Submitting a low SAT score vs. no SAT score

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acecreator71

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With SAT scores being optional this year, at what point would you consider a score too low to submit?

We thought the “optional” parts of the application should always be submitted, but if the score is low, wouldn’t that hurt the application more? Curious what others would consider the cut off point of submitting their score.

Thank you.
 
While I would be unable to directly answer the question, I would figure that the option is more so for those who were unable to take a standardized test due to COVID, though either way, you are expected to submit a reasoning if you choose not to submit test scores. With this in consideration, if you have valid reasoning, I would say not to submit them. Otherwise, I would personally submit them and allow the rest of my application to speak to my abilities. With the many facets of a USCGA application, I would hope that Admissions could see past test scores if the rest of an application is well-rounded. Best of luck to you!
 
Thank you. Our reasoning would be that here in California, we had numerous tests cancelled due to COVID and were only able to take the test one time and one time only. The score wasn't what we had hoped (obviously) and I feel it won't look good compared to the applicants who have been able to take the SATs over and over again. When my DD was at a Cadet for the Day program last month, there were numerous students who were able to take the SATs five or more times. That's a huge advantage over the states that didn't have the test available.
 
The tests are optional because some may not be able to take the tests. You could and did.

Taking responsibility and being upfront and honest about our actions starts where?

Many people found a way to take multiple tests. Are you saying it was impossible for you to do that?
 
CA946 said:
With SAT scores being optional this year, at what point would you consider a score too low to submit?

We thought the “optional” parts of the application should always be submitted, but if the score is low, wouldn’t that hurt the application more? Curious what others would consider the cut off point of submitting their score.
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I believe the "option" not to submit test scores is there to accommodate those who could not take the test. If you actually took the test, that sounds like a different scenario than what is being accommodated. (we may have read it differently, maybe they allow for other reasons)

Now, could you get away with NOT submitting the scores for the test you did take? ya, sure.

While I recognize this may be tempting, This is an integrity issue.
(I'm not trying to judge or be pretentious here, just sharing a point of view that maybe hasn't been considered from this perspective.)

I took it twice and both times I was sick (masked and in the back corner). Both times I did very poorly; we're talking 1100ish super scored. (shoot I did better by 200 points on my practice tests).
I submitted them anyway, You may want to consider doing so as well.

Personally I would rather serve with slightly lower achieving Guardsmen who have higher integrity, than vice versa.
 
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I contacted admissions a few weeks ago with the same question and I got a very interesting answer. I’m going to quote a part of the response below.

“With that being said however, that choice is certainly one for you and your family to make and we’re test optional this year, so not submitting scores will not harm you.”

I was asking if I should report my score of 1150 and my AO ultimately said yes further in the email. I’m not going to paste the entire conversation because we talk about other off topic things.

In my situation, I improved on the SAT significantly so I submitted my improved scores but what I’m getting is that even you could take the SAT, you don’t have to submit it or feel obligated to do so.
 
GeorgiaGus said:
I believe the "option" not to submit test scores is there to accommodate those who could not take the test. If you actually took the test, that sounds like a different scenario than what is being accommodated.
Now, could you get away with NOT submitting the scores for the test you did took? ya, sure.
While I recognize this may be tempting, This is an integrity issue.
I took it twice, both times I was sick (masked and in the back corner). both times I did very poorly, we're talking 1100ish. (shoot I did better by 200 points on my practice tests). I submitted them anyway, You should consider doing so as well.
Personally I would rather serve with slightly lower achieving Guardsmen that have higher integrity than vice versa.
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I didn't read it this way. I just thought it was optional. I see what you're saying, though. Our intention was never to be dishonest and lie.
 
GeorgiaGus said:
While I recognize this may be tempting, This is an integrity issue.
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Actually, I guess I'm not understanding. If DD tells her AO to review her application w/o her SAT score, how is that in integrity issue? She would tell him she doesn't feel her score reflects her academic ability and would like the decision based on the past four years, not one test. She wouldn't be lying and telling him she never took the test.
 
CA946 said:
Actually, I guess I'm not understanding. If DD tells her AO to review her application w/o her SAT score, how is that in integrity issue? She would tell him she doesn't feel her score reflects her academic ability and would like the decision based on the past four years, not one test. She wouldn't be lying and telling him she never took the test.
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I just re-read this year's admissions requirements and the language looks a little different than what I recall from last year.

Admission Requirements - United States Coast Guard Academy

Admission Requirements The Coast Guard Academy is ranked among the nation’s elite undergraduate colleges. This is reflected in our highly selective admission process, which annually admits about 300 cadets from thousands of applicants. Unlike the other federal service academies, the Coast Guard...
www.uscga.edu www.uscga.edu
My understanding has been that submitting the test scores were optional in the event you were unable to take the test. Re-reading them now, it seems a little more ambiguous, possibly allowing the option not to submit for reasons other than not being able to take the test.

I completely see your point of view, however, that "doesn't feel ... score reflects ... academic ability" may be a reason.
I certainly feel that way about my own scores, and given more clarity, I might have considered this as an option.
 
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As a parent or applicant I’d want to know

How many actually apply and don’t have test scores

How many are admitted and don’t have test scores.
 
For the record, this is what is written on the application: "You are encouraged to submit at least one set of ACT or SAT exam scores, but they are not required in order for your application to be considered complete and eligible for review...If you are not submitting ACT or SAT exam scores, please upload a short statement requesting that your application be reviewed without them."

@CA946 If there's one thing that every CGA admissions officer/employee has emphasized, it's that the application is holistic and that they take into account much more than GPA and test scores. They certainly want to see that you can tackle the Academy's rigorous academics, but they ultimately want well-rounded cadets who will become good Coast Guard officers.

If academics aren't the strongest part of your application, try to emphasize any leadership roles and athletic ability. It appears to me that the evaluation board would want to know as much about you as they can, even if your test scores aren't up to par (you could explain your SAT situation in Personal Statement 4). Good luck!
 
We are in CA, my son (2022) took it once, could have taken more...they are available, he submitted his score. My daughter was a 2021 graduate and all 5 of her SAT tests were cancelled, she did not get to take it before college apps were due. I can honestly say it did not benefit her not to have a tests score, she had a great gpa, etc and I feel like it hurt her not to have a score at test optional schools. That’s just our experience.
 
Justin HELPmomStocksPosts said:
I contacted admissions a few weeks ago with the same question and I got a very interesting answer. I’m going to quote a part of the response below.

“With that being said however, that choice is certainly one for you and your family to make and we’re test optional this year, so not submitting scores will not harm you.”

I was asking if I should report my score of 1150 and my AO ultimately said yes further in the email.
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No one here knows the mind of Admissions, but personally I find it telling that when it came down to it, the AO’s actual advice was to submit the low SAT score as opposed to submitting without a score. Would be good info for any appointees who applied with no standardized test scores to note that for future classes to consider.
 
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