Taking the ACT and SAT?

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Apr 8, 2018
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A quick search didn’t find much, so here I am. I recently received my scores for my ACT after taking it the second time, and am very happy with my results. Heading on the SAT, how much does usafa view that as a requirement (taking both standardized tests)?

In summary, how important is it to take the SAT if my ACT scores turned out well?
 
A quick search didn’t find much, so here I am. I recently received my scores for my ACT after taking it the second time, and am very happy with my results. Heading on the SAT, how much does usafa view that as a requirement (taking both standardized tests)?

In summary, how important is it to take the SAT if my ACT scores turned out well?
I have asked myself the same question @usafahopeful2024, as I am in a similar situation. I would love to know the answer if anyone can provide it.
 
You can send one test if you are happy with your scores. It holds no bearing on your competitiveness if you take both tests or one. Make sure to keep retaking to get in the 30s in all sections, and remember the SA's superscore the Math and the English sections. Good luck!
 
My son did ok on ACT ... but his SAT was excellent so he didn’t bother retaking ACT or SAT.
 
Our Field Rep from USMA told our son to take both the SAT and the ACT. In his words, the SAT was viewed to be a bit "harder" than the ACT and that scoring well on both would/could increase his chances of being admitted. So, unless you had a perfect score, any improvement could "tip the scale" in your favor. This was additionally stressed to my son as his HS does not class rank.

Keep in mind that you might be happy with your results, but you are competing against others in your congressional district as well as others in the country for admission.
 
Our Field Rep from USMA told our son to take both the SAT and the ACT. In his words, the SAT was viewed to be a bit "harder" than the ACT and that scoring well on both would/could increase his chances of being admitted. So, unless you had a perfect score, any improvement could "tip the scale" in your favor. This was additionally stressed to my son as his HS does not class rank.

Keep in mind that you might be happy with your results, but you are competing against others in your congressional district as well as others in the country for admission.

For reference, the ACT composite ended up as a 35, would doing the SAT help much more at that point?
 
@TexasAggie204 my HS also does not class rank, however my ACT is a 35. So same question, would you think taking the SAT would help in my case? Obviously it cannot hurt taking it unless I do poorly on it and have to send my SAT scores to USAFA, but I don't think I would have to do that. Also, my PSAT scores are very strong. Does that have bearing or would that take the place of taking the SAT?
 
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In summary, how important is it to take the SAT if my ACT scores turned out well?

SAs are indifferent as to which test you take, when you take it, how often you take it, etc. They only care that you submit a score and that it’s a good one. No, make that a great one.
 
I only took the ACT and I don’t think USNA or USAFA cared that I didn’t take the SAT. I know USNA just converts ACT scores into the SAT equivalent, but I’m not sure if USAFA does that. Either way, a 35 is a great score, so I don’t think you need to take the SAT. I got a 34 on the ACT and received an appointment to both USNA and USAFA, and my school also does not rank.

Just my advice, it’s probably better to focus on other things like the CFA and extracurriculars and grades, because at this point they know that you can score well on a standardized test, but the application is about the whole person and everything that you do.
 
A composite of 35 is great, add a 1400 on the SAT and it shows a level of commitment that only a few match. Strive to be the best in everything you do.
 
An ACT of 35 coupled with a 1400+ SAT is more common than you may think, at this level.
 
An ACT of 35 coupled with a 1400+ SAT is more common than you may think, at this level.

I might go even further and say 36 math and 1550 is not that unusual- AND candidates with these numbers, varsity athletes, Eagle Scout, 4.0 unweighted GPA etc. do not get appointments. Not to say you shouldn’t strive for such attributes but there are other elements to the puzzle piece and your competitors in your district are a factor you cannot control. There is an element of “crap shoot” and those who are lucky enough to receive an offer of appointment should be grateful and humble because luck and timing come into play.
 
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