What should I do?

[equestriangrl93]

Ok, here's my situation. I want to apply for a nomination from my U.S. Senators and U.S. Rep. The deadline for Senator Bob Casey is Oct. 3, all info must be submitted by that date including SAT/ACT scores. The problem is I have not taken the SATs yet. The reason is that I am using the "fee waiver" and it only covers up to four tests. Because of that I planned to do as many free practice tests as possible and only take the real test when I was almost positive I would get a good score. Anyway I was registered for the test, I got sick and had a really high fever, so I wasn't able to take the test. I have regrets now thinking that I should have tried anyway. If I take them on Oct. 1st, I think even with "rush scores" (on College Board it reads that it takes about 2 days before scores are revealed) they won't be available before that date. Is it a good idea for me call their offices explain my situation? Ask them if it would be acceptable to submit all the other info by then and submit the SAT scores by the interview dates (Oct. 25-27)? I don't want to bend the rules and I would perfectly understand if that is not accecptable. Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[Pima]

Take the ACT and have it rushed, at least that way you will have one for sure. I would contact them and ask, because all they can do is say No!

The problem is PA is one of those states that are considered competitive, and they may just say that the deadline is firm.

FWIW, regarding the interview, I don't know about Casey, but usually they do not offer interviews for everyone. The traditional procedure is they will weed through and then select from there to do an interview. That is why they are basically asking for the packet about 3 weeks prior. Think about it for some MOCs can have several hundred applicants for the ten slots. It would be impossible even if they did it 24/7 for 3 days, and only lasted 15 minutes, they wouldn't be able to get through all of them.

 

[Blackbird]

As Pima says you can take the ACT. The next test date is September 10. However, there is no rush option on the ACT. With only one exception, my DS received the scores in the mail on the second Thursday after the test was taken. We are in Kentucky, but if you had a similar schedule you could get scores to your MOC. You can have the scores sent directly to the MOC, just get their ACT number.

 

[MammaBear]

equestriangrl93:

Many students take the PSAT. My DS submitted his PSAT scores which was sufficient until he could submit SAT scores. That way they had some idea of what his testing would look like. Good Luck!

 

[Pima]

Looking at his nom procedures, equestrian would have to send the scores directly since it will not be on their official transcript.

I would contact your school 1st to see if they put your PSAT scores on your "official" transcript, for our 2 kids that attended different HS in different states, one had their PSAT on it, the other didn't. It would be a waste of time to contact them if your school does not place it on your sealed transcript.

Additionally, if you do have this option, make sure it is competitive, rule of thumb is to add a 0 behind the score. Our DS's PSAT score was very close to his SAT, yet our DD's was @300 points less than her 1st SAT. It could hurt you if it is deemed non-competitive for an interview.

Finally, realize that some kids do better on the ACT over the SAT and vise a verse. If you have been struggling with the SAT you may do better on the ACT. For many the hard section is Science because it is a lot of graphing. Usually they look at M/V and Composite. Composite score is taking the avg of all 4 sections, you can have a 32 M, 30 V, but a 28 Comp because you boffed S and R.

If it was me I would take the ACT, and try to get the PSAT in, usually they will accept both and take the higher score of either when they place it into the equation. ACT avg for SA's usually hover around 30-31, which is a 1360 (out of 1600) equivalent.

 

[singaporemom]

I would advise taking the ACT, have scores sent directly to the senator. Send in your PSAT with a letter explaining that the first SAT test of the school year is October 1, and you have registered for that test and will have the scores sent directly. Take the SAT, and hopefully they will accept the scores. Worst case is that they will not, but you have tried everything possible to get the scores there on time. Followup with a phone call explaining the dates of the first test. I would not go into the illness part of the story unless asked.

Don't fret over any of this, since that will not help you. Just do the best that you can with what you have and let the chips fall where they may. Good Luck!