To late for SAT?

HighVoltage

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Dec 21, 2019
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Hi, I'm applying for class of 2026 and I haven't finished my PCQ since I haven't taken the SAT or ACT yet. I registered for the SAT 2 months ago for June, but I still haven't gotten a testing center and they said it isn't guaranteed that I will be able to take the test. What do I do? Is it possible to submit my PCQ in late August? (that's when the next SAT date is) I can't apply for any nominations either since they require an SAT or ACT score. This is really stressing me out any advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
If you have a PSAT, you can submit your PCQ with that and update as soon as you get your SAT/ACT scores. Check to see if you can register for an ACT as well, not just SAT. You have up until December, (correct me if I'm wrong), to submit your PCQ. However, you shouldn't wait until the last minute because you'll need time to get all your application materials together.
 
Hi, I'm applying for class of 2026 and I haven't finished my PCQ since I haven't taken the SAT or ACT yet. I registered for the SAT 2 months ago for June, but I still haven't gotten a testing center and they said it isn't guaranteed that I will be able to take the test. What do I do? Is it possible to submit my PCQ in late August? (that's when the next SAT date is) I can't apply for any nominations either since they require an SAT or ACT score. This is really stressing me out any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Are you in California? My DD is struggling with the same issue. She's had 7 tests cancelled on her. The June 5th test date is still a go for now but they did cancel 92 tests sites in california for that date. Worst case, we'll have to schedule in Nevada and drive over. Is that a possibility for you?
 
This happened to DS last year and it wasn't until October that he could take the ACT! Hang in there and be very vigilant about any test location openings. It became a weekly exercise for us searching any openings. in WA the SAT's were out of the picture and ACT's we barely squeezed that in! Luckily it all worked out but was very nerve wrecking and stressful.
 
I'm in the same boat here. If I am not scheduled a test center I will try taking the ACT, but if that falls through as well I'm sure if I were to enter "0" or "n/a" in the standardized test section they would realize I haven't had the chance to take it. I bet that once you get access to the actual application there will be a chance to upload any new scores you have.
 
I do believe that after you submit the PCQ and get promoted to "Candidate", you only have 4 months to complete the application. You do want to time the PCQ such that you are sure you can complete the testing and get the results within that window.
 
Are you in California? My DD is struggling with the same issue. She's had 7 tests cancelled on her. The June 5th test date is still a go for now but they did cancel 92 tests sites in california for that date. Worst case, we'll have to schedule in Nevada and drive over. Is that a possibility for you?
Yea I am in California I still haven't received any update on my SAT it still says they are still searching for a testing site for me. My friend received a location just now and it is over 4 hours away. I will most likely have to take the one in August since they haven't given me any options yet. Best of luck to your daughter and you!
 
Yea I am in California I still haven't received any update on my SAT it still says they are still searching for a testing site for me. My friend received a location just now and it is over 4 hours away. I will most likely have to take the one in August since they haven't given me any options yet. Best of luck to your daughter and you!
Just had the June 5 test date cancelled! There aren't any to sigh up for yet! I don't understand why California still feels the need to cancel these testing sites when other states don't.
 
Just had the June 5 test date cancelled! There aren't any to sigh up for yet! I don't understand why California still feels the need to cancel these testing sites when other states don't.
Yeah that is strange. We don't even have to wear masks anymore where I am. I think you should keep your head up, look for new test openings, and use the extra time to study a bit more. There will be times in the military where you will be inconvenienced at the last minute by things that are out of your control and will be forced to improvise and adapt. Look at this like a test run!
 
Yeah that is strange. We don't even have to wear masks anymore where I am. I think you should keep your head up, look for new test openings, and use the extra time to study a bit more. There will be times in the military where you will be inconvenienced at the last minute by things that are out of your control and will be forced to improvise and adapt. Look at this like a test run!
I also think it is strange. My ds has been taking 4 tests since Dec with no trouble getting a seat even with some distancing factored in. I went to the grocery store with no mask on yesterday.

However, this is where the nomination system will help. You will be competing with kids in the same boat. Some might be able to travel to Nevada or fly to TX and stay with a relative to test, but I'm guessing not all or even most will be able to do that in some areas. Finances, time, and availability will be an issue. You'll be on an even playing field and from what I've read, SAs are going to figure out a way to compare candidates in these circumstances. I just think it will be important to show that you did everything (reasonably) you could to test. I think some about of driving will be expected. I drove 1-1.5 hours to test when I was in high school because that was the closest offering (rural town to city). That is reasonable. 4 hours or more? Maybe not for some families.

On that note, I really hope your centers open soon. Like others have said, study! You won't have as many chances to improve so make it count.
 
This was just my experience as a USNA applicant last year, but I do remember them taking PSAT scores on the prelim app until SAT/ACT scores were available. They also adopted a "text flexible" policy - i.e. if you had a valid reason for not being able to take a college entrance exam at all (such as the test repeatedly being cancelled) they would examine other aspects of your application instead. (Maybe instead isn't the word to use here, but I'm going off memory right now.)

My MOC also included in her application that if test scores weren't available before the submission deadline, test scores - and only test scores - could be submitted after the deadline.

I know it's a complicated process with lots of steps, but take a deep breath - you've got this! With any luck testing in 2021 will gradually become less of a conundrum. Taking my SAT in 2020 was a bit of a challenge to say the least. ;)
 
I also think it is strange. My ds has been taking 4 tests since Dec with no trouble getting a seat even with some distancing factored in. I went to the grocery store with no mask on yesterday.

However, this is where the nomination system will help. You will be competing with kids in the same boat. Some might be able to travel to Nevada or fly to TX and stay with a relative to test, but I'm guessing not all or even most will be able to do that in some areas. Finances, time, and availability will be an issue. You'll be on an even playing field and from what I've read, SAs are going to figure out a way to compare candidates in these circumstances. I just think it will be important to show that you did everything (reasonably) you could to test. I think some about of driving will be expected. I drove 1-1.5 hours to test when I was in high school because that was the closest offering (rural town to city). That is reasonable. 4 hours or more? Maybe not for some families.

On that note, I really hope your centers open soon. Like others have said, study! You won't have as many chances to improve so make it count.
Yes, my DD has been scheduled to take the test all through the state of California. We were prepared to drive hours and then they were each cancelled. California is still really strict. We tried signing up for Nevada and plan an overnight but they were all full! My biggest worry right now has been the nominations so hopefully everyone in our district is on an equal playing field.
 
This was just my experience as a USNA applicant last year, but I do remember them taking PSAT scores on the prelim app until SAT/ACT scores were available. They also adopted a "text flexible" policy - i.e. if you had a valid reason for not being able to take a college entrance exam at all (such as the test repeatedly being cancelled) they would examine other aspects of your application instead. (Maybe instead isn't the word to use here, but I'm going off memory right now.)

My MOC also included in her application that if test scores weren't available before the submission deadline, test scores - and only test scores - could be submitted after the deadline.

I know it's a complicated process with lots of steps, but take a deep breath - you've got this! With any luck testing in 2021 will gradually become less of a conundrum. Taking my SAT in 2020 was a bit of a challenge to say the least. ;)
I wonder if there is still some flexibility with tests being that the rest of the country is open. Hopefully admissions will take California's continued covid restrictions into consideration.
 
I wonder if there is still some flexibility with tests being that the rest of the country is open. Hopefully admissions will take California's continued covid restrictions into consideration.
Has she been able to contact her ALO? My ds's ALO has been a good source and he also has a meeting with USNA regional admissions coming up. I think it is a really good question to ask. It might also be worth a call/email to the MOC's offices. It does sound like she's (with logistical help from you) is doing all she can.
 
Has she been able to contact her ALO? My ds's ALO has been a good source and he also has a meeting with USNA regional admissions coming up. I think it is a really good question to ask. It might also be worth a call/email to the MOC's offices. It does sound like she's (with logistical help from you) is doing all she can.
Yes, as a matter of fact he just said that Test scores are mandatory no matter what the circumstances but if these tests keep getting cancelled here then I'll have to find out how that situation is handled. She takes a practice test every other weekend in preparation for that one shot deal. Its stressful when you're down to one chance. We'll definitely call the MOC's office to find out what their protocol is.
 
Just had the June 5 test date cancelled! There aren't any to sigh up for yet! I don't understand why California still feels the need to cancel these testing sites when other states don't.
Yea I am in California I still haven't received any update on my SAT it still says they are still searching for a testing site for me. My friend received a location just now and it is over 4 hours away. I will most likely have to take the one in August since they haven't given me any options yet. Best of luck to your daughter and you!
Here in Nevada we get a LOT of Californians who take the SAT and ACT since we still have testing open. Try and look in neighboring states and see if they have sites open... I know here we haven't had any (knock on wood) cancel so far the past few months. But yeah, you'll need to have an SAT/ACT to be considered for an appointment, so I believe it's worth the couple hour drive to get that done. Make sure DS/DD/Self study hard though, I don't think the parent would appreciate driving back and forth several times!
 
The pre-candidate questionnaire is open until 31 Dec. You can get a test through Dec 21 and still apply. Don't stress. Sign up for multiple tests.
 
For those trying for to schedule for SAT in California, you might have better luck with private schools. Be sure to call the school first to make sure the testing center is open. DO NOT trust the info on the College Board website...they do not regularly update cancellations. We had to go through all this mess last year.
 
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