Summer Seminar Test Scores

[an654]

Does anyone know how vital test scores are for getting selected to USNA's Summer Seminar? DS is only going to have a PSAT and an SAT score under his belt when he applies in January. We are awaiting PSAT results, and he takes SAT in a few weeks. If those scores aren't "up to snuff," does that keep him out? He has extensive ECA participation and leadership and a 4.30 GPA.

 

[Navy2025&27]

The application doesn't ask for test scores from what I recall. They want to know what classes they've taken and an essay.

 

[Usnavy2019]

Admissions will consider them if they are sent in, but I remember them not being required when I applied (2013-2014). I would not use NASS as an accurate indicator of your DS's admission prospects. NASS is primarily there for recruiting and outreach. It is not a future mid prep program. Plenty of mids (like me... well I guess I'm a former mid now) got rejected from NASS. I ironically ended up detailing the program as a 1/C. Plenty of NASS alumni end up not getting an appointment. The people who get admitted because they "walk on water" are in the minority. They are also usually ones applying out of competitive parts of the country (Virginia, California, etc.). A lot of people get into NASS because they have good paper and they are from a district or part of the country that doesn't see too many applicants. The goal is that they come to USNA, have fun, apply, and also talk about their good experience at USNA to their friends. I'd reckon those that are truly exceptional will get into NASS so Admissions can keep their interest. That is also the purpose of LOAs. Exceptional candidates most likely have plenty of good options so knowing one will get appointed if the boxes are checked might keep a great candidate from going another route.

 

[Hunter15]

Does anyone know how vital test scores are for getting selected to USNA's Summer Seminar? DS is only going to have a PSAT and an SAT score under his belt when he applies in January. We are awaiting PSAT results, and he takes SAT in a few weeks. If those scores aren't "up to snuff," does that keep him out? He has extensive ECA participation and leadership and a 4.30 GPA.

All I had was a PSAT of like 1050 or 1100 and a 4.33 gpa under my belt when I applied this past spring and I got in. My sat was much better for my actual application to USNA and ultimately got me an appointment but I would say with a 4.3 gpa, decent extracurriculars, and decent test scores he should be fine in terms of getting in. Oh yeah, write a semi decent essay as well to make up for any holes in your Nass app.

 

[Old Navy BGO]

'2019 Comments are spot on.. NASS is a promotional, awareness program. Of course grades and scores have to be good enough to be eligible or qualified for Admission (with the recognition that many improve SAT/ACT scores between Junior and Senior year), but the top scores are not necessarily going to beat out lesser scores. As I've said here before --that kid from NORVA that has a 4.0 and 1400 SAT, practically lives on the Yard and has wanted to go to USNA his entire life isn't the target audience, while that Midwest kid with strong academic performance and lesser SAT's scores, athletic and school leader who is barely aware of USNA . Both may apply, get appointed, and be great Midshipman, but USNA doesn't need to sell the sell the former on attending USNA.

One of the biggest drawbacks of the NASS program is that good candidates get turned off or feel that they are not wanted if they don't get accepted. Don't fall for that ---as '19 notes, there are many who aren't accepted , or don't go to NASS who get appointments, and many who attend NASS who decide its not for them. Bottom line, NASS is not a preliminary screen and not an indicator of success in the USNA Admission process.

 

[MidCakePa]

As mentioned above, test scores and GPA are not necessarily make-or-break aspects for NASS. It’s an outreach, recruiting and informational tool for USNA. Some attendees are from under-represented populations, e.g. regions, ethnicity, etc. Some are uber-impressive water walkers. Many are both. (This I know from DD attending the summer programs at the three DOD SAs.) All are competitive for eventual admission, to some degree, based on what little information USNA captures.

It is a great experience. It can confirm one’s intention to apply — or to not apply. It can provide a small taste of SA life. But it’s not a prerequisite or a competitive advantage for actual appointment. Terrific if one gets in, no big deal if one doesn’t.

P.S. Cross-posted with @Old Navy BGO. What he said x 10!

 

[Dr. Strange Love]

.
Don’t you need a good SAT score to get a candidate # and an application packet ? ….

Daughter wasn’t invited to summer seminar … maybe because we are so close and she basically lived there in Lacrosse camps since elementary … they probably had a file on her.

Anyway … she had her SAT score sent there and got a candidate # in 2018
.

 

[LoonWatch2027]

I was invited to a summer seminar with a low SAT score this was before I took it again after the application deadline closed. I went and had a good time, dont stress. Message me if you have any questions, happy to answer.

 

[Old Navy BGO]

Don’t you need a good SAT score to get a candidate # and an application packet ?

Not anymore. The " Contact & Counsel" designation for those that didn't meet a minimum ACT/SAT standard was removed when USNA adopted its " test flexible" policy in response to COVID. Everyone who submits a preliminary application is considered an official candidate and receives a candidate number now. It doesn't appear that will be changing in the near future.

 

[Jabor3]

My son took the SAT in December (of junior year) in order to have the score to send in early January for his NASS application / preliminary application. He seemed to think that was important if I recall. No question his scores bumped up between then and June of junior year (his final SAT test date) when he completed more advanced math and put in more work on his own with SAT prep, but as someone else said I'm sure they know to expect that in admissions!

 

[njfilm23]

I applied with no test scores—still got in. I would say it's more important to submit it ASAP rather than wait for a test score; it's rolling and spots fill up fast. Good luck.