Summer program PSAT

JFM2016

5-Year Member
Joined
Dec 8, 2010
Messages
58
Ok, I didn't know about SLS until recently so I didn't prepare for the PSAT. I just got it back today and i got a 166. 53 in CR, 61 in Math, and 52 in writing. I know these scores are terrible. My question is if I should wait until January and do the SAT, then apply with those scores which should be higher because i would prepare.

But i know that applying early is better. (I planned on applying the day it comes out). So should I wait, or apply ASAP.

I'm on Honor role at a private school with tough courses and I do a ton of good leadership positions and other extracurricular activities/community service. So the rest of my application should be good IMO.

Any ideas?

Also, when I do apply do they want my GPA for all 2.5 years? Or can i just give them my GPA for my first semester Junior year, cause they're better.
 
I attend SLS last year and was in the same situation as you. My PSAT scores were terrible and I did not feel comfortable sending them, so I decided to wait, take the ACT and then submit those better scores.

While it is a good idea to apply ASAP, you obviously still have a good chance to attend if you are a solid candidate.

Remember that West Point will continue to carry your PSAT scores throughout your entire file, and that is why I did not submit them.

Bottom line, if you want West Point to see those scores and you feel comfortable with them, then go ahead a send your PSAT. If not, I would take the ACT ASAP and wait to apply.

About your second question, you can only calculate your 2.5 years into your GPA if the semester is over and your grades are finalized and official.

Hope this helps...
 
I don't know where you live, which will play a big role in what scores are considered acceptable, but in general we are told that they're looking for lower to mid 60's overall for PSAT's (so in each category - most importantly math and then CR). Sending those scores won't hurt you (as far as them being in your file in the long run); however, WP definitely uses a rolling admissions for SLS. Which means you really can't update your scores - once you submit your application, shortly afterwards you will get accepted or rejected and you can't really appeal. In certain cases, you could contact your MALO or RC directly and ask if it was possible; however, we tried as MALO's for a strong candidate last year (who actually then got his ACT scores up to around 32) and even though we brought it to the RC personally, still couldn't get him accepted when he got the scores in February. In the past two years I haven't seen the program fill before February, although of course you take that chance. More likely you might just have a harder time getting the session you wanted, not having the entire program be full.

Obviously I would recommend you don't submit these scores because unless you're from a strongly targeted geographic area or have incredible credentials or are an underrepresented minority, I would think they wouldn't be good enough to get you into SLS. I would also recommend as someone else did though taking the ACT as well as the SAT if you can between now and then. Granted we're in an area that uses the ACT more, but nearly every candidate I view with both SAT and ACT scores has had their ACT scores used as the basis for comparison (since they're comparably higher in WP's opinion).

As far as the GPA, just answer the questions asked. I can't remember from last year, but I believe they wanted a cumulative GPA. In any case, if they ask for a cumulative one, submit that since at some point if you plan to apply for WP, you will be submitting official transcripts and you'd really like them to match up with what you told them! :wink:

Good luck - sounds like you'll be busy studying over Christmas break!! :thumb:
 
I was in a similar situation as decided to wait at take the ACT. I did fairly well on it. My scores were not sent it until late Jan (if I recall correctly), and I still got in. Test scores are important, but overall leadership is important as well. Either way, the choice is yours.
 
The next date i can take the SAT will be January 22 i believe. You think that's too late? Or just cutting it really close
 
In my experience, I usually got my ACT/SAT within 2 weeks or so. With that said, that puts the results out in early February. You will have to refer the "is that too late" question to someone with a little more knowledge of the SLS admissions process.

In MY personal opinion, I would wait and submit the new SAT scores, making sure that I studied up for the SAT. Please take this with a grain of salt. I am just one person, and I do make mistakes.

I think it was mentioned earlier, but I would recommend that you take the ACT and the SAT if possible sometime in the future. You will do better on one as opposed to the other, and taking both ensures that you highest and best scores are submitted (that's what I did).
 
quick question, but does anyone know, if you took the PSAT twice, do they superscore your scores? And do you just type them and your class rank into the application, or do you have to send them officially?

And also, do applications open midnight december 12th, or later in the day?
 
SLS info is self reported. But don't take that for granted. Be honest or it will come back to get you.
 
So how many of you think i should wait? I might apply to the USNA summer one just for the heck of it with my PSAT.
 
USNA one doesn't open until Feb 1 and hopefully you could have scores by then. You could try USAFA's which is already open. If I haven't mentioned, I strongly recommend you wait!
 
oh sorry, i meant 15th haha. And i don't plan on lying about my scores, i was only wondering whether or not I needed to ask my guidance counselor for an official transcript.

And as for applying now or waiting, I think I'd wait, just to be on the safe side.

I'd study a lot for it, though, to make up for applying later.

And maybe you could talk to your MALO about explaining your late application date to the admissions people. I'm not sure if it would work, but its worth a try.
 
PSAT and SLS

I nailed the verbal with 73 but ran out of time on the math and got a 52. I'll be more prepared for the SAT. Will the 98%ile help boost the bad math? Overall I'm in the 91%ile. I got the same thing on the ACT Plan

Also, I had a really tough 9th grade. Docs thought I had Marfan (tall, mild scoliosis, etc) and I fell apart. Genetic testing now says no and I'm back on track with current GPA in the 3.7-3.8 range.

Physically I'm doing great. I run every day and train with someone at the Y. I'm running a 6'30'" mile and hope to do track in the spring, even if it's JV. This scoliosis and potential diagnosis owned me for two years, now I own it.

I have learned how to overcome obstacles and am tougher for it.

Will the SLS application give me an opportunity to discuss my past and goals for the future? Or is it a simple screening tool?
 
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