Some schools are more challenging

nickm5

5-Year Member
Joined
Feb 7, 2011
Messages
38
I go to an extremely competitive high school in California.

My GPA isnt some crazy 4.862. I have a 3.8. However, My SAT is 2020 (yes, just like the type of vision). Ive been in all honors and AP classes and may have gotten some C's my freshman year. (Thats because I was a completely different person back then). im in the top 30 percent of my school. Traditionally, my school is like California's flagship for API scores.

I see these other kids say they get around 1900 SATs and have 4.7s. Will admissions consider the fact that my school is relatively more challenging.

My Sports, extas, fitness, and medicals are fine. (My dad is a doctor, he gave me a domerb like thing to make sure I was qualified or else we would be proactive and fix the problem?

Competition for nominations are scarce as well. In my area, the military is not very big. Thats why I worry about these "GPA" qualifications.

If your too lazy to read all of this, just read the first two paragraphs. The question is in there.

Thanks
 
I feel you on this one. I score a 2370 yet still get a 3.65 uw and 4.0 weighted. I do admit I slacked off my sophomore year but even then I know that my school is a lot more competitive than others. Especially for class ranking... I'm in the top 25% with 3.65 uw and the top 10% is a 3.89 unweighted. I do know that our school does in fact have API (the California Academic Performance Index) which ranks our schools so I'm hoping that plays a factor into admissions.
 
I wouldn't worry too much about your GPA. 3.8 is still a good GPA, and yes, I do believe the admissions team does look at how 'challenging' your school is. Your SAT score will definitely also play into it as well, you have a good SAT score. My score was only an 1850 and I got in :biggrin: It's not true that every person admitted to USMA is a 4.0 student with a 2400 SAT score. If I were you, I would make sure you have good extra curricular activities with leadership roles. Remember, USMA is primarily looking for leaders, not just good students
 
I'm pretty sure the competitiveness of your school is accounted for, but don't worry about GPA because they look mainly at class rank (because it measures you against your immediate peers).
 
West Point definately does take into consideration competitiveness, that is why they ask for the percent in your high school who go to college. Still, please remember that all 4 years count!:eek:
 
Also GPA is the 3rd thing that West Point considers it really looks at class rank and SAT or ACT scores first, no worries about the competitiveness of the school cause it takes that into consideration as well I believe.
 
I had a similar issue I guess; my high school is extremely competitive, and with an unweighted 3.87 (my school doesn't weigh GPAs), I'm roughly 30th in my "class" of 74 (my school is weird, so for all intents and purposes, there are 74 people in my class). That puts me in maybe the 60th percentile.

That said, I have a composite 2250 on the SAT, and a 35 on the ACT, and when I met with my FFR, he told me to call Maj Belmont and ask to have my class rank matched with my standardized testing scores or something along those lines. He knew what I meant, made that adjustment for me, and now I'm just waiting for R-Day.

So they definitely do take these things into account, and there are little things you can do for yourself. And if your school has a senior profile or something, definitely have them submit it.
 
Coming from one of the most competitive high schools in the NE/US.

I had a 3.8/4 gpa, and a 2210 SAT. AP's + IBS's. 4 Year Varsity, SLS, Boys State.

Got my TWE (rejection) letter last week.


Anything can happen, it all depends on your district bro.
 
Let me just add a few comments to the excellent responses above.

Yes - yes - yes - West Point does take your High School's competitiveness into consideration. They know that all schools are not equal.
Your high school counselor will send in a profile of your school that will give WP an idea of its competitiveness. Things like how many APs are offered, what % of kids go to college etc. IF WP deems your school to be competitive, your class rank will be adjusted accordingly.

It is correct that GPA is not the driving force in your academic qualification. Class rank and ACT/SAT scores are. If you notice in the class profiles from the current cadets, (http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/showthread.php?t=14787), GPA is not listed- class rank and test scores are. Look at those profiles and see where you are in comparison. You will then know which part of your file needs some work. Those kids in the profiles are the ones who West Point accepted. This should give you a clue as to where you stand.

Those of you applying for the Class of 2016. If you think this year was competitive - your class will be even more so. The word is that the class will be even smaller (around 1200). So what can you do to make your file as competitive as possible. High test scores is a good place to start.
I will be attending a FFR conference at West Point next week. I'm sure that next year's class will be discussed. I'll be sure to share anything I hear that will benefit you as you begin your application process.
 
Last edited:
Coming from one of the most competitive high schools in the NE/US.

I had a 3.8/4 gpa, and a 2210 SAT. AP's + IBS's. 4 Year Varsity, SLS, Boys State.

Got my TWE (rejection) letter last week.


Anything can happen, it all depends on your district bro.


What state and district are you from just curious?
I'm from CT 01 i would assume it's pretty competitive here
 
im glad im not the only person who's been worrying about this. ive reached a point where a lot of other kids in my school who i used to be ranked ahead of (just by knowing their gpa's, because our school doesnt really rank officially) are moving ahead of me because they either arent taking as challenging classes or because they aren't doing nearly as many extracurricular stuff as i am. it was frustrating at first, but now im starting to appreciate the fact that west point really does take all of that into consideration.
 
Back
Top