The ultimate question... what are my chances?

John Benedetto

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Apr 9, 2015
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Hello Everyone, and thanks for taking your time to read my post and help me out, because I could really use some of that right now.

I'm currently a junior in high school, and like many others of this thread, my true dream is to attend USMMA. My father was a graduate of the 1981 class, and he has been a motivation of course, but the only thing is, while I am determined to do my best to make it in, I have doubts of how competitive I am.

Here's some information.
GPA - 3.3
Taking AP Calculus, took AP Physics (B+ avg)
Have not taken SATs or ACTs yet, so I'm assuming scoring high will be VERY important.
Class Rank - Top 50%
Extra Circulars -
Freshman Year - Played Football - Starting lineman, did not continue to to injury
Junior - Running Track
I also do martial arts, and I play a lot of music. Extensively, guitar and piano.
Father is part of the alumni.
Also I'm in great physical shape and believe I can score high on any physical examinations.
That's pretty much the jist of it, I believe I have qualities not explained there that put me ahead. Although I can't change the past, from this day forward I am willing to do whatever it takes to further my chances. If at the end of the day I'm not good enough, so be it, but I sure as hell won't go down saying I didn't try my ass off. It is my true dream to attend the academy and if I don't get accepted out of high school I will also continue to apply the next few years in whatever school I alternatively go to.

Anyways, what do you guys think? Anything that pops into your head as to what I can do to further my chances?

Thanks Again! It means a lot.
 
You have VERY similar stats and extracurricular activities as my DS except he scored a 29 on the ACT. He is currently on Hold status patiently waiting for a spot to open up. However, I would think your father being alumni would give you an edge.
 
I'd take a chemistry course (looks good to KP and it's a generally good idea) and see where you can improve elsewhere. I don't know what to say about the SAT at the moment because they significantly altered it in 2015. Also, I don't believe having a parent alumni is that helpful. I was rejected my first time on the roller coaster and my Dad is a USMMA graduate. However, it can't hurt.

If you want it go for it!
 
As a member of the Class of 81, good luck. Also, good to see that you are getting involved during your junior year.
 
The importance of a leadership position is significant. If you are not of the “team” sport, varsity letter type person, get some leadership title somewhere. Try to gain an office position in a extracurricular club or organization. Spend some time in community service efforts and see if you can get on the board or chair a committee. Many community services organizations in our area really depend on high school Juniors and Seniors (they usually have their drivers licenses) to flesh out the volunteer efforts.
SAT and ACT tests are really important - TKAE THEM EARLY AND TAKE THEM OFTEN. There is a measurable difference in a student's score increasing every time one takes the exam. If you can, take a prep course for the tests. Part of the equation is just taking them enough that you do not get test anxiety, also you will become more comfortable with the question format and can get right to work, therefore better time management during the test. I know each testing has significant cost, but if you better that score each time and you are able to accomplish getting an appointment, then it was a worthwhile investment.
 
Based on your GPA and class standing (unless you go to an ultra competitive 'prestigious' high school) I would say your chances are poor at this point. Just to be realistic, based upon your GPA your standardized test scores won't be phenomenal, just applying the correlation, and there's definitely a correlation.

This is nothing a year (or two) of university work can't remedy though. Definitely take calculus, physics, and chemistry at a university and get a cumulative GPA of at least 3.4 or 3.5 and you're probably good.

Good luck!
 
My grades weren't so hot in high school (3.5 unweighted)...But I did some upper level chemistries (organic, physical, etc) and calculus/physics and they let me in.
 
SAT and ACT tests are really important - TAKE THEM EARLY AND TAKE THEM OFTEN. There is a measurable difference in a student's score increasing every time one takes the exam.

This is definitely good advice, one thing that happened to me on my first SAT is I was tired by the middle of the test, so I stopped trying and came out with a 1250~ SAT (math+reading). Then I tried again, and remembered mind over matter, applied myself throughout the exam with laser focus came came out wiht a 1400~ (also math and reading)
 
Just thought I'd share some of my stuff. I got the BFE a few days ago and will be in the class of 2019

My credentials:
Top 15% of class
GPA 4.16
Enrolled in 8 AP classes
Eagle Scout
4 varsity letters in wrestling
2 varsity letters in cross country (team captain)
Student council president
Lots of community service
ACT 29 comp (34 math 30 eng)
SAT 1980 (750 math 580 CR)
 
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