SAT scores

usnahopeful2014

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Oct 12, 2009
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I recently completed my application and I talked to an admission rep at the Academy who said I might want to consider taking the SAT a third time to try and up my math score (610). What kind of scores has everyone else gotten? I really don't think I would increase that much if at all because it's all about the time constraint for me. Any thoughts about whether my score is good enough or needs a boost :wink:?
 
probably needs a boost. I got a 610 on my SAT, then I took the ACT and scored a 28 which equals a 640 when converted. My admissions officer called me and asked me questions about my application and she said that the 640 was qualifying. I got an LOA with that score and a converted 800 in english, but I'm also an underrepresented minority.

Bottom line: take it until you're satisfied, but a 610 is a little on the low side.
 
Here are the discussions we have had in our house. First, there is no harm in retaking the SAT. My daughter's score was 640, she was given similar advice by a BGO. She is retaking. She is concerned however since she has taken the SAT twice both scores were similar, if the purpose of the SAT is to predict your success as a freshman and her next score is significantly better because of some tailored preparation, will she be in over her head at the academy?

If you have taken AP or IB level math and done well in those courses that should help. Have you taken the ACT? My daughter did much better on the ACT.

Here's info from 2012 class profile
SAT and ACT Scores
Score Ranges Verbal Math
>700 (26-30) 26% 32.7%
>600-699 (26-30) 43.8% 49.2%
<600 (<26) 29.9% 18.1%
 
I have taken the ACT, I got a 26...If I were given time to maybe do an SAT Math prep class or specifically study that part in the study book I might be able to up that score a bit, but how long can I wait to take them since the board will probably be looking at my application this week I was told?
 
The December SAT is the last test that will be considered for the Class of 2014.

GoNavyMom
 
SAT date is Dec. 5th (same day as Senator Cardin's interviews if you live in MD), ACT date is Dec.12th. Research shows prep classes can help raise your score on average 50 points. If it's true the academy assigns you "points" based on your SAT score it's certainly worth the effort.
 
SAT date is Dec. 5th (same day as Senator Cardin's interviews if you live in MD), ACT date is Dec.12th. Research shows prep classes can help raise your score on average 50 points. If it's true the academy assigns you "points" based on your SAT score it's certainly worth the effort.

640 is slightly above the average 600 score they used to look for but, if you'll notice, you can't find the Class of 2013 stats. That's because they (USNA) are not using the raw data anymore, they're using the WPC (Whole Person Concept) score; your daughter will score high on that scale.
 
SAT date is Dec. 5th (same day as Senator Cardin's interviews if you live in MD), ACT date is Dec.12th. Research shows prep classes can help raise your score on average 50 points. If it's true the academy assigns you "points" based on your SAT score it's certainly worth the effort.

Thanks for the info, I guess I'll try and sign up for a course in the next two weeks and sign up for the December 5th SAT...
 
When I called USNA, I was told the last SAT date for the class of 2014 is the one in January.
 
I think if you are taking the Jan. SAT you need to arrange to have your scores sent directly to USNA when you register for the test. Scores will be available Feb.11th. If you wait to see your score before you request they be sent you may miss the March 1 USNA deadline. When we requested scores be sent recently even electronic scores were delayed by 2 weeks.
 
I recently completed my application and I talked to an admission rep at the Academy who said I might want to consider taking the SAT a third time to try and up my math score (610). What kind of scores has everyone else gotten? I really don't think I would increase that much if at all because it's all about the time constraint for me. Any thoughts about whether my score is good enough or needs a boost :wink:?
USNAhopeful2014 I sent you a PM
 
A couple of things - if an admission rep suggests that you take the SAT's again then do it. Get the Blue SAT book and only study the math portion. spend some time taking practice tests. This will cost you a few bucks and a looonnngg Sat am but it shows perseverence to admissions. It shows them that you are willing to do what it takes to gain admission.
Finally, those who are taking the Dec and Jan SAT's. when you register (or right after the test) have the scores sent directly to the academy. they will get them the quickest that way.
 
Truthfully, just studying the collegeboard sat book daily will get you the score you want. I did this and raised 100 points on each section earning 740 math and 660 critical reading. Keep in mind I received an LOA before I received these scores and I had my old lower scores on file. So these tests shouldn't be stressed over too much as other parts of the application can make up for low scores
 
Congrats KDelrosario! Great improvement! My son only took the SAT once, but showed huge improvement taking the ACT three times between each one just by taking practice tests.
 
I recently completed my application and I talked to an admission rep at the Academy who said I might want to consider taking the SAT a third time to try and up my math score (610). What kind of scores has everyone else gotten? I really don't think I would increase that much if at all because it's all about the time constraint for me. Any thoughts about whether my score is good enough or needs a boost :wink:?

Sent you a PM. Best of Luck!
 
Back to the original question asked in this thread: "Are my scores good enough?

The only answer to that question is, again, "IT DEPENDS." It depends upon a variety of things, the first of which ONLY the applicant can answer: How bad do you want to get in to USNA??:confused:

It also depends upon how stiff the competition is in your state, your congressonial district.............

If you want in, make sure your application package is the strongest you can possibly put forth. Leave nothing on the table.

As other posters have pointed out, the fact that USNA suggested you retake the SAT is pretty telling. Obviously, they want you to do so. Pondering this question here or to yourself is meaningless. Spend the time studying.

Yes, I realize you have already posted that you decided to go ahead and retake. My message is aimed at all who ask "Is my score/CFA/whatever GOOD ENOUGH?" Only those who sit behind the closed doors of the Admissions Board weekly know what constitutes "GOOD ENOUGH." And that may well change from week to week, from one state or district to another.......
 
Ok, I'm in a strange circumstance.

One of my counselors from the academy called to get back to me about a message I'd left him. During the conversation, he mentioned that my test scores were good (33 ACT composite, 710 math and 700 reading) but that I needed to raise them to get a few more points as I was "just a bit under", so I'm retaking my SATs in December.

Points for what? My GPA isn't low (recalculated 3.7) and I have good athletics and ECs. Is he saying that as a whole person, I'm not up to standards? If so, then I think something may have gone wrong or that they may have accidentally overlooked some stuff, as everything of mine is above the academy average. If not that, then might he be referring to some "whole person" score that if you exceed, you automatically gain acceptance into the academy? I'm really confused and somewhat worried.

Note that this is for the USAFA, I just didn't want to make a whole new topic there and this thread is suitable for my purposes.
 
nsiderbam, IMHO, this is what is up: You are up against some stiff competition.........and a few more standardized test points would push you up the list. Many candidates have great EC's, CFA, GPA, leadership, athletics. Obviously the counselor likes what he sees. If you are really concerned, call him again and say "Hey, is there anything else I can do to strengthen my application?" I doubt if they could have overlooked anything. He may be using this to measure your desire. Like, "if he really wants this, he will be willing to re-take those tests!"

It is VERY competitive and he was giving you a tip. Take it and run!
 
Ok, thanks, that's good advice. You've helped to assuage my fears.

I will sign up for the test asap and will contact my counselor sometime soon.
 
What about those of us who simply don't test well on the sat? I took it three times and my math went from a 580 to a 600 to a 610. I also took the ACT twice getting a 28 on the math. I've had a tutor and done the books and while I know these are no where near good enough I'm not retesting anymore. The reason I hate these stupid tests is my friend who is struggling with a C in pre calc her senior year got a 640 on the math without even studying while I currently have an A in calculus... These tests really don't show your math ability! My BGO said that once you get to the 600 mark it's really just extra points for getting higher-- they can see that I can do math. I'm not really inclined to believe him since there are people with 700's still retaking them. Will the academy look at the fact I've taken these test 5 times and raised my score each time and say "she's really trying, we see she can do math, she just doesn't do well on the sat"?
 
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