What to improve on and how?

HowBoutThemApples

HowBoutThemApples

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Nov 15, 2019
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Hi everyone I'm a candidate for c/o 2025 and here's what my application looks like:

3.85 UW GPA, 4.0+ Weighted(not sure)
12/86 class rank
3 APs as of junior year, next year taking AP Calc, AP Bio, AP Comp Sci, and AP Lang(do they take note of senior APs?)
1270 SAT(640/630)
National Honor Society
Student Government 3 years(running for president)
JROTC
Boys State
Stage Crew for theatre department
Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor track captain
3rd team all-conference, 3rd in sectional championship for mile
Color Guard
Flag Detail
Confirmed in Catholic Church
Confirming teammate in Catholic Church
Accepted into NASS(doesn't affect admission I know)

My SAT needs a lot of work and I know I can get to a 1350+ but I just don't know how to study properly on my own. Even though we can afford it I do not want a tutor because other kids applying to the academies may not be able to afford that and I want to get in without that much of an advantage. Does anyone here have tips as to how to self study? Other than my SAT, what can/should I improve on over this late school year and summer.

I've been observing on these forums for a while I'm gonna start being more active now, cheers!
 
Khan Academy SAT prep

Take the time to dive into the tips and strategies. Figure it out. Time management and a strategic and tactical approach to prioritization and an organized study plan, plus self-discipline, are the keys to SA academic success. No time like the present to hold yourself accountable.

www.khanacademy.org

SAT | Test prep | Khan Academy

Take real, full-length new SAT practice tests from College Board, watch Sal work through SAT questions, and use Official SAT Practice to get personalized SAT practice tailored just for you.
www.khanacademy.org www.khanacademy.org
 
Take the Khan or Kaplan course. You should be able to raise it 200.
 
I had the same thoughts about your tutoring decision.

You should not hesitate, if you are in a position to get a tutor, and it’s the right thing to do for you. When you become proficient, and down the road, if you are at an SA or college, you can be a peer tutor and help others. You can participate in non-profits that help disadvantaged kids with math or English. There are all kinds of ways to serve others in an active and direct way.

Other applicants may not have the means to do the ECAs that you are able to spend money on. They may not have as good nutrition available to them. They may have to work to help support their families. Will you stop your participation in those things or eat less nutritiously or get a job that takes away time from other activities?

Re-direct that urge to even the playing field in a more productive way. The playing field is not even, and life is not fair. You can make a difference, but you have to be in a position to do so.

Here’s an example of USNA mids giving precious liberty time to Annapolis kids:

www.usna.edu

MAG Kicks Off 2015-16 "Mids For Kids" Program

MAG Kicks Off 2015-16 "Mids For Kids" Program page for USNA News Center at USNA.edu. Updated Wed Apr 28 05:46:30 EDT 2021.
www.usna.edu
 
Nothing wrong with Khan, but many times it's learning 'how' to take the test. Many full tests are available online. Print a few out, lock yourself in a room with a timer, and get used to taking the test under pressure. You'll learn how to skip questions, make intelligent guesses, etc. And it's free. That may be all you need. Worked for my son.
 
Also take the ACT and see if that one works better for you. They are slightly different and some people have better luck with one than the other.

Don't be too proud to get help. You're not cheating or anything, just getting stronger, similar to hiring a personal trainer. In a way you're already enjoying the fruits of your family's means by being able to attend NASS, and I notice you didn't list working a job 15 hours per week. As @Capt MJ noted, use the tools at hand to be the best you possible so you can make the biggest difference in the world.
 
Having a tutor is no different than having a private trainer or coach for an athlete. Also, getting that SAT score up there is not only important for your SA application but also for your Plan B-Z. Good luck!
PS: we used a tutor for SAT prep and DD scored in the 1500’s. We also had a coach work with her for strength and conditioning since she is tiny ballerina and she did amazing on her CFA.
 
Having a tutor is no different than having a private trainer or coach for an athlete. Also, getting that SAT score up there is not only important for your SA application but also for your Plan B-Z. Good luck!
PS: we used a tutor for SAT prep and DD scored in the 1500’s. We also had a coach work with her for strength and conditioning since she is tiny ballerina and she did amazing on her CFA.
 
I'd recommend supertutortv on youtube. Also, consider how other kids at your high school and in your congressional district score on the SAT. USNA takes your surroundings into account. If a 1270 is below average compared to your peers, that would be a negative towards you in admissions. If a 1270 is significantly above average compared to your peers, they would recognize that you are doing considerably better than your peers given the same environment and it would help your chances of admissions. Either way, a 1270 is below average for kids applying to USNA, so I would work on it regardless, but I also think that understanding that all colleges, not just USNA are reading your application based on your surroundings is also important to know.
 
brewmeist said:
...many times it's learning 'how' to take the test. Many full tests are available online. Print a few out, lock yourself in a room with a timer, and get used to taking the test under pressure. You'll learn how to skip questions, make intelligent guesses, etc. And it's free. That may be all you need. Worked for my son.
Click to expand...
+1

To the list of tactics, I would add learning how to eliminate wrong answers, how to read the reading selections, installing vocabulary builder app on your phone and playing with that rather than checking your social media. There are, of course, more.

Also, do not simply grind through practice tests. Take them with the purpose of using the tactics mentioned above. I liken it to sports--from Ice Hockey to Figure Skating. The athletes don't just grind through scrimmages/programs ad nauseum. They break down the elements and groove them individually. Then they incorporate those elements into the scrimmage/program. Similarly, a PGA touring pro doesn't practice by playing round after round.
 
To be honest with you, you have the elements of receiving an appointment from the academy. However, work on the things that you love that will truly benefit you throughout your stay in the academy. Show the admissions team how you can utilize the institution in a way that will achieve your goals and aspirations as a naval officer.

My SAT was not high. It truly helps if you have a higher SAT score, but it all depends on the broad view.
 
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