Thank you so muchDS took ACT several times. USNA super scores across multiple dates for SAT/ACT (see link below) and previously used English and Math, and ACT scores were converted to SAT. I believe USAFA looked at all ACT scores for DS. Not sure about USMA. My two cents is take the June ACT and prep a bit in advance. Good luck.
http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Steps-for-Admission/index.php
Will do, thank you for the advice!Unless you have a perfect score, take both the SAT and ACT as many times as you can between now and graduation. You don't want your standardized test scores to be the deal breaker. A couple extra pull ups on the CFA, a few points on the ACT/SAT, a couple tenths of a point in GPA, they all add up to enhance your chances of getting into a SA. You don't want to leave any points on the table in any area.
I've been told by numerous counselors that "normal" schools will take your highest score if you take the SAT 3 or less times. Once you take it more than 3 times, they start averaging your scores which is why I didn't want to take the SAT anymore. I'm not sure if this applies with the ACT though! Hope this helps!Interesting. However, if your scores are trending up, I'm not sure how the number of times you take the test would count against you for plan B schools. Having said that, and admittedly having ZERO experience with the admissions process outside of my DS, I would love to hear opinions. My DS only reported his highest ACT scores to his plan B schools, none of them ever asked for additional scores. I believe he took the ACT six times throughout high school. Does anyone have experience with plan B schools being concerned with the number of times you take the ACT/SAT? Strictly for my edification, I have another kid going through the college admissions process in a few years.
I just don't want to take the SAT again
This is amazing advice, thank you for the encouragement! I said that I didn't want to take the SAT again because I already took it 3 times and it's been a while since my last one. I admit, I'm a little hesitant about getting back in the game, I am going to be taking these standardized tests many more times after receiving the wonderful advice I've gotten on this forum!Cali,
The frame of mind represented by your statement above alone probably costs you 100 SAT points. You have received good advice about the strategies and tactics of deploying your test scores among the various admissions departments. More important is raising your scores you deploy.
Both my sons smoked the Math SAT, but had problems with Verbal. We used a private tutor for each, spending about $30-40/hour for 6-8 hours. BTW, we didn't pay the tutor to watch them take the tests. He taught them the techniques which they employed while taking the tests at home. He then analyzed the results with them looking for consistent weaknesses, most of which were correctable.
In both sons' cases, it was intimidation by and dislike of the Verbal section feeding off of each other. Once they learned the "tricks", it became more of a game. There are general strategies for test taking, but also tactics for standardized tests. The SAT and ACT even have their own individual peculiarities. There is a specific way to read each question. There are tricks and tactics which allow you to eliminate answers almost without reading the question. The tactics are few and they are simple. Learn the skills and then employ them with practice tests. After doing that, you will walk into the test looser and with greater confidence.
Whatever you do, don't simply grind through endless practice tests. You'll only frustrate yourself. I'm sure you've heard of "practice with a purpose." The best athletes arrive at the game with a few butterflies, but also with confidence based on an attention to detail and technique during practices which he/she made meaningful. Make sure you walk in with that same mindset.