SAT Scores

MattpNavy

5-Year Member
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Jul 25, 2017
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12
Would a 1490 new SAT score cut it for USNA from Fairfax Va/Northern Virginia? Do the service academies look at subject test scores?
 
I think it's safe to say the SA's want to see critical reading and math on SAT and English and Math on ACT. Aim for scores above 700 and 30+ at least.
 
ACT/SAT are only part of the picture,,,,Class Rank, Activities, Athletics, Leadership.....
1600 alone won't get you in.
 
In terms of SAT, a 1490 is excellent even in NoVA! If you're asking whether to retake . . . no. However, as others have noted, SAT/ACT scores are but one element of the application. I've had more than one candidate with 1600 (8ooV/800M) be turned down.
 
ACT/SAT are only part of the picture,,,,Class Rank, Activities, Athletics, Leadership.....
1600 alone won't get you in.
Yes, I am aware of that as well, just wanted to make sure my scores were competitive, thanks a lot!
 
In terms of SAT, a 1490 is excellent even in NoVA! If you're asking whether to retake . . . no. However, as others have noted, SAT/ACT scores are but one element of the application. I've had more than one candidate with 1600 (8ooV/800M) be turned down.
Ok, Thank your reply!
 
When you look at your SAT report, I am sure it tells you that a 1490 is probably somewhere in the 95-97th percentile area. All the academies post their ranges from the 25-75th percentile. Your test score is well over the average and I am sure that there are plenty of candidates that would love to trade scores with you. When I read posts like these (chance me's) , I often wonder if the poster has done any research on their own. Hence, it also explains why some candidates with scores at this level and higher don't get appointments. It's more than just academics and test scores they are looking for. I encourage you to be proactive and use this forum as a tool. The search feature is awesome and you will answer many of your own questions using it.
 
When you look at your SAT report, I am sure it tells you that a 1490 is probably somewhere in the 95-97th percentile area. All the academies post their ranges from the 25-75th percentile. Your test score is well over the average and I am sure that there are plenty of candidates that would love to trade scores with you. When I read posts like these (chance me's) , I often wonder if the poster has done any research on their own. Hence, it also explains why some candidates with scores at this level and higher don't get appointments. It's more than just academics and test scores they are looking for. I encourage you to be proactive and use this forum as a tool. The search feature is awesome and you will answer many of your own questions using it.
I agree with you wholeheartedly. My post wasn't meant to be a 'chances' post as you say. Rather, it was to ask if one part of my application, the SAT, was up to academy standards. I have done plenty of research on the topic, but since SA appointments are given on such a regional basis, the USNA class profile can sometimes be misleading, especially from a place like NoVa where competition can be fierce. I guess I'm trying to ask if I should retake it above all things. Thank you.
 
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In terms of SAT, a 1490 is excellent even in NoVA! If you're asking whether to retake . . . no.

If you are a 2022 candidate, I would tend to agree with USNA1985 and say No as well. I know there will be others that say if you are not at 800/800 that you can improve. However, if you are a 2023 candidate, you do have an opportunity to score higher if you would like to try it again. I would focus on other parts of your application if you feel there is an area that could benefit more like leadership, or athletics (CFA).
 
Unless you have 800/800, you can always score higher. But taking the SAT isn't free -- literally or figuratively. It costs money and takes time. At some point, one has to decide whether that money and time could be better spent. If one has a 1490 (and that assumes the math is 700+ which it almost certainly is), I don't think the marginal benefit of a higher score merits the time/expense of retaking. And, there's no guarantee the next score will be better -- the higher your score, the odds are that you won't improve b/c there's less room for improvement.

The above is only my opinion which is worth what everyone here has paid for it.:) USNA would probably say there is room for improvement (which is true), but they're not the ones spending $$ and their entire Saturday retaking the test. Just sayin' . . .
 
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Unless you have 800/800, you can always score higher. But taking the SAT isn't free -- literally or figuratively. It costs money and takes time. At some point, one has to decide whether that money and time could be better spent. If one has a 1490 (and that assumes the math is 700+ which it almost certainly is), I don't think the marginal benefit of a higher score merits the time/expense of retaking. And, there's no guarantee the next score will be better -- the higher your score, the odds are that you won't improve b/c there's less room for improvement.

The above is only my opinion which is worth what everyone here has paid for it.:) USNA would probably say there is room for improvement (which is true), but they're not the ones spending $$ and their entire Saturday retaking the test. Just sayin' . . .
Ok, definitely have to think some more, thank you for your input!
 
In terms of SAT, a 1490 is excellent even in NoVA! If you're asking whether to retake . . . no.

If you are a 2022 candidate, I would tend to agree with USNA1985 and say No as well. I know there will be others that say if you are not at 800/800 that you can improve. However, if you are a 2023 candidate, you do have an opportunity to score higher if you would like to try it again. I would focus on other parts of your application if you feel there is an area that could benefit more like leadership, or athletics (CFA).
Ok, thanks again Ravens, I appreciate the advice.
 
In terms of SAT, a 1490 is excellent even in NoVA! If you're asking whether to retake . . . no.

If you are a 2022 candidate, I would tend to agree with USNA1985 and say No as well. I know there will be others that say if you are not at 800/800 that you can improve. However, if you are a 2023 candidate, you do have an opportunity to score higher if you would like to try it again. I would focus on other parts of your application if you feel there is an area that could benefit more like leadership, or athletics (CFA).
Ok, thanks again Ravens, I appreciate the advice.
My son was scores were a little low. He is scheduled to retake the test in February will that be to late for review?
 
My son was scores were a little low. He is scheduled to retake the test in February will that be to late for review?

Yes, at least for the class of 2022.
The application deadline is January 31st.
On the website: "Except in very unusual circumstances, candidate files not completed by January 31 will not receive further consideration."

Now an update might be accepted though. It's anybody's guess. The reason I say that is because technically the application is "complete" already and a later update doesn't affect the "completeness"
 
My son was scores were a little low. He is scheduled to retake the test in February will that be to late for review?

Yes, at least for the class of 2022.
The application deadline is January 31st.
On the website: "Except in very unusual circumstances, candidate files not completed by January 31 will not receive further consideration."

Now an update might be accepted though. It's anybody's guess. The reason I say that is because technically the application is "complete" already and a later update doesn't affect the "completeness"
Thanks, and yes a pass or pitch against Army would have been nice.
 
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