Standardized Tests

[xmike_yyy]

I am a fellow applicant for C/O 2026. I just registered and applied and got into the application portal, in which they sent me a letter that had me confused. Their wording was "We recommend that you take the SAT and ACT at least twice." Does that mean that I have to take both the SAT and ACT twice? Will taking the ACT twice and SAT once be enough for them?
If not any advice, please tel me how many tests you guys have taken to apply!

 

[rangerfs9]

I think you are safe taking either one multiple times. The academy will take your best score from each SAT you take to give you a superscore...My son took only the SAT (3 times) and my daughter took the SAT (4 times) and ACT (1 time).

 

[LOVEtheUSA]

The key issue is your score. Continue to take the tests until you believe your score (with super-scoring) is as strong as it can be. Good luck!

 

[bt18]

Take both the SAT and ACT practice tests from their respective prep books (I used the Princeton Review for SAT; ACT official red book). Then take both tests once officially. Find which test fit your style better and which one you scored higher on.
I have found the SAT is harder conceptually, but gives you more time to solve the problems, while the ACT is easier conceptually, but gives you less time to solve problems. Whichever test you took officially and found to be better for your testing style (and/or you did better on) focus on it. For me, I took the SAT (1140) and the ACT (19); I did so bad I just studied and retook both and got SAT (1200) and ACT (25). After my second time around I realized I was stronger on the ACT, so I buckled down took as many practice tests for the ACT as I could, and bought the Kaplan Math Tutoring online for basic and advanced math (just an hour long live tutoring session with other students) because Math was my weak point. I scored a 30 on my ACT after that and an 11 on writing.
Moral of the story, practice, practice, practice AND TAKE THE WRITING PORTION, don’t be that guy who scores super high but didn’t take the writing portion so West Point won’t be able to take your score (writing is also ridiculously easy on the ACT).

 

[Wardaddy44]

I found out that I do better on the SAT, scoring a 1320 (620 EN, 700 Math), and on the ACT I only got a 26. However, I took the writing test on the ACT but was unable to take the writing test on the SAT because of covid. Is that going to be a problem? I know they base your file on whichever score is higher but will they still consider my writing score?

 

[abby2636271]

It definitely will not hurt to take the test more than once. Scores typically improve the second time you take it. Obviously, if u get a perfect score there is no need to, but if not I would say take it at least 2-3 times to enhance the score. Like others said, focus on the one test you are best at and put all your effort into that one! It is not required to take it twice, just highly encouraged. I'm also a C/O 2026 applicant and I have only taken the ACT once (but I am taking it again over the summer and I will probably take the SAT as well for good measures). Best of luck to you with your application!!

 

[MemberLG]

Currently. West Point superscores - they only care about your highest scores in each area. They don’t mix SAT and ACT. So SAT 1, Math 650 and English 600. SAT 2, Math 500 and English 650. Then for West Point, your SAT score is Math 650 and English 650.

 

[boxmm24]

I found out that I do better on the SAT, scoring a 1320 (620 EN, 700 Math), and on the ACT I only got a 26. However, I took the writing test on the ACT but was unable to take the writing test on the SAT because of covid. Is that going to be a problem? I know they base your file on whichever score is higher but will they still consider my writing score?

As of today, while the SAT still offers writing, yes it is a problem. Will that problem go away after June when the SAT no longer offers writing, probably. Best case is to retake SAT with writing before it goes away to secure your score if at all possible to eliminate any doubt. After June, they will likely require another way to validate your writing, and maybe the ACT writing will actually then "count" for the missing SAT writing. No one knows until they publish new guidance.