SAT/ACT Cancellations

[LandonLe]

Hi,

As many of you know, standardized testing sites for the SAT and ACT have been cancelled left and right over the past year. It's been hard to even find a place to test at-and for some of us-impossible to even find a testing center.

How will the service academies look upon these testing cancellations within the past year? I know that all of them-including West Point-utilize superscoring, but for applicants who were luckly able to even find a single testing site, super-scoring is an impossibility. I have had my SAT cancelled 4 times and have had only the chance to take it once...scored a 1310 but hope to take the February ACT for a final shot at having a second testing score on hand. I'm very worried that my scores aren't up to par but literally have had no oppurtunity to retake tests.

 

[MCA]

As long as you attempted to retake the SAT you should be fine. I would recommend taking screenshots of all the emails you received informing you that your test was cancelled. Then put them in a single PDF file. Email your RC explaining the issue snd provide documentation.

A 1310 is still a GREAT SAT score. Don’t be discouraged because other applicants get 1500s. I know applicants who get into the academy with a 1240. Your SAT score isn’t the defining factor in your application.

Good luck.

 

[Military MOMx2]

This is a great question given the challenges. In the upper midwest, cancellations were common especially at the last minute and in one case, there were students who went to the testing location to find the doors locked because the testing materials never arrived from ACT. What is the SA's position on standardized test scores given these challenges?

 

[MCA]

From USMA:

“15 Sep 2020 - At the United States Military Academy, we continue to monitor the barriers caused by COVID-19 and likewise the disruptions for students applying for admission with the Class of 2025. Therefore, for students applying for admission to the Class of 2025, the Office of Admissions will follow a “test flexible” policy, which will allow students to apply to West Point without an SAT or ACT test score. However, we will require as a minimum, a PSAT score which most students would have had the opportunity to take prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students who have attempted and have not been able to take either the SAT or ACT due to cancellation, unavailability, other extenuating circumstance will not be disqualified from consideration. If you are seeking consideration for admission without an SAT or ACT, we will ask you to provide supporting information concerning test availability, cancellation, etc, and why the PSAT test scores are not available. The West Point Admissions Committee remains committed to a holistic assessment of applicant credentials which include reviews of academic achievement, academic aptitude, leadership experiences, physical fitness and other unique attributes during the application process.”

This is just the stance of USMA. USAFA, as of now, still requires a standardized test. I can’t speak for other SAs.

 

[kittkatt]

Just curious--among those with LOAs or actual appointments in-hand, how many did *not* have an SAT (or ACT) score to submit?

 

[SF_DAD]

My DS took the ACT 5 times. He started his Sophomore year and was on roughly a 6 month track to take advantage of his most current classes. The last two tests were both post Covid. He drove a few hours to another state late summer and again drove an hour and a half to the first location to open in our state. I would highly recommend multiple tests for future candidates in order to take advantage of super scoring.
For candidates that do not have a test score I think it will be critical to explain why they were not able to sit for an exam. I understand that many states continue to cancel exams, but the SA’s will want to see the approach by candidates to solve the problem. It may be something as simple as showing that they had signed up multiple times and had their exam cancelled multiple times. It’s a tough situation for all involved.

 

[LOVEtheUSA]

Congrats to LandonLe on a great score. And simply put - well done SF_DAD!

No doubt these are challenging times but solutions in challenging times equate to LEADERSHIP.

Hang in there LandonLe - we doubt any SA's will ding you for driving a few miles to find a solution to put your best foot forward.

 

[LovetoWP2025]

We live on the East coast. ACT canceled FIVE of my DS's scheduled tests. My DS had to fly 2,000 miles (found an opening in another state) to take the ACT. Crazy, but flights were super cheap due to COVID and my DS got a decent score, so it was worth it.

 

[JCSDVM1]

We live in Jersey and although DS did have a number of tests canceled both SAT/ACT he was still able to take the SAT 4 times between September and December.