SAT scores for addmissions

Colleges and Universities A-Z Coast Guard Academy - New London
1

<p>Today I got my SAT scores (after a week's delay, BOO on College Board!) I got an 800 Critical Reading (Verbal); 690 Math; and 740 Writing (Multiple Choice 77, Essay 8.) </p>

<p>The Academy’s website says: "In recent years, the average SAT I math score has been about 650 and verbal score has been about 620. Cadets in the 25th to 75th percentile of their class usually score between 1230 and 1350." </p>

<p>So, should I bother taking the SAT again to improve my Math and Writing scores? Any opinions would be helpful; I only have until Thursday to register for the next SAT and I am on the fence.</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

<p>Bobm</p>

2

<p>I think you're in very good shape at least as far as the SAT's. Unless you're focusing on getting in an Ivy-League type school you might be ok to stop right here. I would work on other aspects of your resume such as leadership, sports, etc.
Good luck to you in your application.</p>

3

<p>Thanks for the help. My gpa is also a perfect 4.0, so I figure I have the academic side down pretty solid. </p>

<p>About the sports, I consider myself to be in good to quite good shape, I just have not participated in anything organized for about 6 years; I do all of my running and calisthenics solo. I plan on entering as many cross country runs and 5Ks as I can from now on. Do you think this might begin to makeup for my lack of organized athletic involvement? </p>

<p>Also, any specific suggestions on how I might bolster the leadership side of my application? Student government is out, my school doesn’t have it, neither do they have any (none, 0, zilch, I know it's crazy) clubs, groups, societies, etc. Church groups are also out, for personal reasons. Boy scouts are out, as I have some serious, ah, differences in philosophy with the local chapters :), besides it's a little late to start with them at this point. Perhaps organizing some kind of volunteer work would show my leadership aptitude?</p>

<p>Any other advice I could get would be most appreciated. </p>

<p>Thanks a mil,</p>

<p>bobm</p>

4

<p>Sounds like you have the academics down pat...good!</p>

<p>But the CGA like all the academies looks at the whole person...you are clearly "behind" in that regard. Junior year might be late for you to make that up. The academies look for someone who gets along with other people and can work in a group...loners need not apply. Not to say that this applies to you...but you must show some leadership ability as well as the ability to work together with others.
As far as the sports, if you show some good aptitude in running the races, that will be helpful. The cross country and track teams are always looking for runners.
Community service is important and is looked upon favorably. That would likely help your application.
Good luck and please feel free to ask any further questions.</p>

5

<p>Bob,
First, congratulations on such great SAT scores and GPA. You obviously have the academic qualities that any college is looking for!
That being said, I have to agree with Boss. An academy is just not another university, looking for the top academic students. Their purpose is to produce well rounded military leaders.
Your SAT scores and GPA will put you in the running applicant pool, but I have to say that without all the other "stuff," you won't be very competitive. Each academy is looking at the "Whole Person Index," and activities, leadership opportunities, and sports are equally important.
I am assuming that you are a Junior in HS and have a few questions for you to ponder:
Why did you not take the initiative earlier than now to get involved in some sort of athletic event or volunteer opportunity. Just because your school doesn't offer these, your community must.
Did you apply to AIM?
I noticed your question regarding PFE scores on another thread, and this is very concerning to me. Is a 270 too low? No, not for consideration. But will you be competitive? No. This may be an indicator that you need to work harder athletically.
It seems that you need to find your focus, and unfortunately your efforts at this point may be a little too late.
Focus on what your long term goals are, and determine how you can achieve them. But you need to begin NOW! Many who are cadets have been preparing themselves since middle school.</p>

<p>PS: I'm just curious, but what type of school offers no student government, sports, activities, or clubs?? Are you in a specific Charter School?</p>

<p>Hope you don't take any of this the wrong way. I'm just trying to help you out.
Good Luck on your efforts!</p>

6

<p>I'm going to number this for my own benefit so that I can keep my thoughts straight.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Thanks to both cadetmom and bossf for your help. Cadetmom, I didn't take anything the wrong way, I know constructive criticism when I see it :).</p></li>
<li><p>I never got involved in an organized sport (not recently at least) because I am perfectly happy running and working out all by myself. I never saw the point; even now the main function would be to demonstrate and document that I am capable of participating in sports. I really don’t have an excuse about the lack of volunteer work, only to say that I have been insanely busy for a LONG time between work, social and family obligations, person fitness routines, etc. I make my excellent grades/test scores not because I am particularly smarter than average, but because I work my tail off. Come to think of it, I been known to give neighbors (elderly)/family (sick) /friends (grieving) days and days of my time (free) helping with chores, yard work, home repairs, etc. I wonder if this counts as volunteer work…</p></li>
<li><p>I did apply to AIM</p></li>
<li><p>The comment about a score of 270 was merely an example. I pulled a number out of a hat in order to clarify my question, which I will try to clarify again: What is the function of the PFE? Is it only a check that you are fit enough, that is, you score over 200? Or does it have two functions, 1) to check that you are fit enough, and 2) after the check that you scored over 200, the score is actually used in making a decision about whether or not to admit you. I know I might not be explaining myself very well, so if this is incomprehensible, then please feel free to abstain from trying to comprehend! :)
EDIT: I just saw the reply on my other thread, cadetmom, please see my response there.</p></li>
<li><p>My school is very unique. It is fully accredited, but mostly independent study. I have proctored exams, talk to my instructors by email and telephone, etc. But the “school” exists main in the office in my house. The actual street address of the school houses mainly records, a text warehouse, and a testing facility. I’m not sure what a Charter school is, but I don’t think mine is one.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Cheers</p>

<p>Bobm</p>

7

<p>So, are you a Junior? Will you be attending AIM? If so, you will get a real feel for what the Academy is all about and see your competition.
Re: PFE score of 200. That may be the bar that you have to cross, but it by no means indicates that you are physically fit.
Are there cadets who have been accepted with lower PFE scores, yes. But you do not want to be the anchor of your company, and should challenge yourself to submit the highest score possible (for personal satisfaction).
I know that the new PFE goes into effect for the Fall. Therefore I do not know yet if this will be given during swab summer, but I'm feeling confident that if you are at AIM the new standards will be used because they would be in place for the class of 2011.
I would encourage you to get involved with others your own age in meaningful activities and volunteer work with a known organization. The military is about teamwork.</p>

8

<p>I am pretty sure that for swab summer we will be using the old version, at least from what I can see. They finally sent out the big packets, and in it there are training techniques for the old PFE.</p>

9

<p>I am a Junior, I will be attending AIM if I'm accepted. We should know by May 15.</p>

10

<p>soccer1458, it really shouldn't matter either way if they use the old or the new version. My suggestion is to begin the training techniques that were included in your packet, and you will be prepared. Just remember it will most likely be hot, humid, and there are lots of hills and stairs everywhere!
Semper Paratus!</p>

11

<p>I'm from lovely Minnesota, which has similar weather to Connecticut it seems. My hair is lovely when it's humid ;), it curls up all over and it my hair grows huge so that will be lots of fun, haha! I've been training for forever for the Academy. I'll be very happy if they do away with the long jump though, I'm not a big fan of that!</p>

12

<p>I think that you should take the SAT again to break 700 on math. You probably can. More importantly, show that you can do more than just study. Its not too late to get involved in sports and clubs.</p>

13

<p>Hey soccer, a person after my own curly headed <3 :)
I take it you are female, and would recommend that you keep your hair at a length that you can tie back, braid, or place into a bun. You'll become very proficient at getting it up and ready in no time!
If your hair is anything like mine, it's a barometer for relative humidity and frizziness is definitely not regulation. Gel is your best friend! and I would pack that in my sea bag for RDay, even though it's NOT on the list :)</p>

<p>If you want any advice PM me.</p>

14

<p>Thanks cadetmom, I appreciate that a lot! Yes, I am female and my hair definitley can tell you the relative humidity. I never even thought to bring gel, so thanks for the advice! From reading before, I understand that you have a daughter at CGA, is that right?</p>

15

<p>Taffy,</p>

<p>You really think improving my math score will make a difference? I just don't know about taking the SAT again, however I guess it can't hurt. I just don't feel like spending all that time and energy (not to mention $40-$100) again. I only have till Friday to register for the June Sat too...</p>

<p>Glad to know you think there is still time to get some meaningful activities on my resume. I am thinking volunteer work and 5k runs mostly. Do feel free to give more suggestions.</p>

<p>Thanks,</p>

<p>Bobm</p>

16

<p>bobman79: every once in awhile I drift over to the USCGA site just to make sure Bossf51 is still around and has not fallen down the slippery slopes of the rivers at those regattas! ;)</p>

<p>But coming in late has it's advantages to...just another perspective!</p>

<p>First of all- congrats on the academics and SAT's- job well done! That is clearly 1/3 the battle!</p>

<p>
[quote]
I really don’t have an excuse about the lack of volunteer work, only to say that I have been insanely busy for a LONG time between work, social and family obligations, person fitness routines, etc. I make my excellent grades/test scores not because I am particularly smarter than average, but because I work my tail off. Come to think of it, I been known to give neighbors (elderly)/family (sick) /friends (grieving) days and days of my time (free) helping with chores, yard work, home repairs, etc. I wonder if this counts as volunteer work…

[/quote]
</p>

<p>not really~</p>

<p>The second 1/3: (straightforward I'm afraid) but too busy with schoolwork, social and family committments does not cut it....remember, you will be competeting with the cream of the crop- they are all high-acheivers- they, too, have steller SATs and GPA's...they all work their tails off- and do yard work and chores- many will hold down part time jobs while playing varsity sports- and most will have a list of other ECA's as well! So time to get busy! </p>

<p>The third 1/3:

[quote]

I never got involved in an organized sport (not recently at least) because I am perfectly happy running and working out all by myself. I never saw the point...

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Ah, the point.....I would strongly caution you about "individual" anything...(you mentioned something about working out on your own and doing things independently)....while all that is great, remember that you will be joining a TEAM....and one of the reasons athletics ranks so high (aside from physical aptitude) is that organized sports- varsity athletics- teaches you how to be part of a team- and from the limited information you posted, that seems to be a big void. It all comes down to leadership- others will have it in droves- so if you want to be competetive, it has to be there!</p>

<p>But here's the good news: you still have time!</p>

<p>You CAN: demonstrate leadership by volunteering for a program like Special Olympics and coaching swimming (just one of hundreds of examples)- or seek a job this summer as a camp councelor- all demonstrate leadership skills- or get a summer job where you are in charge of/supervising others...or be the leader of a school project that earns an A! Do something that demonstrates that you can lead others towards a common goal!</p>

<p>You CAN: join a sports team at your school- even at the JV level- or some other type of organized team activity- but considering the lack of sports, seeking something in that arena would probably be better- love running? Then join the track team and run WITH your team! </p>

<p>Best of luck~and good for you that you are actively seeking advice- and, more importantly, willing to hear it! Hope you make it!</p>