<p>I, like many here on CC, received two nominations and was triple qualified, and waitlisted, but got no appointment. It sucks, but I know that I can make it this time around- I will be a 4 year scholarship NROTC Midshipman at The Ohio State University, I have gotten into even better physical shape, and I know the process even better than the first time around. What I am wonder is if I need to take my SAT again. The last time I took it was December 06. This time, I plan on having my entire application well before Dec 07, therefore my test results will be far less than a year old... I did pretty well (math 690, Verbal 740) and it took me 3 times to get there. You can see why I'd rather not take the SAT again, but I am certainly willing to do so again. </p>
<p>If you think you can score better (and why wouldn't you?), then why NOT take them again?</p>
<p>Speaking entirely from personal opinion, if I were on the Appointment Committee and had two candidates with identical records, but one kid had re-taken the SAT this year when he didn't need to and the other one had rested on his past score, I'd vote for the kid who had made the extra effort.</p>
<p>Seems to me that if you REALLY want to get into USNA, you will do whatever it takes. If that means re-re-re-taking the SAT's, and then taking them AGAIN, then so be it.</p>
<p>IIRC, only the top score from however many SAT's you take are considered. If that is the case (and someone correct me if it isn't), then it seems to me you have only one way to go: UP.</p>
<p>Break out the #2 pencils and the Barron's book and get busy... </p>
<p>It's hard to come up with a scenario in which it doesn't make sense to try again, but I would not limit your focus to just the SAT. Bottom line is you were triple Q'd with a nomination, maybe I'm missing something obvious but the only way I can see you ending up on the waitlist is the fact there was someone (or more than one) out there with a slightly "better" overall package. Granted there is a lot about this process that is hard to quantify, but you should talk to your BGO and/or anyone that you feel can help you and review your complete application, look for any area where you really feel you can improve yourself and the potential for acceptance. I'd go over everything from your essays to your EC's and do whatever you can to improve them. When all is said and done, just sticking with this and reapplying may be enough to get you in next time. Good luck and enjoy Ohio State.</p>
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When all is said and done, just sticking with this and reapplying may be enough to get you in next time.
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<p>I have a sneaking suspicion that there is an unwritten rule somewhere that re-applicants get some sort of "special look" in light of the fact that they were turned down last year but have come back again anyway. It demonstrates commitment and determination, and that counts for a lot.</p>
<p>It won't help a lousy record, but it may just be enough push to get you over the line the next time.</p>
<p>It's just a suspicion, mind you, but it's way too far within the boundaries of plausibility to justify ignoring it.</p>
<p>Alright well looks like I'm going to be the oldest kid in the SAT room this year :) </p>
<p>I also think I can improve my record by doing things that show I am really serious like- Getting a way better CFA score, getting involved in Clubs at College, etc etc. </p>
<p>A really good college GPA (GPA >= 3.5) combined with activities and athletics will outweight any improvement on your SAT scores. The decision is really yours. I had scores slightly under yours and never re-took the SAT in college. Also realize that your location, like anyone else in the admissions process, will factor in....I am not sure how many candidates apply from OSU...but as USNA85 or GA (sorry can't remember who) mentioned in an earlier post, this is where you have an advantage of choosing your location....definitely figure out whether OSU or your hometown is less competitive. I listed my address to my college dorm because the area had less candidates applying, so my odds were better. </p>
<p>You already get bonus points added to your multiple for re-applying (to answer Zaph). And yes, they look highly on those who re-apply. Also, there is a sliding scale for college GPA's that factor in additional points to your multiple. So, it pays to do better with college. If you take similar courses to plebe year, earn a 3.5 or higher, and are an active participant in sports/ECAs, I honestly couldn't see why you would not be even more competitive. Remember, 1/3 of the entering class comes from some type of college background.</p>
<p>As I mentioned earlier....the admissions board is looking for indicators that you can handle academics in a loaded capacity....if you can prove that to them (through what I mentioned above) then that is a better predictor of your success at USNA than SAT/ACT.</p>
<p>Good insight, jadler. Thanks. Indeed, one would think this is not about SATs, especially with scores well above the mean. This could be case of right answer to the wrong question.</p>
<p>The SATs are set up to be a predictor of how well you will perform at the college level in terms of academics (how well they do that is another matter for discussion, but for now surfice that is the purpose).</p>
<p>As you will BE at a college taking college level courses, you will have ACTUAL grade results to submit, making the SATs unnecessary. </p>
<p>The course of action should be to take courses at your college that align with the first semester courses at the USNA.... calculus, chemestry, english literature, history.... and do well ... and forget the SATs.... </p>
<p>having said that, however, I would suggest you contact your BGO for further advice-and abide by what you are told- or contact the USNA admissions office if your BGO cannot guide you in this.</p>
<p>Keep in mind those attending NAPS and the foundation schools are not required to retake the SATs.... they are, however, expected to take the courses listed above and do well on them....if that offers any additional insight.</p>
<p>Best of luck- and throwing your hat into the ring for a second time will certainly demonstrate your desire and motivation to achieve your goal!</p>
<p>It says on the USNA website that if you are reapplying for admission to the Academy, that it is highly recommended that you retake the SATs/ACTs. Knowing colleges, "highly recommended" means "you better do it!"</p>