<p>The Academy has a SAT requirement of verbal-580 and math-560 as a minimum requirement to be competitive for an appointment. If either one of one’s score is lower than this, does that mean that one won’t even receive a candidate kit? Anybody had any experience?</p>
<p>You should be fine... I was just below the standards and I got an LOA in November/December...</p>
<p>Never count yourself out!</p>
<p>Both mine were lower and I got in. I had 550 in both verbal and math</p>
<p>Just out of curiosity - were either of you recruited athletes?</p>
<p>When my cadet was going through this process last year, I remember being told numerous times that the academy was looking at the "whole student" not just the ones with the highest test scores or the best athlete, or the one with the highest GPA. I personally think that the kids who are the "all around kid" stand a good chance of getting an appt.</p>
<p>Those scores would never fly at Navy. They have a 1310 average. </p>
<p>Go Navy!</p>
<p>27% of the Naval Academy's Class of 2009 scored under 600 on the SAT Verbal. 13% scored under 600 on the SAT Math. Like USAFA, the USNA also looks at the whole person, not just the test scores.</p>
<p>Yeah...About that average...USAFA's is as high, but I know plenty of people here well under that, and I'm sure there are just as many at Navy well under that. Remember, the average is 50%, there are just as many under that as there are over it ;)</p>
<p>I was not a recruited athlete, just lucky.</p>
<p>I think as long as you are well rounded, and have at least the minimum scores, you have a decent shot.</p>
<p>Concerning the minimums, when I was applying, my verbal score was below the min (by 20 or so points) and I got a letter from the Academy saying I needed to take it again to get a higher score. </p>
<p>However, I need to be careful generalizing my experiences to the current process as I went through "the process" (the first time) in the 2000-2001 time frame. </p>
<p>((On a side note, I didn't realize how old I was until I found out all 3 appointees in my room Monday night were 17... 6 years younger than me.))</p>
<p>please be honest with your answers so I'll know if I will have to plan on retaking the SATs.</p>
<p>Continue to retake the SAT. If for no other reason, retaking the SAT a few more times shows you are still trying. As mentioned before, Appointments are offered based on the "whole person". You are not doing your self any favors by accepting the "minimum scores".
My son was offered his Appointment mid December. By looking at his stats, some would consider him as a "long shot". He is NOT a stong athlete but he has the heart and drive to not give up (even dealing with his freshman brother bumping him from his Varsity spot). My son going to USAFA in June is ranked 86th in a class of 450 +/- at a very competitive public school. There is something to be said for being "real". If you are offered an interview by your Senator or Congressman, be yourself! The people on the interview panels are sharp. They can see right through a candidate that says "all the right things" and "acts" very mature. Be honest and admit your shortcomings (if you have any) and explain what you are doing about them and how you have learned from adversity. They are looking for leaders not numbers. Best wishes to you and keep us posted on your progress. We truly are here to help.</p>
<p>Here's my 2 cents: Take it again</p>
<p>Great discussion! Lesson: If you're below average, don't give up. If you're way above average, work like you barely have a chance.</p>
<p>No RTBDAD... I was not a recruited athlete/jock...</p>
<p>My resume is just jammed pack with about everything under the sun from a black belt in tae kwon do to solo'ing my Cessna 172p. Also, my PFT was oustanding, so I think that helped too.</p>
<p>I've noticed that if your lacking one thing, thats not going to hurt you. I'm just a horrible SAT/ACT taker... but I'm very well rounded</p>
<p>"I've noticed that if your lacking one thing, thats not going to hurt you."</p>
<p>While you may have experienced this, this should NOT be assumed to be true in every case. While the Academy is looking for well-rounded people, lacking one thing does have the very real potential of hurting someone.</p>
<p>I certainly agree with Uncynical, but as a teacher I have run into some truly outstanding students who just can't seem to do well on their SAT/ACT scores. Hopefully, the academy is able to recognize people like that and compensate for it. Let's all shoot for those 700's anyway, though.</p>
<p>Try taking both the SATs and ACTs. Some people do better on one than the other.</p>
<p>There are exceptions to minimums if a person is well qualified on the whole. Don't count on them, but you may just get lucky.</p>
<p>If you find that you lack in a certain area like I did (poor SAT verbal score) get a recommendation letter from an English teacher that thinks highly of you.</p>