<p>I was recently told that I was on the bubble of receiving a LOA, and that if I took the SAT's again and got an 800 in math in 700 in CR, I could probably get one. But the next SAT is in December, and the scores come out even latter. Would that be too late for a LOA? Should I just apply regularly without taking the SAT again and give up on the LOA?</p>
<p>Oh, and my interview for a nomination is in December. Exciting.</p>
<p>I’m a bit confused. What do you mean “apply regularly?” Even with an LOA in hand, you must complete everything a “regular” applicant must do…</p>
<p>Yes, Dec testing might be late for SAT. Regular appointments might be rollling by the time they get results. Have heard of kids getting LOA in Dec and appointment right after. </p>
<p>You bet I’d take that test again. Appointment is the goal isn’t it? Why not have one of the first appointments/last LOA’s…who cares at that point? You cannot know the competition in your state/congressional district and who else will have a nomination. So, why not do all you can do to ensure a nice blue folder will arrive at your address!</p>
<p>Who told you this? I’ve never heard of anyone being promised an LOA for any reason. They either get it or not. Sounds a bit strange, but then we’re all strangers. 
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<p>I was not promised a LOA, but was told that I could probably get one if I raised my SATs.</p>
<p>I mean apply regularly by not trying to get a LOA. I figure that yes, a LOA would be nice, but what is the probability of me acing the math portion of the SAT. I only missed two last time, and got a 740. If I am on the bubble on receiving a LOA, would I not be a strong applicant without one? </p>
<p>All in all, I suppose I asked a stupid question. Of course I should retake the SAT’s and shot for a higher score. </p>
<p>Another question. I am super close to getting my Eagle Scout. Should I hold off on submitting my application online until I receive my Eagle Scout and put it in my application, or would it behoove me to submit my application as soon as possible?</p>
<p>I’d submit asap. You can continually add info until you hear one way or the other. </p>
<p>Still wondering/ curious. Who told you you’re on “the bubble” for an LOA? Can you edify readers, please?</p>
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<p>Who told you this?? Achieving a perfect score of 800 on your math SATs is a very demanding and virtually impossibly request - Yes, some students do receive an 800 on their math SATs but that is a very very small percentage. Are you sure you understood what was being told to you because a 740 on your math SATs is an excellent score.</p>
<p>There are students on other boards claiming to have received LOAs with low scores of
25 -26 on their ACTs - If you have a strong application and are being considered for an LOA, I am finding it hard to believe that they are requesting you to retake the SATs to improve an already great score of 740 on your math section.</p>
<p>I am a very talented cross country runner, and the USNA coach called me up, and said that i was on the bubble for receiving a LOA, and that I should submit my application as soon as possible and retake the SAT to get a better score.</p>
<p>Ok. In light of your answer, why the question? Seems to me, you knew the answer before asking. Yes? You’ve been told by your USNA advocate what you need to do. Do it. And be assured that just because you acknowledge and respond being coached, regardless of the outcomes including SAT and LOA, your chances may be enhanced, and definitely won’t be diminished. </p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Once again, I ask you, since when is a 740 score on your math SATS considered to be a score that needs to be improved?? That is ridiculous!! I am thinking that the USNA coach misunderstood what your scores were because NO ONE would tell a student who received a 740 math score to retake the test to improve that particular score.</p>
<p>What was your total SAT score? Your application must already be pretty strong if you are on the “bubble” for an LOA - so I can’t believe that you need to raise your math SATs (740) to be considered for an LOA when there are students receiving an LOA who have low ACT scores of 25 -26. That’s absurd! To be told to improve your score to a perfect score of 800 is an unrealistic expectation for almost any student.</p>
<p>I don’t doubt the above scenario at all. The coach has a very limited number of candidates for which he can ‘recruit’ and offer ‘athletic’ LOAs. Pure speculation but he probably wants the Academy to offer ‘assurance’ to this candidate but not have it count against his quota. Noting the strength of the package otherwise, not counting his athletic ability, the coach may feel that perhaps he is on the cusp of an ‘academic’ LOA and knowing that SATs are the single item to which the candidate can improve, has asked him to repeat them. The thing to remember though is that the coach is not part of the admissions office and, while his advice may be slightly more relevant than what the OP would find on this site, it remains speculation.</p>
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<p>The problem is that a 740 math SAT score is very hard to improve - so that is a very unrealistic demand to place upon a student. And once agian, LOAs have been offered to students with much lower test scores so this whole scenario is ridiculous. There is absolutely NO reason to improve a 740 Math score!</p>
<p>I suspect mombee’s hit the LOA on the head. And that he has discussed this w/ admissions officials to gauge the possibilities in the event that a math 800 is garnered. The coach realizes 740 is plenty good, but 800 is perfect and much more likely to garner that LOA. And he also realizes it’s no walk in the park, moving a 740 to an 800. But worth a stroll, especially on the kid’s nickel, effort and time. Consider it a coaching fleece, perhaps.</p>
<p>btw, none, and notably the coach have indicated statick WON’T be offered appointment in the event he fails to attain the 800. </p>
<p>Surely this is about who picks up the dinner tab. Whoever, here’s hoping you get to the 5 star restaurant in King Hall.</p>
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<p>I disagree. Why should the student put any more time, effort and money to already improve upon an excellent score. Once again, you are going to tell me that this particular student has to improve an already great SAT score to perfection in order to possibly receive an LOA but there are students who have received LOAs with low ACT scores of 25-26??? Explain that one! (And don’t give me that “whole person concept” talk because if this student is on the bubble of receiving an LOA, then her file must already be pretty strong!).</p>
<p>And really, is an improvement of 60 points on a presently excellent score actually going to be the “straw that broke the camel’s back” in regards to a LOA?? Come on, be real. This is a ridiculous situation. And unrealistic to boot!</p>
<p>2 reasons …USNA advocate suggests he should (consider it his 1st “order” sort of) …and because he can improve. It’s sort of like running X country …can ALWAYS improve your time. </p>
<p>And it reveals motivation to win the race. </p>
<p>This one’s a no-brainer.</p>
<p>Your comparing those 25 ACTers to this young man is apples and oranges, i.e. no comparison.</p>
<p>btw, it may be ridiculous to you. So be it. It’s not to statick and the USNA. They count. Yours is like mine …just an opinion. No more, no less.</p>
<p>You’ve concluded, were it you, you would stand your ground. I’ve concluded, were it my son, I’d say, do what your USNA official champion suggests. Can’t hurt, could make you an instant winner.</p>
<p>In the end…USNA holds the cards. And it’s terrific they’re asking him to play.</p>
<p>It was the USNA Coach who made the recomendation - not Admissions.</p>
<p>And really, there really is no room for improvement as there is a very small chance to improve a 740 score to perfection.</p>
<p>And did you ever think about the fact that if this request to improve one’s scores are based on the fact that she could actually receive an 800 math score - then she must already be a really STRONG candidate if that possibility exists for her to achieve a perfect score. This request is ridiculous regardless that it came from a USNA personel. Are we not allowed to question/challenge request and statements made from USNA representatives just because they are part of the Academy??</p>
<p>And to put pressure on this student to retake the SATs by using the reason that it was requested by the USNA coach so that should be the main reason why she should improve an already EXCELLENT score is just wrong! She should question this ridiculous request.</p>
<p>Don’t use the old cliche that 'There’s always room to improve". Really? Gosh, that is a new one for me. I would much rather hear a good explanation for this unreasonable request then all of the cliches that are always being thrown around this board as “advice”.</p>
<p>Case in point -</p>
<p>I submitted my complete application at the end of August. A few weeks later, I sent my Regional Director an e-mail to confirm that my file was complete. Admissions called my house the next morning to confirm but since I was at school, she spoke with my mom. While looking at my file, the Admissions officer asked my mom, “I see that he took the ACTs in April and received a composite score of 34. Is he planning on taking the test again?”</p>
<p>My mom balked and said, “Why would he retake the test when he already has a very good score of 34 on the ACT?” The Admissions officer agreed.</p>
<p>A week later, in mid-September, I received an LOA.</p>
<p>I am NOT saying that the OP should ingnore the USNA coach’s request - just that she should look into that request and question it before she decides to waste her time, money and effort retaking the test in December. Obviously, she will do what she thinks is right - that was never in question…!</p>
<p>You put forth some interesting “yes but” arguments. None of which hold much credence. I suspect should an appointment be offered and accepted, yours will be a most transforming educational experience. Good luck.</p>
<p>May I ask what you believe are the factors leading your LOA? Knowing your package could be helpful to others traversing this road. We know even 34 ACT composites don’t get one there. What else?</p>
<p>Regarding my stats -</p>
<p>GPA = 4.78 (4.0 scale)</p>
<p>Rank = top 2-3 %</p>
<p>ACT = 34</p>
<p>All Honors and AP courses - strengths are math and science</p>
<p>3 sport Varsity athlete (Captain of all 3 teams)
NHS
Cum Laude Society
AP scholar with Distinction
State scholar
Held many selective leadership positions within the school
Won many academic and athletic awards
Attended NASS</p>
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<p>WhistlePig -</p>
<p>I will definitely look forward to the challenge!!</p>
<p>The question has to be asked: What if she retakes and scores “only” a 780? Or 790? What would the coach’s advice be then? Lather, rinse, repeat?</p>