Should I Stop focusing on the SAT and start working on other areas of my application?

[MooseMountain]

I scored a 1520 on the SAT on my first try with a 780 in math and a 740 in reading. Should I still dedicate time to study for the test or should I spend that time bolstering other areas of my application like work experience and leadership activites?

 

[txfwindian]

Just my thoughts based on 1 data point (my DD).
1. Have you checked the class profile at usma.edu. You can get a good idea on where do you stand. Based on last couple of years, this is a very good score. But these scores are just 1 component of your full application.

2. How is your GPA so far and how are you coming up in your STEM courses? Being in top 10% is a good start.

3. What are your areas of improvement that you think can get extra help/time. In my DD's case ( SAT similar to yours), she decided not to take it again as she understood there were other areas of improvement where needed to put in extra time.

At the end of the day, USMA or any other SA are looking for a balanced candidate, just not a STUD in 1 area alone. Academics do count 60% of your WCS, 30% is your sports, EC and 10% if your CFA.

 

[sbbm9901]

To piggyback on the above, in relation to the class profiles in recent years, your score appears to be competitive. Take a look at your other areas and address any needed areas of improvement. Anecdotally, my DS just graduated from USMA ('21) with a 1380 SAT and my DD is at another academy with a 1440, so the whole package is super important. Best of luck.

 

[MooseMountain]

To piggyback on the above, in relation to the class profiles in recent years, your score appears to be competitive. Take a look at your other areas and address any needed areas of improvement. Anecdotally, my DS just graduated from USMA ('21) with a 1380 SAT and my DD is at another academy with a 1440, so the whole package is super important. Best of luck.

I think my academics are fine. 3.9 unweighted GPA, mix of AP's and honors classes. Physics, Chem, Ap Bio, Calc BC. I'm just wondering how I can better show my leadership skills and willingness to volunteer.

 

[HCopter]

Yes, stop.
The only thing left is if you haven't already sent them as free score sends, do so now! And don't forget to send to all other SAs, colleges, and your nom sources if they have an SAT code. Don't wait, do it now.

Move on and get leadership, further engagement, and make a difference in your existing activities, which you previously cited as
lacrosse, hopefully 3 years?
track? 1 year
a service club
another club
intern at congresswoman's office (or similar) - essay material? any leadership role?

 

[jl123]

Your score is in the 99+ percentile and your academics seem very solid. If anything holds you back, it is unlikely to be academics. Even with superscoring there is very little to be gained by an even higher score, although if you have nothing else to do on a Saturday, it wouldn't hurt to take it again (it might make a difference to civilian colleges).

Focus on Leadership and CFA. Try to get Boys/Girls State (an great boost to Leadership WCS points). Participation in activities is good; leadership positions in those activities is better. If possible, do activities that your school offers since they will probably correspond to the standard activities/positions on the application dropdown selections, which lead to automatic WCS points.