PSAT scores for NASS

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navalacademy12

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i got my PSAT scores back today with a 157 in the top 70 percentile, is this good enough for NASS? (I'm still a sophomore so i can still take it next year)
 
that's tough, I'd say you'd need at least a 200

but NASS is really a *crapshoot* (for lack of a better word)
it is heavily reliant on your state/district/school. from what admissions told me this summer, its become very much an "outreach program" to entice candidates who are "under - represented" or "face adversity".

doesn't mean outstanding candidates don't get in (they do!), but it really has no indication of whether or not you'll get into the academy.

having said that. it should be an incredible experience (SLS at West Point and SS at USAFA certainly were!)
 
Academy_Questions said:
that's tough, I'd say you'd need at least a 200
Click to expand...

Honestly I think 200 is not necessary... although your score of 157 is a little low. Then again, you are a sophomore and have plenty of time until you take the PSAT again.

You are still young, and typically the SAT is aimed for juniors/seniors: meaning a lot can change in a year when you take it again. I'm also assuming that as a sophomore, the PSAT was your first exposure to the SAT of any sort. So, I think that 157 is good for the first time (I got roughly the same score). My SAT score is now at 1980, so time and some practice will greatly improve your score. Best of Luck!
 
that's true! and don't waste time and money in a bunch of prep classes. you can do it yourself just by getting used to the questions. Without any studying inbetween I raised my SAT 300 points!

Starting early is key! You're off to a great start - keep working :)
 
Academy_Questions said:
but NASS is really a *crapshoot* (for lack of a better word)
it is heavily reliant on your state/district/school. from what admissions told me this summer, its become very much an "outreach program" to entice candidates who are "under - represented" or "face adversity"
Click to expand...

Am I considered "underrepresented" if I am mixed Pacific Islander/Caucasian?
 
What do they consider " facing adversity", that is such a broad term.
 
im assuming it refers to students problems from a gang-infested school to medically ill parents
 
I'm really not that sure. All that I know is that I was denied to NASS (not even waitlisted) and the admissions counselor said there was nothing I could improve on my application, but that since my school has sent lots of ppl to USNA, and that I was already highly motivated to attend the academy, I didn't "need" NASS.

Having said that, I have a nomination to USNA with (according to BGO) LOA on the way!
 
NASS is primarily a recruiting tool for USNA. USNA is trying to market itself to people and areas that have been historically under-represented. Who are those folks? People from states that typically send very few students to USNA, such as Montana, Wyoming, NDAK, SDAK, Idaho, etc. Students from inner city magnet schools where kids are regularly going to the Ivies but don't seem to know about the opportunities at USNA. Students from various congressional districts that historically have sent zero or very few students to USNA for all sorts of reasons. Likewise, students on the west coast for whom it's harder to visit USNA on a WE will probably get the nod over an equally-qualified student from MD, VA, PA, etc.

The point with NASS is that it is not solely a meritocracy. Thus, USNA doesn't simply take the very best applicants and offer them slots. Rather, USNA tries to target its acceptances with some of the factors above in mind. For this reason, the fact that you don't get offered NASS may have no bearing on whether you get an appointment to USNA. The above said, students from MD and VA and PA also regularly get accepted to NASS.

Finally, just as for USNA in general, there are way more applicants to NASS than there are slots. Many, many qualified students don't get a slot. If this happens to you, don't despair. Don't think your chances are over. Press on with your application b/c, if you're well qualified, you still have a great chance at an appointment -- maybe a better chance than the person who ended up at NASS instead of you.
 
Last year more than 6,000 apps were received in the first few days for 2,250 slots, so it very competitive. Rather than worrying what score is good enough, consider whether it is indicative of your best. Truthfully, I would recommend shifting your efforts to the SAT/ACT exams and start building those scores.

Also, not being selected for NASS is not the end of the world; almost half of the Class of 2013 were not selected for NASS. Take a look at www.navysports.com and select a sports camp. Our intent is to get prospects/candidates to the Yard so they can decide if this is something they really want to do.
 
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