Got my SAT score a while back...

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USSEnterpr1se

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So.. I got a 1320 on the most recent SAT.. I know it's not good, and I think I'll just have to resort to taking the ACT now.. Any tips for the ACT?
 
1320 isn't bad. Don't know if you're applying for the class of 2028 or not but even if you are there is still time to retake the SAT multiple times, after some more studying, as well as multiple ACT attempts. I would definitely recommend taking the ACT though. I personally preferred the ACT and did considerably better on it than the SAT, it depends person to person but you could be like me. If you can take these tests multiple times you definitely should because you're likely to improve.
 
wildcat26 said:
1320 isn't bad. Don't know if you're applying for the class of 2028 or not but even if you are there is still time to retake the SAT multiple times, after some more studying, as well as multiple ACT attempts. I would definitely recommend taking the ACT though. I personally preferred the ACT and did considerably better on it than the SAT, it depends person to person but you could be like me. If you can take these tests multiple times you definitely should because you're likely to improve.
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I'm currently a high school junior. And yes, I'm definitely much more science and math oriented.
 
Yeah to be honest, taking at least one of those tests towards the end of your first semester of senior I would say is worth it because, even if you don't study a lot (which you should do), you should be learning more about math, English etc. through just your normal classes, I took the SAT and ACT both twice and I improved every time I took them.
 
Should add that I am a freshman in college currently on the waitlist for the class of 2027 and I got turned down as a senior in HS last year and one of my biggest regrets was not taking those tests at least one more time (and not studying more).
 
You have two paths, self study and/or a tutor. If your family does not have the means, then self study is your only option. Lots of great options online. It’s not a race, crate a plan to tackle this studying this summer. If you have the means, I would take the ACT also and have a tutor review your tests. They can recommend which test you are tailored for and specific studying for your weak areas as well as reviewing techniques.
 
I recommend that you schedule an ACT testing time sometime near the end of summer. That way, you can take full advantage of summer break to study as much as you can. It wouldn't be optimal to schedule a date at the end of your fall semester because you'll be busy with school and other things you may participate in. Study time would be hard to come by. It's doable, but much harder.

As for studying, if you can't get a tutor, then I suggest buying the ACT book. That's all you'll need really when it comes to self-studying (that and maybe more practice tests). The book has 5 official tests and loads of useful information on how to take the test, learn from your mistakes, and overall, what you need to do to succeed. You can search online for 3-4 month study plans (depending on when you schedule your date) to follow.

Good luck.
 
As with most things about the application, it’s one data point. Yes, improve on it if you can but the entire application has to be strong and even then it may not be enough. Don’t neglect the other areas.
 
Your SAT score is better than the average, per the statistics. It is certainly good enough to pass most of the "automatic" eliminators. You can put in the effort to get a 1500, but none of that will matter if you are not an otherwise well-rounded candidate. As mentioned above, the SAT/ACT is one component of the Whole Candidate Score. An SAT score of 1300 with a strong candidate who has extracurriculars, including positions of leadership, and other important components has a good shot of getting selected.

My son got a 1250 on his SAT. He also had an otherwise outstanding application with high scores on the CFA, varsity sports (and letter) and several levels of leadership in JROTC. He is a Yuk at West Point now.
 
USMAZoo98 said:
An SAT score of 1300 with a strong candidate who has extracurriculars, including positions of leadership, and other important components has a good shot of getting selected.
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I would caveat that with a SAT of 1300 with a strong candidate has a reasonable shot of getting selected in some congressional districts and almost no chance at all in others. Plenty of those 1500 score kids are also very well-rounded. Depends on your competition. I'd control what I could and improve my score if I were you.
 
I don't think that a 1300 SAT has yielded a nomination, much less an acceptance in my district for as long as I've been involved.
We have lots of good schools and kids that push each other. There are entire schools with school average SAT over 1400 in the vicinity so the upper level kids are going to tend higher.
 
How many times have you taken the SAT? If it's your first time, I would definitely take it again. My experience with three kids is that your score will be higher on a second attempt. My academy son (USCGA 2025) took the SAT the first time and got a 1340. He took it a second time with no additional prep (This was a sore spot with mom who thought he should do some studying, but what can you do?), and got a 90 point bounce up to a 1430. Just having experience with taking the test in the actual testing environment helped him the second time around. Knowing exactly what to expect appears to bring some ease to the process. Since my son's score was well-balanced (710 English, 720 math), and he felt the rest of his application package was strong, he was satisfied with the standaridized test piece and left it at that with no further SAT attempts. Although he did end up at the CGA, he also received nominations to USMA and USNA so his score worked for our congressman. That said, your plan to take the ACT is also a good one. All three of my kids took both; one did significantly better on the SAT, one did about the same on each, and one did slightly better on the ACT. So you just never know which test may resonate more with you.
 
SweetCaroline said:
My DS had a 1330 after 8 total SAT and ACT attempts. He just had to accept it. He applied out of Northern Virginia which is one of the most competitive districts in the country and got an Appointment. Just a little encouragement for you
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This is encouraging as my DS is struggling here as well. He has an excellent GPA coming from a tough high school so hoping that makes up for it.
 
Again, my kid was accepted from District 3 in MD (the same district where the Academy is located) with his "lower" score. One of the most competitive Districts/States for this particular SA.

With that said, he never received an MoC nom to Annapolis in either of his two cycles. Perhaps due to his lower standardized test scores??? Yet he got an LOA very early in the cycle on his first try to get in. Because of no nom, he didn't fulfill it, and got the TWE at the end of April his first try.

From high school, he was a 3.8X unweighted and 4.4 weighted GPA (only had like three B's in high school), around 7 AP classes, almost all the rest GT/Honors, XC/Track distance running star (COVID whacked his chance at getting to D1 recruiting times, although he was already knocking on the door of them when his seasons were all cancelled), National Honors, part time job, volunteer, etc. No CAP, no Boys State, no Boy Scouts, very few leadership positions. He got in as a college re-applicant with an NROTC nom, volunteered for some unit billets where he could demonstrate leadership, and a 3.5 GPA from the fall semester taking a Plebe class load (which included a "C" in Chem I, the rest A's) including NROTC classes.

He did lose his mom to cancer when he was 8, so part of me wonders if he got in with a bit of the "hardship" factor.

If you want to see what the art of the possible is, he is a prime example. Really smart kid, just not a great standardized test taker, and tends to rush through tests without checking everything as closely. Didn't have all the other side accolades checked that seem to be asked about here. But he is dedicated, and a really hard worker. Currently doing well as a Plebe, and made Dants list in the Fall.

I don't know the "why" as to the specifics as to how the admissions team selected him, but he has proven them right so far. Gotta trust in the process.
 
It all depends on where you are located for competitiveness, you compete with the people on your slate. I got waitlisted and I have a 1310 SAT 3.9 gpa and strong EC’s
 
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