The Scores Are In!

[Serenity]

Well, PSAT and PLAN scores just got in today, and since my counselors were pretty much useless, I was hoping you all could help me interpret them. Basically tell me if they're competetive or if I need to actually study next time

Disclaimer: These tests were intentionally taken under a worst-case-scenario simulation. I refused to study or sleep the night before to see how well I would do worst-case-scenario on the actual test. The scores are as follows:

PLAN (ACT prep test)

Out of a maximum 32:

English: 30 (99th percentile)
  Usage/Mechanics (98th percentile)
  Rhetorical Skills (100th percentile)
Mathematics: 20 (98th percentile)
  Pre-alg/Alg1 (100th percentile)
  Geometry (97th percentile)
Reading: 25 (93rd percentile)   <---- Dismally low when compared to past performance
Science: 30 (99th percentile)
Composite Score: 29 (99th percentile)





PSAT:

Reading: 68 (96th percentile)
Math: 59 (79th percentile)
Writing: 67 (96th percentile)
Overall: 94th percentile





So those are my scores worst-case scenario. With the Air Force Academy as my dream college, and wanting to become a pilot, are these scores at all competitive? Or do I need to go back and try to retake a couple classes?

[Buzzard7]

Start writing all those letters your going to need. Looks like you have a good chance.

[mensa180]

It is easy enough to become a pilot without the USAFA, although that is my dream school as well.  Those are good scores, but it's always nice to get higher.  My PLAN and PSAT scores should be in this month .

I also didn't study for either, heh.

[oakranger]

Start writing all those letters your going to need. Looks like you have a good chance.

Do u have a U.S. Congress or Rep that can wright a letter of recommend?  My high school classmate and his older brother had Bob Dole when they got accepted at Air Force Academy.

[Yenny]

I also didn't study for either, heh.

BETTER GET TO IT! UNINSTALL AHII TIL TEST IS OVER!

[mensa180]

I'm not sure how difficult it is to get your congressman's recommendation.  So far 3 of my friends have made it in, so it is doable.

[Serenity]

BETTER GET TO IT! UNINSTALL AHII TIL TEST IS OVER!

lol. These are all scores without studying. I figure when the real test comes up, I WILL study, and I will ace it!

[Yenny]

yes study! because when you're up against thousands of other cadet for a very limited spot! every lil bit counts!

[MORAY37]

These are "prep" tests...right?  Do you know how they grade the percentile scores?  Is it weighted to factor the scores of those who take the prep test or is it weighted against the scores off the real test?  ACT prep scores are notoriously innacurate....depending on how the test is weighted and on what version it is.

You PSAT is somewhat troubling.  59, 76th percentile?  What happened?  PSAT is weighted against the performance of everyone who took it, versus predicted results on the real SAT.  You should look to be much higher than that.

I would recommend you concentrate on your math skills prior to the real ACT or SAT.  It isn't your verbal that's going to get you in a seat.

[boxboy28]

OK My brother went the the USAFA.  Yes he was a smart smart man with high SAT scores and all!

But what counts is going out, seeking and meeting with the potential Congressmen that might sponser you.

My brother lucked out through 4H and met his in our local 4h county fair(on parade day).

If i recall my the congressman thanks my brother for seeking him out because he had no other guys come to him for a sponsorship that year, and that my brother was a most worthy canidate.

Sounds like ya got the scores to get in, but your biggest hurdle is finding the sponsor!

[Fulmar]

Do u have a U.S. Congress or Rep that can wright a letter of recommend?  My high school classmate and his older brother had Bob Dole when they got accepted at Air Force Academy.

Very cool, but were you able to graduate?

[Serenity]

These are "prep" tests...right?  Do you know how they grade the percentile scores?  Is it weighted to factor the scores of those who take the prep test or is it weighted against the scores off the real test?  ACT prep scores are notoriously innacurate....depending on how the test is weighted and on what version it is.

You PSAT is somewhat troubling.  59, 76th percentile?  What happened?  PSAT is weighted against the performance of everyone who took it, versus predicted results on the real SAT.  You should look to be much higher than that.

No clue how theyre weighted.

As for the 59 in the math section, that was troubling to me too. Math is my weakest subject, always has been, but that was compounded by the fact that I tried to simulate a worst-case-scenario.