<p>Does USNA prefer the SAT over the ACT. I posted this question in the SAT/ACT forum and they said it depends on the school. The reason I'm asking this is because I scored much better for USNA standards (according to 2010 profile) on the ACT. BTW, I'm a sophmore and the scores below are only diagnostics I took for a prep class I am in.</p>
<p>Scores
ACT
Comp: 30
Math: 34
English: 31
Reading: 29</p>
<p>SAT
Total: 1750
Math: 620
CR: 610</p>
<p>My son was told by the admission's office they don't prefer one over the other. They take the one that your received your higher scores on.</p>
<p>Candidates are encouraged to take the SAT and/or ACT test more than once. Students often see a considerable test score improvement on a second or third attempt at both tests. The Naval Academy?s Admissions Board uses the highest combination of verbal/critical reading and math scores from all SAT or ACT tests taken by a candidate. The writing section should be taken by all candidates. Therefore, candidates will normally enhance their competitiveness simply by taking both the SAT and the ACT more than once.</p>
<p>Test results from the December SAT and ACT are the last ones an applicant can use to qualify as a candidate and receive an application for the Naval Academy for a particular class. The college code numbers to forward your test scores to the Naval Academy are: SAT- 5809; ACT - 1742. However, you should be aware that test results from the January 2006 SAT is the latest ones that the Admissions Board will use to evaluate candidates
for a particular class.</p>
<p>Non-standard, un-timed tests are not acceptable.</p>
<p>mtrintx90</p>
<p>Take them both. You are only a sophomore and you will see a substantial jump in your PSAT scores between Soph (if you took them this year) year and Junior year and that directly corresponds to SAT scores. Some people will do better on the SAT and some on the ACT. </p>
<p>One more year of maturity alone will help improve you scores. Son’s high school didn’t want anyone actually sitting for either test until December of their Junior year. That gives you plenty of time between December and the May or June testing dates to evaluate your results to decide if a class or private tutoring is what you need, and leaving October of Senior year as your fall back for the third attempt.</p>
<p>Although the December SAT and ACT are the last dates that an applicant for a particular class can use for an USNA application, you need to be careful not to wait that far into the fall as some of the schools you may apply to may require SATII's and you will need to leave open test dates to take those. (Cannot take both the SATI's and II's on the same testing date)</p>
<p>Many of the University/College open houses that we attended did advise not taking them too many times as they also do look at that. I recall one of the Ivy's stating that they didn't like to see more than 3 attempts.</p>
<p>Good counsel. I'm unaware there's any real advantage to retaking the PSAT. And I'd not fret about what one's school thinks you should take them. That is of no real concern to them. Take them early and as often as your dad's pocketbook will allow.</p>
<p>btw, I'm not sure how many OTHER schools allow for scores from separate schools. I know Wash & Lee and Wash U (St. Louis) will take the highest scores. Possibly Denison U (OH) as well. Do the other Acads do same as USNA?</p>
<p>Many schools have their Soph's take PSAT as a practice before taking the one their Junior year which is used for National Merit. Again it goes back to having experience with standarized testing will help improve your scores. Son's school had 32/92 National Merit Scholars (6 awarded scholarships) Being a National Merit Scholar goes to the whole person, plus PSAT scores can be reported for the Prelim application for Summer Seminar. </p>
<p>I guess son's school felt and I will say I have to agree with them is that until you are ready academically to take them there is no point in waisting your dad's $$$. Remember that the "new" SAT's cover higher math and your verbal scores will improve with more liturature courses under your belt. Low scores will not get you anything. Having a plan to take them and evaluate your performance and spending money on a course or tutoring will get you alot farther than sitting and making the same mistakes over and over.</p>
<p>"...allow for scores from separate schools" Do you mean scores for different tests i.e. combining ACT and SAT? I know that GA Tech will not combine ACT with SAT. Highest scores for each but not combining different "tests."</p>