Start PCQ & Nomination Application Now, or Later?

[warden]

I am going to be applying for the class of 2028. Over the summer (from mid-May to mid-August) I will be away from home and unable to work on any application items. I am trying to decide whether or not I should open and complete the PCQ & nomination application now, or after I return from the summer. If I began and completed these items now, it would be beneficial because the earlier, the better. However, this could be risky for my nomination application, as I still need to get a higher SAT/ACT score. I got a 1330 on the March SAT, and I will be taking the ACT in April and the SAT again in May. I worry that if I open and complete these application items early, I could dig myself into a hole if I do not end up getting a high enough score on the ACT & SAT in the coming months. I live in an extremely competitive district for nominations, so every little thing counts. If I instead completed these items when I got back from the summer, it would give me a chance to take the SAT & ACT a few more times before the due dates, which could be helpful. What do you think? Should I start now and get that early start, but risk having a weak SAT/ACT score for my nomination application? Or, start later and not get the early start, but have a few more chances to get that SAT/ACT score to the highest I can get it? Thank you.

 

[T-37IP]

https://www.academyadmissions.com/apply/cycle/ There is no disadvantage to opening the PCQ. USAFA superscores the ACT and SAT, so enter what you have. The application window doesn't open until Jul 15. I can't speak directly to your nomination sources, but those don't typically open until very late summer / early fall. Do you have a CFA prep plan? Every district is extremely competitive.

 

[Jetbill]

You can send test scores directly to both nomination sources, and Academy admissions late into the fall, or early winter. Infact, a low score now, followed by a significant increase will reflect on your level of commitment. My son used scores as another opportunity to touch base with those people by email to update, (even though scores were automatically sent). Just to resptfully keep lines of communication open, and his name in front of the decision makers. Seemingly it worked. After 3 years, he was on a first name basis with the director of our Reps Service Academy Committee. 2 appointments and maybe a third yet to come????
Point is that you need to practice with these tests. Take as many as you can! That looks committed, and Super scoring is all that matters. Son started out at 1130 early Jr year, and ended at 1390 (700 math), that he updated in early December.

 

[Walking Tall]

Definitely start early. Recommendations and CFA can be done early to get that out of the way. DoDMERB next and in the mean time keep updating the test scores. Just make sure everything is in by the nomination date line. My DS is around October if I'm not mistaken.

 

[Osprey123]

@warden You have to submit all your scores, I believe, so there is no risk.They will use your best English and Math scores from your tests. What is the breakdown of your 1330, Math, English? You could study this summer and take again September.