<p>Hwaiting -- go on the CC site to the "SAT Prep" area and look at the thread about the "Xiggi Method" -- read that and follow the method; then take the SAT again. Everyone who does says it increases the scores dramatically and USAFA takes only your best/highest scores. Good luck!</p>
<p>07PETKO--I took AP Chem as a sophomore too...and yeah, I wasn't exactly too ready for it either. Unfortunately, though my grades were fine, I did not do well at all on the AP exam (2) or the subject test (600). I'm considering restudying chemistry this summer to take the subject test this fall. =]</p>
<p>RaptorDad2013--THANK YOU! I just looked over the thread a bit and it sure sounds worth trying. When I study this summer it'll be a lot easier to concentrate on this type of a study plan, so I'll definitely be looking into the Xiggi Method. =] thank you again!</p>
<p>Hi hw. Don't worry about your SATs too much. The first time I took them I did not do very well (530 Math, 590 Writing, 610 CR). I focused on the section that I had the most trouble with, math, and I ended up increasing my score by almost 100 points and I managed to do better in the other sections too. My advice would be to focus on what section is hardest for you.
As for athletic achievement, I didn't play any sports but I still got accepted. So just make sure you can pass the CFA.
Good Luck! =]</p>
<p>My advice would be to worry about your SAT's a lot. Don't assume that you will automatically do better with little or no prep. Certainly, half the applicants admitted to USAFA have scores below the mean. Don't count on being one of those, and the scores count more than some people on this thread are implying. It can pay big dividends to prepare for the SAT just as if it were a course in school. There is good reason to believe that SAT scores are weighted just as much, if not more, than GPA - especially if your high school is not noted for academic excellence. Plus, it's almost a guarantee that with a little work you can raise your SAT's much easier than you can your GPA. Finally, work as hard as you can to be above the mean in virtually every category the academy evaluates. Then, if your ALO likes you, you're almost certain to be accepted. Good luck!</p>
<p>Yes, sorry if we did not stress it enough. I think that out of the 60% of you that they look at academically I think it is about 30% or a little less for how much your SAT score is weighted. The math section is given a little bit more weight than the verbal. The writing isn't really looked at yet because they don't really have very many scores to base it off of. But it really is the whole person concept, if you cannot get your SAT's up to the averages, but your extracurriculars and leadership postions are exceptional then it will help to make up for your lower SAT's.</p>
<p>Also, keep in mind that some kids do better on the ACT than the SAT and vice versa. I thought the ACT was easier, but some of my friends thought the opposite. Just try your absolute best, no one can ask more than that.</p>
<p>Here's another reason that SAT/ACT is important. Across the country education standards and curricula are different, some better than others. But, across the country, the SAT and ACT are the same. Therefore, standardized tests can help give a "standard" to base everyone off of.</p>
<p>Just keep working on getting a good score that you are satisfied with. Study.</p>