Current college student seaking admissions advice re: standardized testing

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Hello-
I have reached out to my admissions rep. via email (twice, respectfully, over the last 4 weeks) but not heard back so I thought I would try this forum for advice. I have completed my freshman year at my state's flag ship university, after much personal and academic growth I decided I would like to pursue a career in the US Coast Guard. I've reviewed the USCGA website and understand that if admitted I would attend 4 years, not "transfer".
My question is regarding the standardized testing. I have my old test scores from high school which are average. However, I have completed a full year of college classes, including calculus and lab sciences, I have a 3.7 GPA and was on dean's list (top 10%). My understanding is that SAT/ACT are intended to give a sense of academic readiness for college level classes. Since I can demonstrate that with my college transcript is it still necessary to prep and retake the SAT?

Thank you.
 
Since you will have to submit test scores anyway, why would you not want to try and improve upon what you say are "average" scores? Admissions is very competitive to the Academy and you should do everything possible to help your chances.
 
Some Admissions Officers are in the process of changing billets, so if you were reaching out to that person, that may explain the delay. I suggest you contact Admissions directly. My personal opinion (not representing Admissions) is why not? You will have the time, as you must apply for regular admissions anyway. I am not aware of anything restricting you from doing that (I could be wrong), and it could improve your application.
 
It is my understanding you will need to retake your SAT. A complete admission will include that documentation - if standardized test scores are missing, your application will likely be viewed as incomplete. If you report old scores that aren't so great, even if you report good college grades, it still doesn't present as strong a package as if you had high test scores. As you are aware, you will be "starting over," and even though you have good grades in college, they want to ensure that your standardized test validates similar skills as the other cadets. That's what standardized tests are meant to do - validate what a student has learned (as well as his or her ability to take tests). Due to vast variances between schools, someone's 4.0 GPA might not mean the same as someone else's 4.0. The system is not perfect, but it adds another piece to the puzzle.

Just to mention - since by the time you attend the academy you will have 2 years of college complete, you may want to consider finishing your degree and entering the Coast Guard through the 17-week Officer Candidate School (OCS). Since having a bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for the program, no SAT needed!

Best of luck to you!
 
Thanks for the fast and helpful replies. Looks like it is back to the SATs...

I'm totally fine with putting the time in to prep and retest just want to be sure it is still relevant since I could also use that time in other ways to make my application as strong as possible. I understand the point, I am competing with all other applicants, no difference because I am a college student.

Re: OCS- My goal is to attend the academy including serving during the summers, I visited campus in May and learned more about the programs and want the challenge and experience of all four years, but I will apply to OCS if I am not admitted.
thanks again.
 
SAT scores are predictions/estimates of how well you will do in your first year of college. You've already completed your first year.

They will view your grades/transcripts of your college courses with more weight than your two-year old SAT scores.
 
I personally know one 2018 cadet who already has a 4yr college degree. They wanted the academy experience. On reflection, I don't know if they took the SATs over in the application process.
 
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