SAT sub scores and AP

[gp_1022]

Hello, I’m a current high school junior with an SAT of 1420; math-670 reading-750. I know that the average SAT score is around a 1350, but I’m wondering if the subscores carry any weight in the overall value of a score (for instance, a 1420 with m-720 r-700 vs. a 1420 with m-670 r-750) since math seems to have a higher value. Also, my High School only offers 1 AP course, which I am enrolled in now (AP Spanish 4). Is this a significant disadvantage? I’m also enrolled in 2 other dual-enrollment classes and will take more my senior year.

FYI- this is only my SAT score through the fall of junior year so far. I will be taking another test in November, and will go on from there based on those scores.

 

[kinnem]

These are first world problems. You have a great SAT score and are apparently taking the hardest courses that are offered at your school. That's what they care about. Not every student has the same opportunities and they will not hold it against you. If you can improve your SAT, great. Otherwise move on and work your backup plans.

 

[WT Door]

Hello, I’m a current high school junior with an SAT of 1420; math-670 reading-750. I know that the average SAT score is around a 1350, but I’m wondering if the subscores carry any weight in the overall value of a score (for instance, a 1420 with m-720 r-700 vs. a 1420 with m-670 r-750) since math seems to have a higher value. Also, my High School only offers 1 AP course, which I am enrolled in now (AP Spanish 4). Is this a significant disadvantage? I’m also enrolled in 2 other dual-enrollment classes and will take more my senior year.

FYI- this is only my SAT score through the fall of junior year so far. I will be taking another test in November, and will go on from there based on those scores.

+1 to @kinnem

Since you’re at it, and seem to have some time, why don’t you give yourself a practice PFT? The instructions are on the usna.edu website. You’ll have an early baseline of where you stand physically. If you don’t like the results you, can come up with a long-range plan to improve. It's never too early to get ahead of the SA application process. Good luck moving forward.

 

[gp_1022]

+1 to @kinnem

Since you’re at it, and seem to have some time, why don’t you give yourself a practice PFT? The instructions are on the usna.edu website. You’ll have an early baseline of where you stand physically. If you don’t like the results you, can come up with a long-range plan to improve. It's never too early to get ahead of the SA application process. Good luck moving forward.

Thanks for the reply, I already have. Here’s a more rounded personal profile to give you a little bit of a better idea of myself overall: I am a 3 year varsity football, basketball, track/field and baseball player with captain in football, basketball, and baseball. I have 4.0 college-weighted GPA, 2nd in a class of 78, and around 800 service hours so far (mostly as a volunteer musician for my church/community, but also as a coach for a local youth football league). Extracurricularly, I serve as an officer for the FCA and INTERACT clubs since freshman year as well as having founded an SAT student-led study club this year. For my CFA I did 20 pull-ups, 75 sit-ups, 67 push-ups, and a 5:42 mile. Don’t have an accurate reading for a basketball throw yet. I’ve been sifting through every corner of USAFA’s website, so I’m so excited to have found this forum. Thank so much for all the help.

 

[gp_1022]

These are first world problems. You have a great SAT score and are apparently taking the hardest courses that are offered at your school. That's what they care about. Not every student has the same opportunities and they will not hold it against you. If you can improve your SAT, great. Otherwise move on and work your backup plans.

Thanks, I think I can improve my score, hopefully to around a 1500. I’m somewhat of a perfectionist to a fault, so it’s definitely important for me to take a step back and hear comments like this sometimes. Thank you for your time, I’m new to this forum so I hope to get even more information in the following year or so as I move through the application process.

 

[ThankYouToAllWhoServe]

You are a junior so you have time to improve the SAT.. don’t rush it. Use Khan academy to align your scores on SAT and it will provide guided practice based on your strengths and weakness. Take theIr quizzes on the suggested topics. Take all the timed practice tests on Khan academy. Depending on the competitiveness of your district for noms the score here may not be enough.

 

[kinnem]

Thanks for the reply, I already have. Here’s a more rounded personal profile to give you a little bit of a better idea of myself overall: I am a 3 year varsity football, basketball, track/field and baseball player with captain in football, basketball, and baseball. I have 4.0 college-weighted GPA, 2nd in a class of 78, and around 800 service hours so far (mostly as a volunteer musician for my church/community, but also as a coach for a local youth football league). Extracurricularly, I serve as an officer for the FCA and INTERACT clubs since freshman year as well as having founded an SAT student-led study club this year. For my CFA I did 20 pull-ups, 75 sit-ups, 67 push-ups, and a 5:42 mile. Don’t have an accurate reading for a basketball throw yet. I’ve been sifting through every corner of USAFA’s website, so I’m so excited to have found this forum. Thank so much for all the help.

You sound like a strong candidate. Good luck.

 

[JP51]

Yea Im applying with a 1410 770 on math and 640 on reading. Unless you want to continue spending time on mastering the SAT I suggest you learn more valuable courses. Get caught up with your physical activities. Take some college classes all these are better than just taking the SAT again which I think the SAT is quite useless and is now being abandoned by majority of colleges.

 

[HCopter]

The stats provided are strong. Go to USAFA website/Why the Academy/Facts and Figures for subscore averages. Very strategic of you to lead a club for SAT prep! A great way to learn is to teach/tutor. And bonus you get a leadership role and volunteer hours as well! I hope you are helping people on the math section. I think you should take the SAT one more time, and attempt to superscore over 1500 if possible, because you are so close. Regardless of whether colleges go test optional, you are so close so why not! Like my DD, she powered through SAT/ACT taking 4 tests and was done/had her anchoring scores in Fall of junior year.

You don't appear weak in any area, and are quite strong. CFA seems well on track, I think with so much time and your baseline already so strong, block a 3-4 month period in the spring and get your CFA administrator on board early - doing practice test with you along the way, getting feedback - so that by the time you do the real test, you are both familiar with each other and then crush it! .

Do well in AP Spanish, take the AP test, and score a 5. Just because it's the ONLY AP you'll have. Show that when you are given an opportunity, you run with it all the way!

Set yourself up to be your school's nominee to Boys State, hopefully it goes forward next summer in some form.

And this is just for you:
Be on the lookout for any self promotion - not really for SAs at all, but because you earned them! Local news scholar athlete of the week, any type of academic all american teams for your sports. Don't pass up on good common app/resume building awards! Apply to all SA summer programs; you don't know which ones you might get in, have schedule conflicts with Boys State, and also apply to US Marines SFAAP (app closes 11/30) - again, you don't know whether any will be in person, virtual, or cancelled.

 

[OldRetSWO]

the SAT is is now being abandoned by majority of colleges.

Absolutely fake news. Many colleges have gone "Test Optional" for THIS YEAR and some for NEXT Year due to COVID closures of many test centers but the Majority of colleges have absolutely NOT abandoned the test and probably will not. Way too many differences between schools and sadly, lots of very high GPAs that are very hard to wade through. Nationally based schools like the Service Academies would have a pretty difficult time evaluating candidates without some sort of common test or other evaluation scheme.
FWIW, I've been hearing the predictions of the end of the SAT for a couple of decades now and a few schools don't require it (in non-COVID years) but the leading schools that most want to get into don't seem to be moving away from it. Many of my fellow professors dislike it and feel it is not a good measure of first year college performance which is what it was designed to do but the vast majority as in almost every STEM professor that I've talked to agrees that there is a minimum Math SAT below which a student will not be able to handle college level STEM work. There is a lot of disagreement about what the specific number is but just about all agree that there IS a number. That in and of itself is an endorsement of the test from folks that don't particularly like it.

 

[gp_1022]

The stats provided are strong. Go to USAFA website/Why the Academy/Facts and Figures for subscore averages. Very strategic of you to lead a club for SAT prep! A great way to learn is to teach/tutor. And bonus you get a leadership role and volunteer hours as well! I hope you are helping people on the math section. I think you should take the SAT one more time, and attempt to superscore over 1500 if possible, because you are so close. Regardless of whether colleges go test optional, you are so close so why not! Like my DD, she powered through SAT/ACT taking 4 tests and was done/had her anchoring scores in Fall of junior year.

You don't appear weak in any area, and are quite strong. CFA seems well on track, I think with so much time and your baseline already so strong, block a 3-4 month period in the spring and get your CFA administrator on board early - doing practice test with you along the way, getting feedback - so that by the time you do the real test, you are both familiar with each other and then crush it! .

Do well in AP Spanish, take the AP test, and score a 5. Just because it's the ONLY AP you'll have. Show that when you are given an opportunity, you run with it all the way!

Set yourself up to be your school's nominee to Boys State, hopefully it goes forward next summer in some form.

And this is just for you:
Be on the lookout for any self promotion - not really for SAs at all, but because you earned them! Local news scholar athlete of the week, any type of academic all american teams for your sports. Don't pass up on good common app/resume building awards! Apply to all SA summer programs; you don't know which ones you might get in, have schedule conflicts with Boys State, and also apply to US Marines SFAAP (app closes 11/30) - again, you don't know whether any will be in person, virtual, or cancelled.

Thank you! I am already signed up for the November 7th SAT and have been working an hour of Khan Academy math every night. You are absolutely right about teaching the SAT club, I’ve learned just as much if not more by teaching my fellow students. The self promotion tip is great, I live in a rural Texas town so I’m able to find my way into the newspaper quite a bit for both athletics and academics. I’ve won several essay competitions as well, the most notable being a second place finish for the national DAR Christopher Columbus essay, and have done a few interviews about my writing.

This is my most strenuous season of the year (Texas High School football is a religion), but as soon as basketball starts I will be doing a CFA-inclined workout session before school each morning.

My biggest concern right now is with getting a 5 on my AP Spanish exam. I completed an abbreviated Spanish 2 class last school year due to shutdowns, and signed up for Pre-AP Spanish 3 this year. However, my Spanish 3 class didn’t get enough students to make and I was forced to skip ahead to AP Spanish 4. Luckily, my Spanish teacher is phenomenal and she understands my situation with the academy and the necessity for a great score.

If you don’t mind me asking, is your DD a current cadet now? If so, I would love to hear some of her specific experiences. Also, what is Boy’s state? I’m completely unfamiliar with the program and what it entails. Any feedback or comments would be greatly appreciated!

 

[zoesmith]

Thank you! I am already signed up for the November 7th SAT and have been working an hour of Khan Academy math every night. You are absolutely right about teaching the SAT club, I’ve learned just as much if not more by teaching my fellow students. The self promotion tip is great, I live in a rural Texas town so I’m able to find my way into the newspaper quite a bit for both athletics and academics. I’ve won several essay competitions as well, the most notable being a second place finish for the national DAR Christopher Columbus essay, and have done a few interviews about my writing.

This is my most strenuous season of the year (Texas High School football is a religion), but as soon as basketball starts I will be doing a CFA-inclined workout session before school each morning.

My biggest concern right now is with getting a 5 on my AP Spanish exam. I completed an abbreviated Spanish 2 class last school year due to shutdowns, and signed up for Pre-AP Spanish 3 this year. However, my Spanish 3 class didn’t get enough students to make and I was forced to skip ahead to AP Spanish 4. Luckily, my Spanish teacher is phenomenal and she understands my situation with the academy and the necessity for a great score.

If you don’t mind me asking, is your DD a current cadet now? If so, I would love to hear some of her specific experiences. Also, what is Boy’s state? I’m completely unfamiliar with the program and what it entails. Any feedback or comments would be greatly appreciated!

I went to Girl's State last year, so I can offer some insight. Both programs are by the American Legion Auxilary. Your high school corresponds with Units. Each Unit can sponsor 5-6 (usually, but sometimes varies) incoming seniors to attend the program. This means that it'll be free for you (at least it was for me). Your Unit will be the one conducting your interview and will be choosing a Delegate. Each high school that the Unit sponsors gets a Delegate and Alternate. A Delegate is the one scheduled to go. If the Delegate somehow can't attend, the Alternate goes. The actual program is about a week long and is usually located in a nearby college. It's based on Government and how to be an outstanding citizen.

You're divided into cities, counties, and then the whole state. Each city and county has elections (the city ones are usually the least competitive, the county ones are harder, and the state is hardest) for different positions. The "sought out" position is the Governor of your state, who gets an immediate spot of Boy's Nation along with another student. Boy's Nation is attended by the Governor and the other chosen student of each State in the USA (100 boys in total plus regions outside of the US ).

If your school already has the program set up, that'll be a way easier process for you. If not, you have to contact your Unit and work with your counselors to get the program to your school. I set it up for my school, so I can answer your questions if you have any.

As for activities, I struck out because mine was online due to COVID-19. But, we went over what the education system is missing, the justice system, etc. Let me know if you have any questions on the process, I'll be more than happy to help!

 

[gp_1022]

I went to Girl's State last year, so I can offer some insight. Both programs are by the American Legion Auxilary. Your high school corresponds with Units. Each Unit can sponsor 5-6 (usually, but sometimes varies) incoming seniors to attend the program. This means that it'll be free for you (at least it was for me). Your Unit will be the one conducting your interview and will be choosing a Delegate. Each high school that the Unit sponsors gets a Delegate and Alternate. A Delegate is the one scheduled to go. If the Delegate somehow can't attend, the Alternate goes. The actual program is about a week long and is usually located in a nearby college. It's based on Government and how to be an outstanding citizen.

You're divided into cities, counties, and then the whole state. Each city and county has elections (the city ones are usually the least competitive, the county ones are harder, and the state is hardest) for different positions. The "sought out" position is the Governor of your state, who gets an immediate spot of Boy's Nation along with another student. Boy's Nation is attended by the Governor and the other chosen student of each State in the USA (100 boys in total plus regions outside of the US ).

If your school already has the program set up, that'll be a way easier process for you. If not, you have to contact your Unit and work with your counselors to get the program to your school. I set it up for my school, so I can answer your questions if you have any.

As for activities, I struck out because mine was online due to COVID-19. But, we went over what the education system is missing, the justice system, etc. Let me know if you have any questions on the process, I'll be more than happy to help!

Yes, that all is new to me. Like I said, I go to a small school, so it looks like this will be another thing for me to get in the works with my counselor and see if we can get a program started. Thanks for the feedback, I will absolutely let you know if I have any questions going forward!

 

[HCopter]

@gp_1022 , wonderful you are a fellow Texan! Yes, my DD is Class of 2024.

For NEXT year - THSCA academic all state (Texas High School Coaches Association) - again, not SA specific, but because you should get all the awards available! Google it!

Like @zoesmith , both of my girls had to "set" it up at their school as well. The key is it is school location based to the corresponding AL. Go online and find the Texas Boys State. They DID have a virtual session this year! Depending on your relationship with your counselor, strategically consider who to approach first - the AL or your counselor. If you approach AL first, you can introduce yourself and get the information your counselor will need to set it up!

Re Spanish - wow, what a story! There is only upside, even if your grade falls a bit short, or not! The key is to articulate what you did to address the difficulty in skipping an entire class level - seeking help early, extra instruction, tutoring, study groups, and the general theme of overcoming adversity to succeed. This is probably more important than whether you get a 3-4-5 on the AP exam. It will directly mirror the process and skill set to succeed at USAFA!

 

[OldRetSWO]

I went to Girl's State last year, so I can offer some insight. Both programs are by the American Legion Auxilary. Your high school corresponds with Units. Each Unit can sponsor 5-6 (usually, but sometimes varies) incoming seniors to attend the program. This means that it'll be free for you (at least it was for me). Your Unit will be the one conducting your interview and will be choosing a Delegate. Each high school that the Unit sponsors gets a Delegate and Alternate. A Delegate is the one scheduled to go. If the Delegate somehow can't attend, the Alternate goes. The actual program is about a week long and is usually located in a nearby college. It's based on Government and how to be an outstanding citizen.

You're divided into cities, counties, and then the whole state. Each city and county has elections (the city ones are usually the least competitive, the county ones are harder, and the state is hardest) for different positions. The "sought out" position is the Governor of your state, who gets an immediate spot of Boy's Nation along with another student. Boy's Nation is attended by the Governor and the other chosen student of each State in the USA (100 boys in total plus regions outside of the US ).

If your school already has the program set up, that'll be a way easier process for you. If not, you have to contact your Unit and work with your counselors to get the program to your school. I set it up for my school, so I can answer your questions if you have any.

As for activities, I struck out because mine was online due to COVID-19. But, we went over what the education system is missing, the justice system, etc. Let me know if you have any questions on the process, I'll be more than happy to help!

Actually Boys State is run by the American Legion itself and the individual POSTS sponsor boys, generally from nearby schools. I coordinate this for 20 legion posts in my county and we send approx 80 boys per year to our program. In some states the Governor goes to Boys Nation but here, the Boys elect a Governor, Lt Governor and two Senators. The Senators go on to Boys Nation to represent our program which is usually between 900 and a 1000 boys.

 

[zoesmith]

Actually Boys State is run by the American Legion itself and the individual POSTS sponsor boys, generally from nearby schools. I coordinate this for 20 legion posts in my county and we send approx 80 boys per year to our program. In some states the Governor goes to Boys Nation but here, the Boys elect a Governor, Lt Governor and two Senators. The Senators go on to Boys Nation to represent our program which is usually between 900 and a 1000 boys.

@gp_1022 I got some of the details wrong. Thank you for @OldRetSWO for correcting me, it's always great to learn more!

Still, if you have questions about setting it up, let me know.

 

[gp_1022]

@gp_1022 I got some of the details wrong. Thank you for @OldRetSWO for correcting me, it's always great to learn more!

Still, if you have questions about setting it up, let me know.

Update: I just talked to my counselor, and it turns out that my school already has a program for Boys State set up! She was very excited because this is the first time that anyone has actively pursued a nomination. Thanks for the help everyone!

 

[zoesmith]

Update: I just talked to my counselor, and it turns out that my school already has a program for Boys State set up! She was very excited because this is the first time that anyone has actively pursued a nomination. Thanks for the help everyone!

That's amazing! If you need any help with your interview, feel free to reach out