Standardized Tests

Army21

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Jan 28, 2016
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Are candidates expected to take both the SAT and ACT or is just one acceptable? For example, I've already taken the SAT and scored decently and I'm wondering whether I need to take the ACT or not. Thanks for your time.
 
No; one is sufficient...but be sure "decently" is above the posted average.
 
Also in my case, my school doesn't rank. I believe they will base my academic qualification mostly on my test scores correct?
 
My Cadet only submitted SAT scores. I guess they were fine since he is now a Cadet but remember WP does look at the total application package. A high score is important you are much more than just a number to WP.
 
My Cadet only submitted SAT scores. I guess they were fine since he is now a Cadet but remember WP does look at the total application package. A high score is important you are much more than just a number to WP.
Thanks for answering! May I ask what his scores were just as an unofficial comparison? Any input on stats from someone who has been through the admissions process is much appreciated. Thanks!
 
To be honest, I don't remember but they were not crazy high. Frankly, I wasn't sure if they were high enough and I thought he should have taken the ACT, but there simply want time to fit it in in light of everything else he was doing. And that is why I emphasized that WP does look at the whole application. My son exceeded the requirements in other areas.
 
The ACT/SAT is the probably easiest way to increase your WCS. It is 30% of your WCS and it's not extremely difficult to increase your score by a couple points. Even if you have a good ACT/SAT score(ie 31 or 2100) I'd still retake it because USMA superscores. I took the ACT 5 times and ended up having a much better superscored score than I did on any individual attempt.

Also, it's not a good idea to think that since you have the average WP ACT/SAT or a point or 2 above the average WP ACT/SAT score that you're set. That average includes recruited athletes who probably don't have to do as well academically to gain admission as non recruited athletes. It also includes URMs and females who benefit from affirmative action. If you are not a recruited athlete, not an URM and not a female, average might not cut it.
 
The ACT/SAT is the probably easiest way to increase your WCS. It is 30% of your WCS and it's not extremely difficult to increase your score by a couple points. Even if you have a good ACT/SAT score(ie 31 or 2100) I'd still retake it because USMA superscores. I took the ACT 5 times and ended up having a much better superscored score than I did on any individual attempt.

Also, it's not a good idea to think that since you have the average WP ACT/SAT or a point or 2 above the average WP ACT/SAT score that you're set. That average includes recruited athletes who probably don't have to do as well academically to gain admission as non recruited athletes. It also includes URMs and females who benefit from affirmative action. If you are not a recruited athlete, not an URM and not a female, average might not cut it.
Thanks for your input. I have a 2260 SAT Score (770M 740CR 750W). I'm not sure if I qualify as a URM as I am Asian.
 
Thanks for your input. I have a 2260 SAT Score (770M 740CR 750W). I'm not sure if I qualify as a URM as I am Asian.
Unfortunately for you, Asians are not considered an URM by USMA, or by any college that I know of. Actually some colleges take points away from Asians and make it harder for them to get in than even the racial majority(Caucasians).
 
Your scores are impressive, congrats. I'm sure in your research you've seen that WP puts together a profile score called the Whole Candidate Score. You get points for all the things you do--i.e: Boys State, Eagle Scout, SGA, Sports, lettering, etc... Be sure you are putting together "the whole package," and maybe it will all work out for next year.
 
Are candidates expected to take both the SAT and ACT or is just one acceptable? For example, I've already taken the SAT and scored decently and I'm wondering whether I need to take the ACT or not. Thanks for your time.
You only have to take one. If you submit both they will use the higher score so it can't hurt to give the ACT a shot.
 
I would only say, take nothing for granted. After watching my son go through this process for three academies, USMA, USAFA, and USNA, and having talked to admissions officials at each Academy several times, I will say that the test scores are perhaps the most important of all the individual scoring criteria, but everything matters, and so much depends on the competition within any applicant pool you are in.

My son took the ACT, and ended with decent scores due to the superscore; m34, e31, s34, and r30, but his composite was never more than 31 on any single ACT exam. He took the ACT four times and improved his superscore each time. I would keep taking the test if you can. Every point matters.

Class, standing and CFA matter too, along with leadership and everything else. Put together the best well rounded application you can. As good as you can get, there may be someone better.

My son was admitted to USMA in January, and then to USAFA, and was placed on wait list for USNA. No harm though, as WP was his first choice, but we were still puzzled he hasn't been offered appointment to USNA. We kind of took for granted he would be, and we were wrong. Some factor, or factors, led to him not being considered to top candidate in the pools he was competing in for USNA. All you can do though is be sure you have done everything within your control to win a spot. Never assume you have got it made, based on what you have as compared to what others who have been admitted have.
 
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