Should I retake the SAT?

N

navyhopeful2020

Member
Joined
Sep 23, 2018
Messages
22
Hi all,
I recently took my SAT for the second time, and my superscore is now a 1500 (760M 740E), although my highest single test score is a 1470 (740E 730M). Should I retake it considering the fact that I may need a color deficiency waiver for USNA and my nomination sources only consider one sitting score (not the superscore)? Thanks!
 
I would start to focus on other parts of your application. Those are top notch scores.
 
Too funny. Almost identical situation and scores as my son. My son will also need a waiver.

We are having same discussion at home about taking the May 4th exam (3rd sitting) for which is already signed up. I say retake and my husband says that is crazy - his scores are already great. I don't think my husband realizes how competitive this process is. Son not sure what to do.
 
It is indeed a competition. You should keep trying until you're convinced you can do no better -- and that goes for every aspect of the application, not just ACT/SAT. You can rest on your laurels. But you can be sure someone in your district is not. And that's who you're up against.
 
To the extent you can, you might want to consider the competitiveness of your district. Regardless, SAT/ACT is worth a lot and you could put yourself in a better position by pushing the math score to 800. I would take lots of practice tests and go for it.
 
williamsdr3 said:
Too funny. Almost identical situation and scores as my son. My son will also need a waiver.

We are having same discussion at home about taking the May 4th exam (3rd sitting) for which is already signed up. I say retake and my husband says that is crazy - his scores are already great. I don't think my husband realizes how competitive this process is. Son not sure what to do.
Click to expand...

Don't forget that getting selected doesn't solely depend on SAT scores!
 
We once attended an Academy Day and a member of the USNA admissions staff was asked basically the same question. She replied by saying if you don't have a perfect score then keep taking it. Remember you're up against kids who are fighting a clawing for every possible point on that magical WCS. The SAT score is only one part, but make that part great if you can. But remember... all that will be for naught if your academic rigor, CFA, leadership, essays, experiences and recommendations aren't competitive as well.
 
Like boatsfordays said if theres room for improvement keep taking the tests, however for most people your scores tend to plateau or even out after taking the test a few times. It doesn't hurt to take it once more and if you notice your score didn't change that much you can consider taking the ACT to make you an even more competitive candidate. i believe it looks better to take it again and try to do better than to send scores that you think are "good enough"
 
Plebes-to-be are not built on test scores alone. The class of 2022 had SAT scores between 1,240 and 1,520.

Can you;
Run a 5:20 Mile?
Do a 7.6 second shuttle run?
Throw a basketball 102'-0"?
Do 75 Push-ups in 2 minutes?
Do 95 Crunches in 2 minutes?
Do 18 Pull-ups in 2 minutes?

All in the 40 minute time frame?

By the way, nobody throws a basketball 102'-0". ;)
 
boatsfordays said:
We once attended an Academy Day and a member of the USNA admissions staff was asked basically the same question. She replied by saying if you don't have a perfect score then keep taking it.
Click to expand...

True, but keep in mind the context of the statement. Nobody at USNA Admissions is looking for a perfect score --it is probably more accurate to say that you should keep taking the SAT/ACT if there is room for improvement and you have a realistic chance to improve. Consider the law of diminishing returns -- 1470 is pretty impressive , and certainly is good enough to get into USNA IF THE REST OF YOUR PACKAGE IS COMPETITIVE. Keep in mind, the SAT/ACT is used as a predictor of academic ability/potential to get through the Academic curriculum. However, even a perfect SAT/ACT is not going to overcome weaknesses in other areas -- leadership, athletics, community service, etc.
 
Old Navy BGO said:
boatsfordays said:
We once attended an Academy Day and a member of the USNA admissions staff was asked basically the same question. She replied by saying if you don't have a perfect score then keep taking it.
Click to expand...

True, but keep in mind the context of the statement. Nobody at USNA Admissions is looking for a perfect score --it is probably more accurate to say that you should keep taking the SAT/ACT if there is room for improvement and you have a realistic chance to improve. Consider the law of diminishing returns -- 1470 is pretty impressive , and certainly is good enough to get into USNA IF THE REST OF YOUR PACKAGE IS COMPETITIVE. Keep in mind, the SAT/ACT is used as a predictor of academic ability/potential to get through the Academic curriculum. However, even a perfect SAT/ACT is not going to overcome weaknesses in other areas -- leadership, athletics, community service, etc.
Click to expand...
navyhopeful2020 said:
Hi all,
I recently took my SAT for the second time, and my superscore is now a 1500 (760M 740E), although my highest single test score is a 1470 (740E 730M). Should I retake it considering the fact that I may need a color deficiency waiver for USNA and my nomination sources only consider one sitting score (not the superscore)? Thanks!
Click to expand...

Absolutely! We've been down the color waiver road. There are just a few of them. Make that resume the very best it can be. Also, if possible, I hope you can list something really special on that resume. That waiver requires something different. Don't ask me what that is, but each of the three non-recruited athletes I know with waivers had something really cool on theirs.
 
As you know, USNA does not give out 'minimum' required scores for anything, including GPA, class rank, CFA, SAT, ACT... They want every candidate to strive for THEIR best. 1500 superscored SAT is an awesome score, so I wouldn't sweat it. However, if you have the time and can afford it, why not take it again? Don't go nuts studying... Your score already indicates you know the material. Just take as many timed practice tests as you can. If you get a better score, which is likely the case, that would be great. If you get a lower score, who cares? You already have that 1500 on record. I can't imagine that any nominating source would not consider your individual 1470 worthy of a nomination, but again, if you do better on a retake, good for you. You're at an advantage. You will have absolutely no pressure. Of course all of the other stuff matters. Your test scores are just a piece of this big puzzle.
 
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