Can I Update my Preliminary Applications?

hmc22

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Apr 15, 2017
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I submitted my preliminary applications (by applying to the summer programs) for USAFA, USNA, and USMA. I used my PSAT score from 2016 to do so. However, I just received my March 2017 SAT score in which my math score is 110 points higher than that of my PSAT. I was wondering if it is possible to update these scores on my preliminary applications in order to increase my chances of becoming a candidate?

Thank you!
 
You will be able to update all information in the next few months. Admissions is busy finishing up with this year's class. Once the class enters, the portal for 2022 will open. if you are a good student, moving to candidate is not that difficult.
 
You will be able to update all information in the next few months. Admissions is busy finishing up with this year's class. Once the class enters, the portal for 2022 will open. if you are a good student, moving to candidate is not that difficult.

Okay that makes sense, thank you for your response!
 
@hmc22 Depending on how low your PSAT scores are...you will have to watch--like in late July and August--when the portal opens for new applicants that you are invited as an applicant rather than shut out because of low SAT scores.
If I were you, I would send your new SAT scores to the academies to which you are applying. Low PSAT scores submitted for NASS, SLE or elsewhere can result in you not having a portal that opens automatically. For example USNA will send a letter saying that you are not competitive enough to open the application (saving your time and effort) and USMA will post a letter to your home page entitled "noncommital" and not open the full application portal--you then have to prove to the academies that you are worthy of entering into the application process by sending your 6 semester transcript and/or SAT scores.

For the 4.0 kids with 1400+ test scores and their parents and advisers, this will seem like something that does not happen...they will say, "Applying to the summer program does not include any risk"--but it does if you are applying with low PSAT scores and a lower than 3.5 GPA.

Let me finish by stating that Mr. Low GPA/Low PSAT scores worked his tail off and has been winning academic awards, riding the honor role for seven quarters and the straight A honor roll all senior year, and after a round of SAT Prep kicked it into high gear on the SATs, and has accepted an appointment to the Air Force Academy for the class of 2021. So, the take away lesson is: SEND YOUR SCORES and work to improve everything. If you are a junior, it is not too late. Have courage and dig in.

And are you a Scout? Finish your Eagle or Gold Star.
Practice a lot for your CFT.
 
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@hmc22 Depending on how low your PSAT scores are...you will have to watch--like in late July and August--when the portal opens for new applicants that you are invited as an applicant rather than shut out because of low SAT scores.
If I were you, I would send your new SAT scores to the academies to which you are applying. Low PSAT scores submitted for NASS, SLE or elsewhere can result in you not having a portal that opens automatically. For example USNA will send a letter saying that you are not competitive enough to open the application (saving your time and effort) and USMA will post a letter to your home page entitled "noncommital" and not open the full application portal--you then have to prove to the academies that you are worthy of entering into the application process by sending your 6 semester transcript and/or SAT scores.

For the 4.0 kids with 1400+ test scores and their parents and advisers, this will seem like something that does not happen...they will say, "Applying to the summer program does not include any risk"--but it does if you are applying with low PSAT scores and a lower than 3.5 GPA.

Let me finish by stating that Mr. Low GPA/Low PSAT scores worked his tail off and has been winning academic awards, riding the honor role for seven quarters and the straight A honor roll all senior year, and after a round of SAT Prep kicked it into high gear on the SATs, and has accepted an appointment to the Air Force Academy for the class of 2021. So, the take away lesson is: SEND YOUR SCORES and work to improve everything. If you are a junior, it is not too late. Have courage and dig in.

And are you a Scout? Finish your Eagle or Gold Star.
Practice a lot for your CFT.
Ditto. My USMA application opened later than others because my SAT scores were really low. But just because it doesn't open the same time as others it doesn't mean you don't have chance. I would also recommend taking the SAT as much as possible even if it is only a 10 point increase.
 
@hmc22 Depending on how low your PSAT scores are...you will have to watch--like in late July and August--when the portal opens for new applicants that you are invited as an applicant rather than shut out because of low SAT scores.
If I were you, I would send your new SAT scores to the academies to which you are applying. Low PSAT scores submitted for NASS, SLE or elsewhere can result in you not having a portal that opens automatically. For example USNA will send a letter saying that you are not competitive enough to open the application (saving your time and effort) and USMA will post a letter to your home page entitled "noncommital" and not open the full application portal--you then have to prove to the academies that you are worthy of entering into the application process by sending your 6 semester transcript and/or SAT scores.

For the 4.0 kids with 1400+ test scores and their parents and advisers, this will seem like something that does not happen...they will say, "Applying to the summer program does not include any risk"--but it does if you are applying with low PSAT scores and a lower than 3.5 GPA.

Let me finish by stating that Mr. Low GPA/Low PSAT scores worked his tail off and has been winning academic awards, riding the honor role for seven quarters and the straight A honor roll all senior year, and after a round of SAT Prep kicked it into high gear on the SATs, and has accepted an appointment to the Air Force Academy for the class of 2021. So, the take away lesson is: SEND YOUR SCORES and work to improve everything. If you are a junior, it is not too late. Have courage and dig in.

And are you a Scout? Finish your Eagle or Gold Star.
Practice a lot for your CFT.

Thank you for taking the time to type this response, I really appreciate it!

The PSAT score that I submitted was a 1270 (650 verbal / 620 math). With these scores I was not accepted into any summer program. My March SAT score was a 1380 (650 verbal / 730 math).

I do have a letter on my homepage for West Point titled "noncommital." Hopefully once my improved SAT score and transcript are sent I will earn access to my portal. I am currently a junior taking:
AP Calc BC
AP Chem
AP Macroeconomics
English Honors
Spanish Honors
Robotics
My weighted GPA as of the end of sophomore year was 3.9611 although when my school releases my new official GPA at the end of junior year I expect it to be around a 4.05. Again, hopefully these statistics and my courses will allow me to earn access to my portal.

I am not a Scout but I hold several leadership positions such as:
Operation Smile Jersey Shore Chapter President
Founder and Captain of Team Emily for the LLS which has raised nearly $8,000 over the course of two years
Class Public Relations Officer (sophomore year)
Activities Coordinator Officer for my high school NHS chapter
Am currently in the process of founding an American Red Cross Club at my school that I will be President of


Again, thank you for your response! I will be sure to send my scores and do all I can to improve myself as a candidate!
 
Ditto. My USMA application opened later than others because my SAT scores were really low. But just because it doesn't open the same time as others it doesn't mean you don't have chance. I would also recommend taking the SAT as much as possible even if it is only a 10 point increase.

Ok thank you for the advice, I appreciate it!
 
HMC...send those new scores, which are fantastic.
 
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