<p>I just got my scores from the October SAT today. I was retaking it to raise my math score. How much does my score difference make? Could it make a huge difference in the admissions consideration or do they just want to see that I'm improving myself? My old score (670) was in the top half (according to what I saw in the Class of 2011 profile), but my new score is probably top ten percent (780). </p>
<p>Once they get my scores, should I expect to hear something? I've heard a lot of people say that once they review your application they'll send you a letter saying you're academically qualified. I've had my application complete for over almost two months. I've been pretty worried that maybe the reason I haven't heard anything about that was because my scores were too low or something. My BGO told me that I needed to raise my math score. </p>
<p>Sorry if my question is a little un-clear. Basiclly, my questions are How much of a difference will my score increase make in my application? and When should I hear something?</p>
<p>A 780 in Math probably places you in the 99th percentile. Increasing your Math score from 670 to 780 will definitely make your application more competitive. However, you need to remember that the academy is looking at the whole person, not just academics.</p>
<p>Make sure everyone that you can get your hands on knows about your new score, don't assume anything when it comes to the transfer of a potentially important piece of information. If you haven't already done it, get the name and email/snail mail address of the officer in charge of admissions for your region and send along a short note; basically a heads up about your new math score.
As GA said in his comment about the "whole person" you have to be more than a set of SAT scores, having said that when it comes down to comparing candidate A with B,C and D and they all have a comparable and somewhat subjectively assessed "whole person package" with a math SAT score like that in your profile you will go a long way to distinguishing yourself from the others. </p>
<p>The best advice I can give you is do all that you can to make it easy for them to see you are the best candidate.</p>
<p>Second Oregon Mom! USAFA "lost" my son's SAT scores and had to go back through the tapes to find it. My son stayed on top of them till it was found. He's at USNA, now.</p>
<p>If you are at a 780, awesome! About hearing back, it takes time. The wait is frustrating to say the least. Hang in there!</p>
<p>You don't have a clue. :eek: The admissions process at USNA is based on a Whole Person Multiple. High scores on college entracnce exams alone will not get a candidate into USNA.</p>
<p>Great American, I don't mean to disrespect you in anyway.. seeing that you have come from that institution, BUT. Collegeboard and ACT, as well as fair test.org have criticized USNA for imposing minimum SAT scores to even allow an individual to compete in the applications process. That doesn't show a holistic approach in any way. All the academies are like that except West Point.</p>
<p>^^^^^
All highly selective colleges have minimum SAT / ACT scores that are required for admission. Sure you can apply to Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, and Yale with subpar scores, but your chances of being offered admission are slim to none. However, they'll take your application fee -- thank you very much.</p>
<p>The admissions office at USNA is doing you a favor by not providing a Candidate Number if you aren't going to make the cut. With over 12,000 candidates for 1,220 appointments, it would be a waste of everybody's time and resources to increase the pool of applicants with individuals who wouldn't be able to survive the rigorous 4-year curriculum at USNA.</p>
<p>
[quote]
...''I was a bit angry'' at the letter, said the 18-year-old Mr. Wurangian, who took the test four times and in his best result scored just over 1,000, nearly 100 points lower than the minimum the academy required. ''I didn't think they gave me a fair evaluation of my true capabilities.''...
<p>The reason I'm very concerned about this is because my rank is 3/184 form a very competitive overseas school, I participate in 4 different athletics, and am the president of multiple school and out of school clubs. Of course I have all the other knick knacks, including the Eagle Scout Award etc.. but my SAT scores are not where they should be..</p>
<p>Reading 710
Writing 660
Math 510 </p>
<p>So just because of my math score, I'm not even going to be evaluated period...I only gave them my PSAT scores, which were much higher, and they gave me a candidate number.</p>
<p>^^^^^
Math is extremely important because USNA is an engineering school. Regardless of major, all students are required to take three semesters of Calculus and one semester of Differential Equations.</p>
<p>And your point being? I scored a 4 on my AP Calc exam last year, and earned an A-/B+ for the semester marks. I took physics last year, and earned consecutive A+/A both semesters. MATH is not difficult for me. It may not be easy, but its not hard. I'm just not a good test taker, and a 2 hour test should not assess my ability for admissions into the academy. My point is valid. USNa doesn't look at anyone holistically. It cares about your SAT scores, and that is final. You get 700s in both sections, your getting an appointment.</p>
<p>It is true that the SAT/ACT score are important to the Academy. My Blue and Gold Officer said it was one of the most highly weighted parts of the point system that the Academy uses.</p>
<p>Why don't you take the SAT again? There is still time to do so. Or perhalps try the ACT? Lots of guys I know did better on the ACT than SAT.</p>
<p>Yea, I'm going to try that. I hate Collegeboard. I have to pay a 100 dollar fee for the November test because overseas military bases can't pay a late fee. I registered a day late, so they are forcing me to pay a standby fee. I'm so depressed about the importance of scores for admissions. Will I be eligible for the civil prep program that they have even with my low math score? Doesn't my class rank and other stuff carry a lot of weight? I'm wondering if I can get a waiver since I'm sure.. through civil prep.. my scores are bound to increase.. before the following year.</p>
<p>According to my BGO, class rank does carry a lot of weight too, along with GPA. Unfortunately, you are right, the Academy does have minimum required scores so class standing probably won't make much difference at this point. I have never heard of a waiver for SAT/ACT scores, but I'm not an expert of the admissions process. I'm also not a big fan of the SAT math section. The actual material in the math section is not that advanced, but it is intentionally presented in different and sometimes confusing manners.</p>
<p>Should I call my congressman and senators and tell them to change my choice from Naval to something else? Do all the academies have minimum SAT requirements?</p>