<p>Even if the SAT were an accurate predictor (and I'm not saying it is), the fact that USNA takes the highest verbal & math means that some people simply get lucky. </p>
<p>For example, a person could take the test 5 times (horrors!!) and score 520, 550, 590, 700 and 570 on math. Guess which score shows up for USNA purposes? The 700. Is that score really reflective of this person's overall mastery of the math portion of the SAT? Doesn't matter. Highest score counts.</p>
<p>Whether they should or shouldn't, SATs do matter with USNA in terms of being considered a candidate and in terms of admission. They aren't the only thing and arguably aren't even the most important thing. But they do matter. And, whether they should or shouldn't, they do matter to citizen committees deciding on nominations. </p>
<p>Bottom line, it IS important to do well on the SAT/ACT for USNA purposes and certain folks should take the test over (and over, if necessary) to get a higher score to improve their chances of admission and/or obtaining a nom. However, the SAT is NOT a predictor of how well you'll do at USNA (or any other school for that matter) and is NOT a measure of your intelligence.</p>