores. I don't believe there's an ACT in January, so this will probably be his best opportunity. I'd do the free report rather than wait.

 

[Mere2033]

My DD sends her scores every time there's a higher score even if its just a little so I hold out to make sure there is an improvement.
On that note, my DD's scores started out super lower and has steadily increase 200 points over time. Even though her scores are still on the lower end of average, will it look favorably that she has had a dramatic improvement over time?

 

[ktnatalk]

Can't really speak for admissions, but "dramatic improvement" to me means the applicant has work hard to get better and it should be a plus. While standard test scores are important, they are only one of many factors that admissions consider.

If you haven't yet, check out the recent posts (within this year) by Just Dad, Cerberi and many others on how to improve on SAT and ACT.

For HS Juniors and younger students, I recommend prepare to start taking your SAT/ACT during fall/winter of your Junior Year. You are likely either a) have time on your side to improve, or b) do well enough early and check it off your To Do list BEFORE your Senior Year. Don't forget to account for the unexpected (e.g. test postponed due to winter weather) and how that may affect your plans.

Agree with others that it is "easier" to request the results to be sent for free during the test, but I do not believe it is necessarily the "better" option for reasons I stated above.

 

[New@This]

Thanks everybody