Standardized test scores

[MN-Dad-2016]

ACT limits the number of attempts at 12, do not beleive SAT has a limit.

DD ALO indicated the minimum USAFA value is 25. USMA minimum is 23/24 depending on subject. Would not suggest anyone shoot for minimum scores.

When super scored at USAFA, the average ACT is close to 31. I'd assume even at 28, you better be having someone fight for you (a coach, special connections etc).

 

[MN-Dad-2016]

A Policy Analysis Study published in 2006 looked at a variety of entrance criteria for USAFA cadets. The purpose of the study was to identify criteria used for entrance to USAFA that had a statistically significant positive correlation with the same cadets later graduating from USAFA.

The study found that the most statistically significant factors for graduating were (in no particular order):

• SAT/ACT score
• Boys/Girls State participation
• CFA score
• Receiving a Superintendent nomination
• Having a parent who graduated from USAFA
• Having a sibling at USAFA or who has graduated from USAFA

I don't know how relevant the data is in 2013, but it does provide some support for continued use of the ACT/SAT. Other criteria was also found to be statistically significant but with a lower level of significance (pg. 15 of the study). I found the reading interesting, but then I'm like that. . .

There is absolutely no doubt that the SAT/ACT score has merit. An ACT score of 18 paints a completely different picture than a score of 24. A score of 28 is not as impressive as a 34. In those ranges, I expect a strong correlation.

Even a an ACT score of 30 will knock you out of many programs as compared to a score of 32. That difference could be something as simple as learning a couple of ACT testing tricks (and I do mean tricks).

 

[Dad]

It is my understanding that USAFA also has varying mins. depending on subject. I also have been told that they do super score, but only on tests where you are qualifying in every section. The source is very reliable but it's been a while since I heard that so I very well could be imagining it haha

Don't worry about mins. A min score would not be competitive. Treat the average as the min and shoot to beat 30s on all subject areas.

 

[bmw17]

Don't worry about mins. A min score would not be competitive. Treat the average as the min and shoot to beat 30s on all subject areas.

Oh of course! I wasn't trying to encourage shooting for mins. I was just trying to say that if you got say a 36 on reading and then a 24 (or whatever is not a qualifying score) in math for the same test, they wouldn't be able to use the 36 reading for your superscore because they will only superscore the tests in which ALL of your scores are qualifying. At least that is what I have heard, that could be completely not the case...

Basically what I am saying is don't try the strategy in which you ace say reading and not try as hard on the other subjects for one test and then focus on a different subject the next time, etc. under the impression that they will superscore everything. Try your best on every subject, every time you take the test.