2nd SAT scores went down by 80 points- Does this hurt the application?

T

TexasSailMom

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Holy cow! DS took the SAT again in early October. Today's results were a shock- the second set of scores went down (by 80 total points). He was exhausted when he took the test, but the scores are the scores. The updated scores are being sent to USNA, plus his MOCs and the "Plan B" schools. Does a set of lower scores hurt his chances??? Original SAT scores: 740 verbal, 630 Math, 560 Writing for a 1930 composite. Just sick about this......
 
I understand the super-scoring process. He's is worried now that he should have never taken the test a second time.
 
From what I know they only look at the top scores. Shouldn't be a big issue.
 
They will take the highest scores - the only 1 I think that doesn't is Marine Corps ROTC. I wouldn't bet the farm on it since my son is waiting for NROTC and USNA right now. Those scores are really good!
 
Thank you JaxNavymom. In September, his BGO recommended trying for a higher math score... plus he was already registered for the Oct 3 exam. The day before the test, it didn't help that he had a full school day, swim meet, and then worked until midnight- he insisted (did not want to let anyone down) so this might be a painful "live and learn" lesson (I hope) for him.
 
USNA and all colleges know that there's going to be variation in an individual's standardized test scores. I'm on the admissions committee of the small lib-arts college where I teach, and in frequent touch with my colleagues at other SLACs and a couple of state land-grant unis. I know of no college that penalizes students for a "low" score when they've submitted higher scores - even if the college superscores like the service academies do. It's okay - really. I know the application process can be excruciating sometimes, but this is on the long list of things not to worry about.

That said, if DS's BGO suggested he try for a higher math score, and he/you can afford it, he might try taking it again if the test date occurs before Jan 31, USNA's application deadline.
 
Most every kids that tests is tired between school, sports and jobs. If he retakes you can hold off having the scores sent until you get a chance to see them first. You will have to pay to send them at that point but it might be worth the piece of mind.
 
Remember that SAT/ACT tests are measures of performance on ONE particular day. That is one of the reasons why USNA evaluates candidates on the "whole person" assessment....they use other performance metrics in combination with SAT/ACT scores, such as transcript and course "toughness," teacher and counselor evaluations, etc. to help them see the bigger picture.

Furthermore, there are still SAT/ACTs to be taken (albeit, might not help for nominations). As dcmom3 points out, that is an option...you just need to be aware of whether your school includes them on transcripts (some do and some don't) -- if they do and it is sent to USNA, then they will have the lower scores.
 
Thank you LongAgoPlebe, dcmom3 and usnabgo08: I appreciate your insights a lot :):) - your comments had a calming
influence! My DS never considered holding his scores until after he saw them (that's a great tip- and would be the way to go next time.)
His first set of SAT scores (solid) should be his focus, not the ones from this week.
And per LongAgoPlebe's comments - he can take the test again if he decides to. We can afford 1 more time.
Just checked, and the high school transcript does not show SAT scores, etc.
As for "application process can be excruciating sometimes", I agree 1000% and thank you for acknowledging that.
Over the last 24 months, I've come to believe that even if a SA applicant (and family) is well prepared, patient, diligent, strategic and
has researched lots of details, the SA process is a still an ordeal.
It has many moving parts and it's lengthy. The standards are very, very high. Each new phase may lead to a disqualification of the applicant.
Thankfully, we have dear friends and family members who are truly interested in and supportive of my son.
That said, I know they don't fully understand what my son is going thru emotionally, or even the shear amount of hard work entailed.
How can they? Only those who have "been there/done that" understand and relate to the grind.
Thank God for the generosity of those who post on SAF. I've learned an amazing amount of useful data on this forum.
Sometimes I joke that my family has become provisional members of a tiny exclusive club made up of SA hopefuls and appointees.
Those that have advised "the process will weed out the pretenders" is right...It's true- if the candidate is not committed to the end
goal (US military service via the SA pathway) then they probably won't make it through the SA application and MOC nomination processes.
For us, the process tests that commitment at times, but we are staying strong. Thanks again and have a good weekend everyone!
 
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