Super score clarification

D

ders_dad

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I thought we had this figured out but in a search of the forums I am not so sure. Does USNA super score using both SAT and ACT. More specifically, would USNA create a super score using highest Math ACT and highest English SAT? If they do, do they convert everything to SAT or ACT equivalents?

Also, does USAFA use the same approach? In one thread from the USAFA forum I got the impression they don’t mix SAT and ACT scores.

Thanks (and pardon if this has been rehashed in previous threads)
 
ders_dad said:
I thought we had this figured out but in a search of the forums I am not so sure. Does USNA super score using both SAT and ACT. More specifically, would USNA create a super score using highest Math ACT and highest English SAT? If they do, do they convert everything to SAT or ACT equivalents?

Also, does USAFA use the same approach? In one thread from the USAFA forum I got the impression they don’t mix SAT and ACT scores.

Thanks (and pardon if this has been rehashed in previous threads)
Click to expand...
Yes. USNA superscores English and Math from either SAT or ACT. They convert ACT scores to SAT equivalents.

I have no knowledge of how AFA does things.
 
These tests measure different things so you really can't mix and match scores into a 'blended' composite.

Having said that a better SAT math score would likely help offset a lower ACT score etc.

This is the beauty of superscoring - they are just looking for candidates who have demonstrated levels of performance and persistence.

Never heard anyone say there is any downside to sending in all available test scores - not true at other colleges with selective admissions where any sign of weakness is held against you.
 
I’m going to quote a couple of respected, prominent, longtime posters on this forum: Look at every link, tab and pull-down on the USNA website before going to this forum.

Something as straightforward as this question can be answered by exploring the USNA website. That website — and those for the other academies — makes this basic information pretty easy to find. And if you’re a parent (which your name implies), make sure it’s DD/DS who’s doing most of the website exploration. It’s an important step in “owning the process.”
 
If my response above sounds harsh, that’s not the intent. Just know that the academy websites are the authoritative (read: accurate and up to date) source on things such as this. This forum is fabulous, but mainly for things involving opinion, second opinion, and first-hand experiences that led to an opinion.
 
Thank you Zeus.

MidCakePa...

I think my confusion is warranted, based on the following from the USNA admissions website "The Naval Academy requires candidates to take the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT) prior to admission. We evaluate candidates based on the highest score in each individual category if you elect to take these tests multiple times."

Nowhere does it say on the website that they mix and match SAT/ACT. Hence my question. DS is awaiting clarification from his admissions adviser, which hopefully is definitive. I apologize for taking your time.
 
ders_dad,

There was a post someone made a few months ago. I couldn’t remember the poster’s name, but he reported he is in admissions business in a civilian college and he was surprised to read USNA superscores with mix and match parts of different tests. He called USNA admissions and shared the confirmation.
 
I can also confirm the super-duper scoring policy. I was onsite and spoke first hand with an O-3 in admissions and they made if very clear.
Best Math score = best score on either SAT or ACT
Best English score = best score on either SAT or ACT
One can be from ACT and one can be from SAT.

It is definitely not a typical way of doing it, and I'm not aware of any other colleges doing it this way, but this is what USNA does.

This question comes up from time to time, and this is one case where the info on USNA.edu is not clear.
 
How much does the writing (essay)score factor into any of this? My DS has much stronger SAT scores for Math and Reading than ACT, but his ACT writing is very high compared to the SAT writing score. Should we submit both? All of his scores show on his school transcript, but I’m thinking that doesn’t count as official.

He is taking the SAT one more time, so maybe the writing will be better on that one.

He is applying to USNA, USMA, and USAFA.

Thank you!
 
Thanks to all! DS just spoke with his Admissions Counselor and confirmed that SAT and ACT are mix and match. FWIW, it took a few minutes to clarify that ACT math is converted to SAT and used with SAT english (if both are the highest)
 
The super scoring question comes up repetitively on this Forum. NO ONE really knows the specifics of how USNA's Whole Person algorithm works (and my understanding is that West Points' was published years ago, and people are still referring to it like the gospel). We do know a couple things for sure : 1) USNA super duper scores (See A6E's comment above), and 2) USNA weighs math heavier than english. Beyond that, there is a lot of speculation, but DOES IT REALLY MATTER ? You take the ACT's and SAT's, and do the best you can every time you take them. At some point there is a point of limited return on your efforts (just like the CFA) -- nobody can tell you when its good enough.
 
ders_dad said:
I thought we had this figured out but in a search of the forums I am not so sure. Does USNA super score using both SAT and ACT. More specifically, would USNA create a super score using highest Math ACT and highest English SAT? If they do, do they convert everything to SAT or ACT equivalents?

Also, does USAFA use the same approach? In one thread from the USAFA forum I got the impression they don’t mix SAT and ACT scores.

Thanks (and pardon if this has been rehashed in previous threads)
Click to expand...
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Think of it this way:

a 720 SAT math is 96th percentile [I'm making that % up - just play along]
a 33 ACT math is also 96th percentile [again made up %]

So when comparing CANDIDATES one with a 720 math is in the same percentile as one with 33 ACT. There is no way to 'convert' the scores for composite purposes since they are different tests measuring different things. Just one way to normalize the scoring scales to allow comparison between candidates who take different tests. I am sure there are other ways but this illustrates the point I think.

Superscoring is debatable among admissions professionals [along with reliance on standardized tests in general] but most folks would agree that some measuring stick between tests is a reasonable way to index or normalize the results. This is really all the SAs are doing - there is almost certainly no 'magic secret academy algorithm' for converting the test scores.

My perspective anyway.
 
Heck, you can find charts online to convert the ACT scores to SAT scores. Google is your friend.
 
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