<p>Bill510, I’m not sure you CAN ask that question w/out addressing the issue of whether SATs are an indicator of scholastic aptitude. Or without talking about ‘exceptions.’
Seems SATs are the best tool now available to supplement/equalize schools’ different grading techniques – but not perfect. </p>
<p>My son’s PSATs were so weak that USNA’s response to his NASS app was, “No, and --while we usually open a USNA app for any NASS applicant, we’re NOT doing that for you.” Talk about discouraging. </p>
<p>He got SAT tutoring, but never quite got the scores the Academy likes to see, though he had a 4.0 @ a competitive h.s. and the rest of his app was outstanding. Thanks to his sainted BGO, and a great chance meeting w/ an admissions officer, he was sent to NAPS. He’s now a 3/C @ USNA, in a varsity sport, Supe’s list, w/ an OOM @ the top 15% of his class. </p>
<p>So, yes, I guess he’s an exception, and yes, he works like a dog, but he always has, and most everyone @ the Academy puts in a lot of effort. I think someday we’ll learn there’s some kind of learning disability related to standardized tests, or maybe someone will develop an SAT alternative that better suits kids like mine. Meanwhile, he’s grateful there was an alternate route to the Academy for him, and so far, seems to have a length on the sharks.</p>