Class of 2024 Priorities SAT/ACT or ECA

Z

Zach Blackburn

Member
Joined
Dec 25, 2018
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25
Hello all, I posted here in December where I was told to worry about SAT/ACT as well as CFA. I have dedicated my self to doing so, I boosted my 1130 to 1320 but my ACT is severely lacking as it only went from 26 to a 27 and when super scored a 28 (my math was pretty low) In order to change my SAT to a 1320 I had to spend all of January and February studying, it certainly paid off in one respect as my SAT showed it. I currently have a weighted GPA of 3.89 with Three AP classes and an honors math class all on top of my trade school for IT.

On the class portrait a 1320 seems right in the middle as I have a 690 Verbal and 630 in Math, but once I thought it was over I could focus my ECAs like two Networking Certifications, a State Officer Position in a CTSO( a club like DECA, FBLA, SkillsUSA, FFA, FCCLA), a President Position in my a Mentor Club (upperclassman who take care of freshmen), organizing my recommendation letters for my Senator/Congressional Recommendation, AP Studying, an eagle scout project and three merit badges. I start my day with a mile run, attend my home school of Honors Math, APUSH, APLAC, and AP Chem, go home take a nap, Attend IT Trade School, come home and do Calisthenics (push ups/pullups/situps) then do my homework and study for the upcoming AP tests and lastly attempt to get some study in for a Networking Certification.

The question remains, do I focus those ECAs that I mentioned before or spend more of my time hoping to get SAT up or just be content with a 1320 (690 V and 630 M) and retake ACT (focus solely upon Math)
 
Jhenry904 said:
Hello all, I posted here in December where I was told to worry about SAT/ACT as well as CFA. I have dedicated my self to doing so, I boosted my 1130 to 1320 but my ACT is severely lacking as it only went from 26 to a 27 and when super scored a 28 (my math was pretty low) In order to change my SAT to a 1320 I had to spend all of January and February studying, it certainly paid off in one respect as my SAT showed it. I currently have a weighted GPA of 3.89 with Three AP classes and an honors math class all on top of my trade school for IT.

On the class portrait a 1320 seems right in the middle as I have a 690 Verbal and 630 in Math, but once I thought it was over I could focus my ECAs like two Networking Certifications, a State Officer Position in a CTSO( a club like DECA, FBLA, SkillsUSA, FFA, FCCLA), a President Position in my a Mentor Club (upperclassman who take care of freshmen), organizing my recommendation letters for my Senator/Congressional Recommendation, AP Studying, an eagle scout project and three merit badges. I start my day with a mile run, attend my home school of Honors Math, APUSH, APLAC, and AP Chem, go home take a nap, Attend IT Trade School, come home and do Calisthenics (push ups/pullups/situps) then do my homework and study for the upcoming AP tests and lastly attempt to get some study in for a Networking Certification.

The question remains, do I focus those ECAs that I mentioned before or spend more of my time hoping to get SAT up or just be content with a 1320 (690 V and 630 M) and retake ACT (focus solely upon Math)
Click to expand...

Do not settle for a 1320, especially with a low math score. Get that math score up, 700+

They weight math much more than Verbal, according to my Admission Counselor.


Good luck. If you would like study tips for SAT math, PM me. My math score improved from 590 -> 740
 
@Jhenry904, looks like you are doing a lot of great things. Keep it all up. If you were my DS, I would recommend the same as @23Lt, get that math SAT score up as much as you can. One other thing I see missing is varsity sports. Maybe try XC in the fall. If nothing else, it will get you ready for running at a SA when you report in. An overwhelming majority of SA appointees have varsity athletics. Keep working at the ECA's that you really enjoy and demonstrate some impact to the team. Good luck.
 
For the OP, I assume you're a junior now. With respect to the ACT/SAT, most people find that they are more "comfortable" with (do better on) one test or the other. I would decide which that is and focus on that one, rather than continuing to take both. And I would focus on improving your math score at least above 650 -- obviously 700 is better.

Doing the above shouldn't exclude you from ECAs. I would finish your Eagle Scout project and take a leadership role in one (or maybe two) ECAs that particularly appeal to you and where you think you could best exercise your leadership skills. Agree that a team sport would help. You can participate in a league over the summer and during the fall at school.

I realize it seems overwhelming, but the best candidates manage to balance great academics, outstanding sports and leadership in and/or out of school. And work on their applications. And some also work a job. At any SA, you'll be expected to juggle lots of competing demands and still excel -- showing you can do it in h.s. helps demonstrate you can do it at USNA.
 
ACT or SAT concentrate on one. Academics are very important at all SA’s. It seems you are on the lower end if the scale. You need to improve math score. Is it possible to get a tutor to assist you? Don’t fret the athletic side concentrate in the academics! Plus it depends on how competitive your state/ district is. Just out together your best package and the get ready to wait.
 
Grades , SAT/ACT, Sports, ECA, CFA is not an either/or thing. USNA is looking for well rounded individuals who excel in all endeavors. This doesn't mean you need to max out every area, but the better you do, the more competitive you will be. Time managment is critical....
 
Your SAT and ACT are important and you should not settle unless you have the best, but with that said I got into class of 23 this year with a 710 in math and a 630 in verbal. Unlike most colleges the academy looks at you as a person. They look at what you have accomplished, who you have lead, and how you have tried to better yourself as a person. In my opinion they aren’t as test scored oriented like many other colleges. But you always want to make your self a more competitive applicant. Increasing your test scores can never hurt.
 
Keep it up. I boosted my SAT and ACT in 3 attempts, and took APs in STEM courses, calculus AB and BC, US History, Government and English, did team sport - Soccer, participated in extra curricular activities as School, did regular volunteer services at one place, provided evidence of leadership, team works etc.. I did online Machine Learning and Cyber Security courses also in my senior year. They look at a complete package not just the academics. I am joining the class of 2023 in June this year.

My suggestion take ACT and SAT as many time as possible they take the best scores. I took the writing part also.

Important to Keep track of the Nomination timelines of you congressman/woman and the Senator also.

I aligned with my teachers and other for the recommendation letter in March last year, and was ready with them when the application opened.

It is a long process so you will need lot of parental support and patience. Time tracking is critical in this entire process and they can assist you with it.

All the best !
 
23Lt said:
Jhenry904 said:
Hello all, I posted here in December where I was told to worry about SAT/ACT as well as CFA. I have dedicated my self to doing so, I boosted my 1130 to 1320 but my ACT is severely lacking as it only went from 26 to a 27 and when super scored a 28 (my math was pretty low) In order to change my SAT to a 1320 I had to spend all of January and February studying, it certainly paid off in one respect as my SAT showed it. I currently have a weighted GPA of 3.89 with Three AP classes and an honors math class all on top of my trade school for IT.

On the class portrait a 1320 seems right in the middle as I have a 690 Verbal and 630 in Math, but once I thought it was over I could focus my ECAs like two Networking Certifications, a State Officer Position in a CTSO( a club like DECA, FBLA, SkillsUSA, FFA, FCCLA), a President Position in my a Mentor Club (upperclassman who take care of freshmen), organizing my recommendation letters for my Senator/Congressional Recommendation, AP Studying, an eagle scout project and three merit badges. I start my day with a mile run, attend my home school of Honors Math, APUSH, APLAC, and AP Chem, go home take a nap, Attend IT Trade School, come home and do Calisthenics (push ups/pullups/situps) then do my homework and study for the upcoming AP tests and lastly attempt to get some study in for a Networking Certification.

The question remains, do I focus those ECAs that I mentioned before or spend more of my time hoping to get SAT up or just be content with a 1320 (690 V and 630 M) and retake ACT (focus solely upon Math)
Click to expand...

Do not settle for a 1320, especially with a low math score. Get that math score up, 700+

They weight math much more than Verbal, according to my Admission Counselor.


Good luck. If you would like study tips for SAT math, PM me. My math score improved from 590 -> 740
Click to expand...

What were your tips for SAT math? I tried to PM you but it wouldn't work. Thanks
 
DS has taken ACT several times and is registered for the October test, he is DODMERB qualified and has a strong CFA as well as good ECA’s. He has a perfect 36 English score but he can’t seem to get that Math score up and over the 30 mark, he has a 29. He has A’s on all his high school math classes including Calculus so I know he understands the material. I wonder if he will be competitive with this math score? I’ve seen the class profiles and see that 29 is in the middle 50% but that may be skewed by recruited athletes and underrepresented groups. Any thoughts or advice on improving his math?
 
Roadking said:
DS has taken ACT several times and is registered for the October test, he is DODMERB qualified and has a strong CFA as well as good ECA’s. He has a perfect 36 English score but he can’t seem to get that Math score up and over the 30 mark, he has a 29. He has A’s on all his high school math classes including Calculus so I know he understands the material. I wonder if he will be competitive with this math score? I’ve seen the class profiles and see that 29 is in the middle 50% but that may be skewed by recruited athletes and underrepresented groups. Any thoughts or advice on improving his math?
Click to expand...
ACT is mostly algebra and geometry, no calculus. Lots of kids who taker higher level math classes struggle since they haven't taken those classes since middle school. Do a quick refresher on Khan Academy or maybe try the SAT. Good luck to him this Oct!
 
Holden100 said:
Roadking said:
DS has taken ACT several times and is registered for the October test, he is DODMERB qualified and has a strong CFA as well as good ECA’s. He has a perfect 36 English score but he can’t seem to get that Math score up and over the 30 mark, he has a 29. He has A’s on all his high school math classes including Calculus so I know he understands the material. I wonder if he will be competitive with this math score? I’ve seen the class profiles and see that 29 is in the middle 50% but that may be skewed by recruited athletes and underrepresented groups. Any thoughts or advice on improving his math?
Click to expand...
ACT is mostly algebra and geometry, no calculus. Lots of kids who taker higher level math classes struggle since they haven't taken those classes since middle school. Do a quick refresher on Khan Academy or maybe try the SAT. Good luck to him this Oct!
Click to expand...
Thank you very much!!! Will pass this to DS
 
DS used Khan academy to raise SAT scores. He study for a month and went from 640 to 730 in math by studying an hour a day for a month.
 
Jhenry904 said:
Hello all, I posted here in December where I was told to worry about SAT/ACT as well as CFA. I have dedicated my self to doing so, I boosted my 1130 to 1320 but my ACT is severely lacking as it only went from 26 to a 27 and when super scored a 28 (my math was pretty low) In order to change my SAT to a 1320 I had to spend all of January and February studying, it certainly paid off in one respect as my SAT showed it. I currently have a weighted GPA of 3.89 with Three AP classes and an honors math class all on top of my trade school for IT.

On the class portrait a 1320 seems right in the middle as I have a 690 Verbal and 630 in Math, but once I thought it was over I could focus my ECAs like two Networking Certifications, a State Officer Position in a CTSO( a club like DECA, FBLA, SkillsUSA, FFA, FCCLA), a President Position in my a Mentor Club (upperclassman who take care of freshmen), organizing my recommendation letters for my Senator/Congressional Recommendation, AP Studying, an eagle scout project and three merit badges. I start my day with a mile run, attend my home school of Honors Math, APUSH, APLAC, and AP Chem, go home take a nap, Attend IT Trade School, come home and do Calisthenics (push ups/pullups/situps) then do my homework and study for the upcoming AP tests and lastly attempt to get some study in for a Networking Certification.

The question remains, do I focus those ECAs that I mentioned before or spend more of my time hoping to get SAT up or just be content with a 1320 (690 V and 630 M) and retake ACT (focus solely upon Math)
Click to expand...


You'll be fine. I took 7 SAT's and 6 ACT's (yeah, I wanted to be accepted THAT badly and was, by no means, a great test taker). My best SAT scores were 680 in Reading and 590 in Math and my best overall ACT score was a 26. Granted, this was 10 years ago, but I'd say you've nothing to worry about. Finish the year strong and keep up with the fitness. But most of all, relax and ENJOY life...you're doing fine.
 
Jhenry904 said:
Hello all, I posted here in December where I was told to worry about SAT/ACT as well as CFA. I have dedicated my self to doing so, I boosted my 1130 to 1320 but my ACT is severely lacking as it only went from 26 to a 27 and when super scored a 28 (my math was pretty low) In order to change my SAT to a 1320 I had to spend all of January and February studying, it certainly paid off in one respect as my SAT showed it. I currently have a weighted GPA of 3.89 with Three AP classes and an honors math class all on top of my trade school for IT.

On the class portrait a 1320 seems right in the middle as I have a 690 Verbal and 630 in Math, but once I thought it was over I could focus my ECAs like two Networking Certifications, a State Officer Position in a CTSO( a club like DECA, FBLA, SkillsUSA, FFA, FCCLA), a President Position in my a Mentor Club (upperclassman who take care of freshmen), organizing my recommendation letters for my Senator/Congressional Recommendation, AP Studying, an eagle scout project and three merit badges. I start my day with a mile run, attend my home school of Honors Math, APUSH, APLAC, and AP Chem, go home take a nap, Attend IT Trade School, come home and do Calisthenics (push ups/pullups/situps) then do my homework and study for the upcoming AP tests and lastly attempt to get some study in for a Networking Certification.

The question remains, do I focus those ECAs that I mentioned before or spend more of my time hoping to get SAT up or just be content with a 1320 (690 V and 630 M) and retake ACT (focus solely upon Math)
Click to expand...
That is amazing. What resources did you use to bring your SAT score up so much?
 
Yes get your SATs up. I have heard through others that 1400 is min even though it states no min and even though they say that these don't make up the whole picture it was the reason for turn downs with everything else impeccable in many applicants. Keep taking them over and over until the very last minute.
 
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