Why are SAT/ACT scores so important?

[HiMyNameisNick]

I got 77th percentile for PSAT
then an 1180 on the SAT EDIT: (600 CR, 580 Math)

I just took the ACT today and have signed up for SAT again

which is pretty bad for applying to the SA's

but my question is WHY?

Based on my scores from these test I can tell I am not a very 'naturally' intelligent person. But all of my teachers agree I am one of the hardest workers theyve ever seen and my grades reflect that. I had a 94 average unweighted.

so im a VERY hard worker and I do 3 varsity sports, ill be an Eagle Scout, I am a Boys state representative, next year ill be the director of community service for our interact club

So if Im so dedicated and hard working then why does my SAT math score count for 31% of my admissions ( another member from this forum stated this statistic). I understand it is an engineering school so obviously you need to be good at math, and I am in Pre-calc this year with a 98 average.

 

[Roman]

The ACT and SAT do not measure intelligence; their intent is to measure how prepared you are for college. The academies would rather see that you had superb grades in the hardest classes at your school and had low scores instead of high scores and low grades (they still have minimum scores, however). Also, determination, persistance, hardwork, etc. are all highly valued by the academies. If your scores are really low and you have high grades, that would be a good indication that your school is easy and you are not actually prepared for college.

It took me four tries to get all my ACT scores above the average for USAFA. If you truly are a hard worker and want to go to an academy, you will take the tests as many times as you can afford to.

 

[HiMyNameisNick]

The ACT and SAT do not measure intelligence; their intent is to measure how prepared you are for college. The academies would rather see that you had superb grades in the hardest classes at your school and had low scores instead of high scores and low grades (they still have minimum scores, however). Also, determination, persistance, hardwork, etc. are all highly valued by the academies. If your scores are really low and you have high grades, that would be a good indication that your school is easy and you are not actually prepared for college.

It took me four tries to get all my ACT scores above the average for USAFA.

we are in the top 2% of schools in America..... we are known around our area for being a good school.

 

[1964BGO]

As stated earlier, one of the rationales for colleges using the SAT/ACT scores is because they are predictors of college performance. Another reason is because they are standardized exams that have proven to be reliable. Thousands of high schools across the US means there are at least that many grading systems with variations (teacher factor in grading). The SAT/ACT scores cut through that fog and simplify the initial screening process for the colleges/universities. Once they past that milestone they will focus on your personal transcript and other accomplishments. Why the high score emphasis? Which would catch your eye first: a 750 in math or a 600? You have to position yourself to stand out among thousands of applicants. Trust me, it's worth the effort!