Another Pre-Application Question

I have two questions pertaining to the Pre-Application. First, there is a section called "Remarks or Additional Comments" and one can input up to 2000 characters. Should this space be filled with:

1. Any information that sheds a light on leadership abilities, school activities, etc. that do not necessarily show up from just grades and SAT scores of DS? Would this be a bulleted list of items? Written out in paragraph form?
2. Draft a statement/letter as to why DS feels he would be a good candidate (similar to an essay that would be sent to a MOC)?
3. Combination 1 and 2 above?
4. Other?

Secondly, if his SAT scores are "low", is it best that DS wait until he retakes the test in June (he wont get scores until July) before he submits the pre-app? Or submit it now and risk not be considered a worthy applicant? Will they still send him a candidate number so he can continue on with the process or will they make him wait until a better SAT score is received?

Probably super basic questions, but just want to be sure the process is followed correctly to provide the best opportunity to be considered as a candidate.

Thank you in advance for your information and guidance.

How low is low?

caseman said:

Secondly, if his SAT scores are "low", is it best that DS wait until he retakes the test in June (he wont get scores until July) before he submits the pre-app? Or submit it now and risk not be considered a worthy applicant? Will they still send him a candidate number so he can continue on with the process or will they make him wait until a better SAT score is received?

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If SAT's are too low (and I don't think anyone really knows what the exact threshold is), an applicant will not be designated as an "Official Candidate" , will not receive a Candidate Number, and are identified to BGO's as "Contact and Counsel". If not designated an Official Candidate due to ACT/SAT's, the candidate can submit scores and become an Official Candidate. I don't know if there is any stigma or other adverse effect if you start out as Contact and Counsel and get qualified ...but why risk it ? I would wait until July to submit the preliminary application.

I am wondering how low you're talking about, as well.
The class portrait last year (class of 2021) had a range from 610-740 for Verbal and 620-730 for Math (SAT composite score of 1230 to 1470)
The average USNA applicant therefore has a SAT Math score of 675 with a SAT Verbal score of 675. (SAT composite score of 1350).

THParent said:

I am wondering how low you're talking about, as well.
The class portrait last year (class of 2021) had a range from 610-740 for Verbal and 620-730 for Math (SAT composite score of 1230 to 1470)
The average USNA applicant therefore has a SAT Math score of 675 with a SAT Verbal score of 675. (SAT composite score of 1350).

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I believe that the 610-740 and 620-730 are the 25th thru 75th percentile numbers. I definitely know of one new plebe with both math and verbal that exceed those ranges. I've never seen USNA publish the actual min and max scores of the accepted class but you can count on the fact that there are a few 800's in there. Now the average score is not necessarily the midpoint (in scores) between the 25th and 75th percentile. They very well could have a huge cluster just below the 75th percentile and then very few down near the 25th.

THParent said:

I am wondering how low you're talking about, as well.
The class portrait last year (class of 2021) had a range from 610-740 for Verbal and 620-730 for Math (SAT composite score of 1230 to 1470)
The average USNA applicant therefore has a SAT Math score of 675 with a SAT Verbal score of 675. (SAT composite score of 1350).

Click to expand...

My son scored an 1100 (550 Match, 550 Reading). He scored around 1230 on the PSAT, so I know he can get much better than 1100. He is also working with a tutor 2-3 days per week up to the June 2 SAT and June 9 ACT test dates.

As an aside, he is being recruited by one of the athletic teams. We are contacting the coach to get his opinion as well.

What do you guys think needs to go in the "remarks or additional comments" box? Just list leadership activities, etc? Or type out a letter of sorts as to why the USNA is the choice for you? (similar to what one would draft to a MOC)