SAT retake for Candidate w/Nomination?

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Yahoots

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Nov 16, 2018
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A little background, last year while talking about college plans with my DD who was graduating, I also had a talk with my DS who was a junior. With 5 kids, I admit I was thinking of ways to help pay for college and I mentioned the Air Force since he is into STEM classes and AF is pretty cutting edge technology wise. I also have lots of family that have or are serving in all branches, in particular I have an uncle that ROTC'd and went career (Ret. Lt Co), a cousin who ROTC'd and just made Capt, and my FIL was career (Ret. CMSgt). As a footnote to talking about ROTC, I mentioned USAFA as an option.

My DS took the initiative and did all the research about the application process and hit the ground running. All I knew at the time was that it involved a MOC nomination. Well, not quite a year later and my DS learned last week that he was nominated by our Congressman (IL-15) and this week his medical and fitness cleared and he is now a Candidate on USAFA portal. I am so proud of him! He did everything on his own, all I did was give him documents and take him to appts. We are still waiting to hear from IL Senators, but my understanding is they both have committees that meet in Dec.

So, my question is in regards to SAT. In the last week I have perused these forums and other sources and it sounds like everybody is shooting for ~1500 score. My DS took a PSAT at school and then the SAT and scored 1350 (640 Eng/710 Math). His other academics are excellent, top 5 in class and could be Val/Sal material if not for, IMO, a bad Spanish teacher that is since gone and gave him his only B. I know he could score higher on SAT with some prep, I am wondering if at this point it is something I should suggest he do. I saw another site that claimed the average SAT of entering cadets was 1370, which puts him right at average if true.

Thanks for any insight/advice, this forum has been an amazing source for me the last week or two to help me better understand the process and what he has accomplished just to get to this point!

AIM HIGH!
 
If there’s opportunity to improve a test score, and you’re able to submit it before the application deadline, then absolutely do so. Don’t settle for average, because the competition in your district may be above average. Great to have a nomination — that’s a major hurdle — but it only takes one other candidate with better credentials to beat him out for a spot.
 
What MidCake said. It's a competition and he's not across the finish line yet.
 
Illinois will have LOTS of competition. If you can get a better score in before deadlines, go for it. Your son does NOT have an appointment yet! You didn't mention sports or other significant EC's (your family relations aren't gonna do it for DS, sorry!). Especially if they are in any way weak, GET THOSE SCORES UP, esp the CR.

Congrats on the nomination. Now really, nail that SAT and take the ACT to further enhance the package.
 
fencersmother said:
Illinois will have LOTS of competition. If you can get a better score in before deadlines, go for it. Your son does NOT have an appointment yet! You didn't mention sports or other significant EC's (your family relations aren't gonna do it for DS, sorry!). Especially if they are in any way weak, GET THOSE SCORES UP, esp the CR.

Congrats on the nomination. Now really, nail that SAT and take the ACT to further enhance the package.
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Do you recommend submitting ACT scores of 31 composite, 32 reading, 32 writing, 30 math, and 28 science? That was the first and only time I took the ACT. I switched to SAT because I liked that test better and I got a 1470 composite with 730 reading and 740 math. I sent USAFA my SAT, but i am hestistant about ACT because of below average science. Do you think sending my ACT would help my WCS, or should I not bother?
 
@skiergirl24, submit all your test scores. SAs use your best one — they know how the scores compare to each other across SAT and ACT — so let them figure it out.
 
Thanks for the opinions and info! I talked to DS and this has been his rodeo, so he's going to think about it and do what he wants...I've stayed out of it to this point, so that's all I can do now.

btw, fencersmother, I was mentioning family AF connections in regards to his decision to go AF, I know that has nothing to do with admissions, didn't make that clear in OP, lol.

also, I feel his leadership and athletics are strong. He is 4yr varsity XC, 2yr varsity tennis, and played basketball through sophomore year. He has numerous clubs and activities both in school and through church and community, so hopefully all that will translate well.

He knows that if USAFA doesn't work out that he will ROTC, but it would be awesome to get an appointment. At this point I'm just going to be the worried parent as he seems comfortable with his application.
 
Yahoots said:
I talked to DS and this has been his rodeo, so he's going to think about it and do what he wants...I've stayed out of it to this point, so that's all I can do now.
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@Yahoots, this is a really good approach. I wish more parents did this — let DS/DD “own” the application and the process. It’s a great learning experience, a huge accomplishment and a big responsibility to own it. Regardless of whether he gets offer of appointment, he’ll have grown tremendously from the experience.
 
We let our kids do their own college app stuff (and PAY FOR IT, too. Meanies, I know).
 
I would suggest taking it again, I had a 1390 composite that I gave the Academy. I took SAT 5 time over the course of high school, so taking it several times won’t hurt
 
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