Summer Seminar/PSAT

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jebdad

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DD has not taken ACT yet. She is signed up for Feb exam. Currently taking a prep class. She is anxiously awaiting the opening of the application for NASS but came home upset today as PSAT results were returned. Her 160 was not what she was hoping for. How much does PSAT weigh on acceptance to NASS?
 
NASS is a recruiting tool for prospective candidates. Being female, she may have a slight advantage in getting accepted. She should still apply with her current scores, or she can wait to use her Feb ACT scores (I don't remember what the deadline is). The NASS application will serve as her preliminary application to USNA, and she can always submit future ACT/SAT scores to update her file.
 
How are her grades/class rank? Does she take AP science/Math? If she has good grades I wouldn't worry about PSAT too much. DS was worried about his PSAT (180) this year. We spoke to Master Sergeant from admissions prior to submitting NASS application in mid-Feb and were told that they are looking for 'potentially competitive candidates' for NASS. Since there are 2,550 NASS attendees, there seems to be a fairly wide latitude for selection.
 
What state do you live in? Remember, the NASS is a way for the USNA to recruit possible candidates for the following year. If you live in a nearby state, there is a likelihood that you have been to the academy if your DS or DD is interested. If you live further away (midwest or west coast), it is not just a "let's run by and check it out" opportunity.
 
If she has high grades and take rigorous classes, I wouldn't imagine it would weigh too much into the decision, seeing as that some applicants to the summer seminar don't have any test scores (PSAT or other.)
 
jebdad said:
DD has not taken ACT yet. She is signed up for Feb exam. Currently taking a prep class. She is anxiously awaiting the opening of the application for NASS but came home upset today as PSAT results were returned. Her 160 was not what she was hoping for. How much does PSAT weigh on acceptance to NASS?
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Last year for NASS I personally knew a person from Nevada who got accepted with a 155 PSAT get accepted while a person from Connecticut with a 180 PSAT get denied. Geographical residence plays a good role in selection.
 
Aside from the PSAT score, she is a solid candidate on all fronts. High GPA, varsity athlete since freshman year, captain as a junior, ECs, community service, etc. She is your typical "grinder." Works extremely hard, gets good grades through hard work- just not a great standardized test taker. We are from a rural area in North/central Illinois. An area that does not have a great deal of Academy applicants.
 
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