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Cadet35

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Jul 11, 2019
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Is there any chance of appointment with a 1120/24 on the SAT/ACT? I am retaking just once more. I have a phenomenal application, just my only negative portion are my scores right now. I know USAFA most likely predicated these tests as a admission decision maker the most out of other SA’s, so I thought I would ask.
 
Is there any chance of appointment with a 1120/24 on the SAT/ACT? I am retaking just once more. I have a phenomenal application, just my only negative portion are my scores right now. I know USAFA most likely predicated these tests as a admission decision maker the most out of other SA’s, so I thought I would ask.
Yes, you have a chance! Your appointment is based on a Whole Candidate Score and not just standardized tests. Just try your best on the upcoming SAT.
 
Is there any chance of appointment with a 1120/24 on the SAT/ACT? I am retaking just once more. I have a phenomenal application, just my only negative portion are my scores right now. I know USAFA most likely predicated these tests as a admission decision maker the most out of other SA’s, so I thought I would ask.
You might be more exceptional than me, but last year I had a 22 act and 1110 sat with top 10% class ranking and decent extracurriculars. I ended up not getting one, but your extracurriculars might stand out more than mine. Good luck!
 
I will be the bad guy here.

IMHO, as an ALO of 25 years, the answer is no.

I don't know all your ACT scores but to have a 24 composite, my "guess" is that at least one of the four scores will be below the minimum standard for admission. With an SAT score, combined of 1120, I know one or both scores are below minimum standards.

I would highly recommend that you retest. There are some excellent study guides available online and in bookstores. Take the review tests and honestly score yourself. I have had many candidates do this and be successful!!

It can be done!!!

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
I have to side with flieger83.

I'm not part of admissions, and I'm not an ALO, but those scores are pretty low. The rest of your file might (and I mean might) cover over that if impressive enough, but it's in your best interest to bump those scores up, as it probably won't. I wouldn't consider these scores competitive.

On the bright side, SAT and ACT scores can be improved drastically with thorough and diligent test prep. Keep working on it, keep pushing, and you can bump those scores up to above average. You've got this!

Also, make sure you're in contact with your mentor ALO about this. They'll have more information on the matter than we do.
 
Also you may benefit from DIFFERENT test prep. My current candidate studied and tested (and studied and tested....repeat 4 more times) trying to get a subsection score up. He scored the same over and over and over. Finally he tried online, one on one tutoring for a few sessions (he used Wyzant, found an affordable match for what he was needing). Wow that worked amazing. He just needed some strategies. His tutor was able to pinpoint where he needed to focus (verses the general type studying he was doing himself with Kahn). He raised that subsection 7 points, more in line with his other sections. After being stuck for 4 tests.

Point I’m making is that sometimes doing something DIFFERENT is helpful. Good luck!!
 
A 24 is not really competitive, but if your other areas are good, you might have a chance at the prep school
 
I will be the bad guy here.

IMHO, as an ALO of 25 years, the answer is no.

I don't know all your ACT scores but to have a 24 composite, my "guess" is that at least one of the four scores will be below the minimum standard for admission. With an SAT score, combined of 1120, I know one or both scores are below minimum standards.

I would highly recommend that you retest. There are some excellent study guides available online and in bookstores. Take the review tests and honestly score yourself. I have had many candidates do this and be successful!!

It can be done!!!

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83


Crazy to think how much just a simple SAT number seemingly defines the USAFA application. I would like to think the kid who takes tons of AP classes, 3 varsity sports, leadership positions all around, and a great amount of community service would be much more of a contribution to the Air Force Academy, rather than someone who just got a 1600 SAT sand nothing else.
 
I disagree partially with OP. SAT is just one of the many data points taken into consideration for academic ability. If someone has made up for average SAT ( met minimums in math and English) with tons of As in AP courses, excelled in STEM courses, my understanding is that candidate stands a fair shot.
 
Crazy to think how much just a simple SAT number seemingly defines the USAFA application. I would like to think the kid who takes tons of AP classes, 3 varsity sports, leadership positions all around, and a great amount of community service would be much more of a contribution to the Air Force Academy, rather than someone who just got a 1600 SAT sand nothing else.

As a member of this forum for five years now, I believe that the OP is a longshot for an appointment with that SAT score unless something extraordinary is on the resume.

I would not get my hopes too high.

My DS had a similar SAT score and he did not receive an appointment to an SA, and he did not receive an ROTC scholarship as a high school senior.

However, my son is indeed now an Army Officer.

He earned a 3 year campus based scholarship at a local state university as a walk-on. How did he do it? He worked his butt off in college. He never got a higher test score, but he showed he could excel in both military science classes and academics.

Yes, it was his "plan D" but it got him what he was seeking....a commission in the military.

OP, you do have a shot at USAF Prep School, but if you don't get a slot....you can reapply in college or just go all the way with AFROTC.

You have other options. Focus on all of them, rather than dwelling on the realistic responses you are getting on this forum.
 
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Crazy to think how much just a simple SAT number seemingly defines the USAFA application. I would like to think the kid who takes tons of AP classes, 3 varsity sports, leadership positions all around, and a great amount of community service would be much more of a contribution to the Air Force Academy, rather than someone who just got a 1600 SAT sand nothing else.

The thing is- it’s not someone that JUST got a 1600 SAT, that doesn’t cut it it for USAFA either. 24 is just a very low score compared to the typical applicant who has, as you said, tons of AP classes, varsity sports, community service and leadership positions AND a good standardized test score.
 
As a member of this forum for four years now, I believe that the OP is a longshot for an appointment with that SAT score unless something extraordinary is on the resume.

I would not get my hopes too high.

My DS had a similar SAT score and he did not receive an appointment to an SA, and he did not receive an ROTC scholarship as a high school senior.

However, my son is indeed now an Army Officer.

He earned a 3 year campus based scholarship at a local state university as a walk-on. How did he do it? He worked his butt off in college. He never got a higher test score, but he showed he could excel in both military science classes and academics.

Yes, it was his "plan D" but it got him what he was seeking....a commission in the military.

OP, you do have a shot at USAF Prep School, but if you don't get a slot....you can reapply in college or just go all the way with AFROTC.

You have other options. Focus on all of them, rather than dwelling on the realistic responses you are getting on this forum.


Thanks, I appreciate your thorough replies. I am retaking once more this Saturday so I am praying for the best!
 
Crazy to think how much just a simple SAT number seemingly defines the USAFA application. I would like to think the kid who takes tons of AP classes, 3 varsity sports, leadership positions all around, and a great amount of community service would be much more of a contribution to the Air Force Academy, rather than someone who just got a 1600 SAT sand nothing else.

Maybe I missed it, but have you even shared your GPA and a list of AP classes you've taken along with the grades you earned?
 
The SAT's measure crystallized intelligence, not fluid intelligence, contrary to popular belief. In other words, they measure how well you can learn new concepts and apply them... This is why studying for the SAT helps you do better. The reason they use these test scores is because crystallized intelligence is a generally good indicator of academic success. They set their standards based on students who have failed to succeed academically in the past, and want to avoid any problems in the future.

Your scores show a lack of crystallized intelligence; regardless, chances are there is someone with at least the same extracurriculars and better scores competing for your spot.
 
I will be the bad guy here.

IMHO, as an ALO of 25 years, the answer is no.

I don't know all your ACT scores but to have a 24 composite, my "guess" is that at least one of the four scores will be below the minimum standard for admission. With an SAT score, combined of 1120, I know one or both scores are below minimum standards.

I would highly recommend that you retest. There are some excellent study guides available online and in bookstores. Take the review tests and honestly score yourself. I have had many candidates do this and be successful!!

It can be done!!!

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
What is the minimum standard for admission for ACT scores?
 
The SAT's measure crystallized intelligence, not fluid intelligence, contrary to popular belief. In other words, they measure how well you can learn new concepts and apply them... This is why studying for the SAT helps you do better. The reason they use these test scores is because crystallized intelligence is a generally good indicator of academic success. They set their standards based on students who have failed to succeed academically in the past, and want to avoid any problems in the future.

Your scores show a lack of crystallized intelligence; regardless, chances are there is someone with at least the same extracurriculars and better scores competing for your spot.


Interesting to know. I always figured the SAT to be involving subjects we have already learned.
 
What is the minimum standard for admission for ACT scores?
USAFA I don't believe posts those numbers, for public consumption, anymore. However, I'll say this: if you're in the range below 25 in ANY of them but especially math or English...

"Officially" USAFA says this: "Students who score below 580 verbal and 560 math on the SAT Reasoning and below 24 English/reading and 25 math/science reasoning on the ACT normally will not be competitive for an appointment. " As an ALO, I'll add my "experience/thoughts" to that: if you're below 600 in any SAT area or about 28-29 in the ACT...you're not going to be competitive unless you're a serious Division 1 athlete candidate.

I checked my records and I haven't had a candidate appointed in over 10 years that had SAT's below the 640-680 range and ACT 28-30 range. That doesn't mean it doesn't happen, but I haven't seen it in quite a while.

Just my humble opinion and experience rambling here...

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
The minimum is almost definitely reserved for recruited athletes.
Yes, and no. Highly recruited athletes will be looked at with lower numbers, but if they don't meet the minimum, they don't go to USAFA; they go to the prep school. USAFA also sends regular candidates in the same situation to the prep school, as well as young airman from the field.

But I wouldn't waste time wondering what the minimum is. Focus upon the highest scores you can attain! Make yourself TOO viable a candidate for the admissions team to overlook.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
From another applicant that's soon applying too (class of 2025), I have some resources that really helped me raise my score:
Khan academy (free)- Do as many practice tests as possible, and take the full practice tests. The scores you get from the practice tests are accurate, since Khan partnered with College Board
Black Book! ($20 I think?) - I can't stress this enough, this really is my secret weapon. It focuses more on the techniques and tricks the SAT uses vs. actual problems
Princeton SAT course (Definitely a little pricey)- Lots of resources and online classes that really help!

With these three, I raised my score by 200 points in about 3 weeks, so it's definitely possible!
Good luck, and hopefully these were of some help :)
 
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