New Member Seeking Advice

Joined
Oct 29, 2015
Messages
16
I received nominations for both USMMA and USNA from my MOC in a vey competitive district in IL. I have passed DODMERB and PFT for both as well as Coast Guard. USMMA and Coast Guard both are interested in me for my sport. Not USNA. The rest of my resume is very competitive 3.8 out of 4.0 with honors and AP. NHS, competitive sport. My ACT is not stellar. I am "on hold" with USMMA and "complete pending review" with USNA. I have an excellent recommendation from my BGO. Will it really come down to my ACT score? Chances?
 
It could come down to your test scores. USNA needs to qualify you academically to move on to the appointment board and that's where the real competition starts. That is where they will give the nod to the kid with a 31 ACT instead of the kid with a 30 ACT and otherwise equal credentials. A large part also depends on how you stack up in your district (Navy)/state (Merchant Marine). Being "On Hold" isn't a bad thing at this point in time either. USMMA is just waiting to see how you compare with the rest of IL applicant pool. At Coast Guard, there are no nominations so test scores carry more weight when it comes to being selected. A 30 could put you at the top of your district slate for Navy, but not get you into Coast Guard due to many others having above a 30. Also, if you really want to attend one of the Service Academies, talk to the coaches about Prep School. Many athletes attend Prep School before attending their chosen Academy. Prep School puts you on a five year track, but you have an appointment the following year (provided you meet academic standards) and you are ahead of the game when it comes to the military stuff when you report for Plebe Summer/Swab Summer/Indoctrination. Also, it won't matter if you went to Prep School or not once you are out in the fleet. I have met some very fine Naval Officer who went to Foundation or NAPS and I wouldn't have known they went to Prep School without them telling me. Lastly, if you are truly worried about your scores, you could always take a prep class and re-take the ACT. Best of luck!
 
It could come down to your test scores. USNA needs to qualify you academically to move on to the appointment board and that's where the real competition starts. That is where they will give the nod to the kid with a 31 ACT instead of the kid with a 30 ACT and otherwise equal credentials. A large part also depends on how you stack up in your district (Navy)/state (Merchant Marine). Being "On Hold" isn't a bad thing at this point in time either. USMMA is just waiting to see how you compare with the rest of IL applicant pool. At Coast Guard, there are no nominations so test scores carry more weight when it comes to being selected. A 30 could put you at the top of your district slate for Navy, but not get you into Coast Guard due to many others having above a 30. Also, if you really want to attend one of the Service Academies, talk to the coaches about Prep School. Many athletes attend Prep School before attending their chosen Academy. Prep School puts you on a five year track, but you have an appointment the following year (provided you meet academic standards) and you are ahead of the game when it comes to the military stuff when you report for Plebe Summer/Swab Summer/Indoctrination. Also, it won't matter if you went to Prep School or not once you are out in the fleet. I have met some very fine Naval Officer who went to Foundation or NAPS and I wouldn't have known they went to Prep School without them telling me. Lastly, if you are truly worried about your scores, you could always take a prep class and re-take the ACT. Best of luck!
Thanks, greatly appreciate!
 
Have you tried taking the SAT? Even without prep, retake the ACT. Nothing to lose.
 
Two questions for you maximumswimmer. First, how "interested" are the swim coaches in you? Second, do your ACT scores meet the published minimums? If you meet the minimums and you are fast enough to make an big immediate impact on the swim team, I would be on the phone with the coach for help and advice.
 
You never know. You said "not stellar". That leaves a lot of room for interpretation. 22-24 ? 25 - 27? 28-30? If you want better advice, post complete info. Also, why didn't you take the SAT? You only took the ACT once? It is not unheard of for applicants to have taken the ACT, SAT, or both... 5 or more times. To place all of your hopes on one test taking day shows poor planning.
 
To complete previous post.
Here is a condition from the academy's website as far as SAT scores:

"
SAT
The current minimum qualifying scores for the SAT Reasoning Test are 560 for Critical Reading and 560 for Math*. Scores for the writing portion will be used for placement upon enrollment into the Academy. The minimum total score of 1120 must have each of the minimum component scores as shown. Achieving a total score of 1120 without having a minimum of 560 Critical Reading and a minimum of 560 Math does not meet the Academy's minimum test score requirements.
"

With conversion translates to a minimum of 24-25 ACT...
 
Two questions for you maximumswimmer. First, how "interested" are the swim coaches in you? Second, do your ACT scores meet the published minimums? If you meet the minimums and you are fast enough to make an big immediate impact on the swim team, I would be on the phone with the coach for help and advice.
Very interested!! He sought me out. And we talk quite often. ACT a few points over minimum, 25-27's.I took more than once, and will take for the last time in December. He said my scores are high with admissions, but everyone seems to address my ACT all the time, even with my other stats being excellent. Thanks for your help, greatly appreciate!!
 
The reason people address your ACT so much is because your previous academic record (GPA, ACT, class rank, curriculum rigor, academic honors, etc.) accounts for 65% of your total ranking. Extra-curricular activities account for the other 35%. Test scores are used as a predictor of future college success. The Academies all have a tough academic load as it is. They want to admit people who they think can handle both the academic and military loads throughout their four years at USMMA. People get in with 30+ ACT scores and they still have a tough time. Like I said in my previous post, if you really want to attend USMMA, talk to your coach about NMMI (Prep School). If you get in directly, then great! If you get into Prep School, you get an amazing deal. Coaches get slots every year in order to keep recruits that are just a bit down on academics. I met one Plebe who went to NMMI when I overnighted and he had a 4.0. Not easy to do, but obviously not impossible.
 
If you get in directly, then great!


I would of caution from getting in directly with such status.
Right now its the beginning of Tri2 for USMMA, this week was the week of all hearings for people that were either recommended for dis-enrollment for for setback - all academically.

Around 250 came in June, they lost something like 17 along the way with indoc and the beginning of classes... and now it looks like around 30 more will either seek another path or come back next year.
As harsh as it sounds, besides the demanding need to get your ACT/SAT high, it looks like there is need to have AP Calculus, Physics , Chemistry and Economics under your belt before you come in.

DS was not sponsored prep, but took and aced all of the above at AP level, except Chemistry that he took only in his sophomore year in HS at Honors level. With ACT of 34, ended up with C in chemistry first tri. It is very demanding school, staying in is harder than getting in.

BTW, his younger brother had weaker academics, with about 25 ACT, we talked him out of applying to USMMA, we don't see him doing well there academically...
 
If you get in directly, then great!


I would of caution from getting in directly with such status.
Right now its the beginning of Tri2 for USMMA, this week was the week of all hearings for people that were either recommended for dis-enrollment for for setback - all academically.

Around 250 came in June, they lost something like 17 along the way with indoc and the beginning of classes... and now it looks like around 30 more will either seek another path or come back next year.
As harsh as it sounds, besides the demanding need to get your ACT/SAT high, it looks like there is need to have AP Calculus, Physics , Chemistry and Economics under your belt before you come in.

DS was not sponsored prep, but took and aced all of the above at AP level, except Chemistry that he took only in his sophomore year in HS at Honors level. With ACT of 34, ended up with C in chemistry first tri. It is very demanding school, staying in is harder than getting in.

BTW, his younger brother had weaker academics, with about 25 ACT, we talked him out of applying to USMMA, we don't see him doing well there academically...

Are you suggesting that even if maxiumswimmer is admitted this year he should not to go because it is challenging academically?
 
To complete previous post.
Here is a condition from the academy's website as far as SAT scores:

"
SAT
The current minimum qualifying scores for the SAT Reasoning Test are 560 for Critical Reading and 560 for Math*. Scores for the writing portion will be used for placement upon enrollment into the Academy. The minimum total score of 1120 must have each of the minimum component scores as shown. Achieving a total score of 1120 without having a minimum of 560 Critical Reading and a minimum of 560 Math does not meet the Academy's minimum test score requirements.
"

With conversion translates to a minimum of 24-25 ACT...
I
If you get in directly, then great!


I would of caution from getting in directly with such status.
Right now its the beginning of Tri2 for USMMA, this week was the week of all hearings for people that were either recommended for dis-enrollment for for setback - all academically.

Around 250 came in June, they lost something like 17 along the way with indoc and the beginning of classes... and now it looks like around 30 more will either seek another path or come back next year.
As harsh as it sounds, besides the demanding need to get your ACT/SAT high, it looks like there is need to have AP Calculus, Physics , Chemistry and Economics under your belt before you come in.

DS was not sponsored prep, but took and aced all of the above at AP level, except Chemistry that he took only in his sophomore year in HS at Honors level. With ACT of 34, ended up with C in chemistry first tri. It is very demanding school, staying in is harder than getting in.

BTW, his younger brother had weaker academics, with about 25 ACT, we talked him out of applying to USMMA, we don't see him doing well there academically...
If you get in directly, then great!


I would of caution from getting in directly with such status.
Right now its the beginning of Tri2 for USMMA, this week was the week of all hearings for people that were either recommended for dis-enrollment for for setback - all academically.

Around 250 came in June, they lost something like 17 along the way with indoc and the beginning of classes... and now it looks like around 30 more will either seek another path or come back next year.
As harsh as it sounds, besides the demanding need to get your ACT/SAT high, it looks like there is need to have AP Calculus, Physics , Chemistry and Economics under your belt before you come in.

DS was not sponsored prep, but took and aced all of the above at AP level, except Chemistry that he took only in his sophomore year in HS at Honors level. With ACT of 34, ended up with C in chemistry first tri. It is very demanding school, staying in is harder than getting in.

BTW, his younger brother had weaker academics, with about 25 ACT, we talked him out of applying to USMMA, we don't see him doing well there academically...

Are you suggesting that even if maxiumswimmer is admitted this year he should not to go because it is challenging academically?
You never know. You said "not stellar". That leaves a lot of room for interpretation. 22-24 ? 25 - 27? 28-30? If you want better advice, post complete info. Also, why didn't you take the SAT? You only took the ACT once? It is not unheard of for applicants to have taken the ACT, SAT, or both... 5 or more times. To place all of your hopes on one test taking day shows poor planning.

Just because I edited the information in a way I thought would be sufficient to have my question answered well, which several people already did thank you to those, doesn't mean I "planned poorly". please keep comments directed towards my question and not make assumptions on information I did not share.
 
If you get in directly, then great!


I would of caution from getting in directly with such status.
Right now its the beginning of Tri2 for USMMA, this week was the week of all hearings for people that were either recommended for dis-enrollment for for setback - all academically.

Around 250 came in June, they lost something like 17 along the way with indoc and the beginning of classes... and now it looks like around 30 more will either seek another path or come back next year.
As harsh as it sounds, besides the demanding need to get your ACT/SAT high, it looks like there is need to have AP Calculus, Physics , Chemistry and Economics under your belt before you come in.

DS was not sponsored prep, but took and aced all of the above at AP level, except Chemistry that he took only in his sophomore year in HS at Honors level. With ACT of 34, ended up with C in chemistry first tri. It is very demanding school, staying in is harder than getting in.

BTW, his younger brother had weaker academics, with about 25 ACT, we talked him out of applying to USMMA, we don't see him doing well there academically...

Are you suggesting that even if maxiumswimmer is admitted this year he should not to go because it is challenging academically?

I would like to know the answer to that as well. I am an excellent student managing 3 AP classes and three honors classes with a 3.8 GPA out of 4. Holding down a job, going to swim practice at 5am, having a leading role in my high school musical with rehearsals every day after school for the past 8 weeks, being a member of NHS and squeezing in more swim practices in the evenings when I can, I think shows more of my ability to handle a full load than a couple Saturday mornings taking a standardized test. A 33 ACT score does not a leader make. Please keep comments directed towards answering the questions of people seeking advice and help and not to promote your own agenda. Maximumswimmer.
 
maximumswimmer,

USMMA2019MOM, in my opinion, did not try and promote some agenda. This is an open forum and you will soon find out that many people have varying opinions and experiences regarding certain issues. Just remember, that at the end of the day, it is your decision to make. We can help you as much as possible on SAF, but we cannot make a decision for you. I totally agree with you by the way on the ACT scores. At Mass Maritime, we have a class load and regiment similar to Kings Point. One of my squad leaders (2/C directly in charge of the 4/C Cadets) didn't do so hot in high school. He is in Marine Engineering and is always on the Dean's or President's List. I have also seen some high scoring individuals in my class flounder a bit in academics, mostly out of lack of work ethic because they breezed through high school without having to study that much. If you get in and ultimately decide to attend KP, just remember academics over everything. The Academy much rather have you pulling a 3.6 and having badly shined shoes than the other way around. I went through the admissions process last year with KP, so if you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me.
 
To complete previous post.
Here is a condition from the academy's website as far as SAT scores:

"
SAT
The current minimum qualifying scores for the SAT Reasoning Test are 560 for Critical Reading and 560 for Math*. Scores for the writing portion will be used for placement upon enrollment into the Academy. The minimum total score of 1120 must have each of the minimum component scores as shown. Achieving a total score of 1120 without having a minimum of 560 Critical Reading and a minimum of 560 Math does not meet the Academy's minimum test score requirements.
"

With conversion translates to a minimum of 24-25 ACT...
I
If you get in directly, then great!


I would of caution from getting in directly with such status.
Right now its the beginning of Tri2 for USMMA, this week was the week of all hearings for people that were either recommended for dis-enrollment for for setback - all academically.

Around 250 came in June, they lost something like 17 along the way with indoc and the beginning of classes... and now it looks like around 30 more will either seek another path or come back next year.
As harsh as it sounds, besides the demanding need to get your ACT/SAT high, it looks like there is need to have AP Calculus, Physics , Chemistry and Economics under your belt before you come in.

DS was not sponsored prep, but took and aced all of the above at AP level, except Chemistry that he took only in his sophomore year in HS at Honors level. With ACT of 34, ended up with C in chemistry first tri. It is very demanding school, staying in is harder than getting in.

BTW, his younger brother had weaker academics, with about 25 ACT, we talked him out of applying to USMMA, we don't see him doing well there academically...
If you get in directly, then great!


I would of caution from getting in directly with such status.
Right now its the beginning of Tri2 for USMMA, this week was the week of all hearings for people that were either recommended for dis-enrollment for for setback - all academically.

Around 250 came in June, they lost something like 17 along the way with indoc and the beginning of classes... and now it looks like around 30 more will either seek another path or come back next year.
As harsh as it sounds, besides the demanding need to get your ACT/SAT high, it looks like there is need to have AP Calculus, Physics , Chemistry and Economics under your belt before you come in.

DS was not sponsored prep, but took and aced all of the above at AP level, except Chemistry that he took only in his sophomore year in HS at Honors level. With ACT of 34, ended up with C in chemistry first tri. It is very demanding school, staying in is harder than getting in.

BTW, his younger brother had weaker academics, with about 25 ACT, we talked him out of applying to USMMA, we don't see him doing well there academically...

Are you suggesting that even if maxiumswimmer is admitted this year he should not to go because it is challenging academically?
You never know. You said "not stellar". That leaves a lot of room for interpretation. 22-24 ? 25 - 27? 28-30? If you want better advice, post complete info. Also, why didn't you take the SAT? You only took the ACT once? It is not unheard of for applicants to have taken the ACT, SAT, or both... 5 or more times. To place all of your hopes on one test taking day shows poor planning.

Just because I edited the information in a way I thought would be sufficient to have my question answered well, which several people already did thank you to those, doesn't mean I "planned poorly". please keep comments directed towards my question and not make assumptions on information I did not share.


We get so many requests to evaluate chances, and it is easier with more information than less. If I were on the admissions committee I would wonder about an applicant that performed poorly on the ACT and yet had limited tries.

When you leave out info, one can expect assumptions. Even though I know what happens when one assumes ;-)

So based upon your info and attitude I would expect an appointment for you would be tremendously lucky. Oops, another assumption!
 
So the kid asks a question upon which several assumptions are made which result in him being accused of poor planning and his being told even if you are admitted you should think twice because it may be too hard for you. He takes exception to those comments and based on that he is tacitly accused of having a poor attitude?? Nice place you have here.
maximumswimmer: good luck with your swim season and the application process.
 
BTW, his younger brother had weaker academics, with about 25 ACT, we talked him out of applying to USMMA, we don't see him doing well there academically...

This is absolute hogwash. I made a 26 on the ACT, albeit my SAT score (the score that got me in) was convert-able to a ~31, but I still made a 26 on an ACT exam. I just finished my first trimester at the academy with a 3.5 GPA. Very doable, made an A in calculus with a high B in physics. If you get into the academy you have what it takes to be successful, the people who were disenrolled were not stupid or incapable of doing the work here, most simply chose not exert themselves and succeed. The academy disenrolled them because they were showered with support and resources and still didn't take the initiative; they were lead to the water, but chose not to drink, essentially.
 
There are no guarantees in life. As I have stated a few times in other threads, the easiest part of the Academy process (and especially for KP) is getting in. . . . It is a tough program, both academically and regimentally. Then there is the added pressure of a life at sea. . .I know that during my time at KP, it was pretty common to lose about 1/4 of your classmates before graduation. Some couldn't handle the regimental program. Others washed out because of the many demands for time between academics and the Regiment. Many of those that survived the first year, or year and a half, discovered during Sea Year that going to sea was not what they were meant to do. Others, like myself, were energized by the idea.
 
With regard to USNA, you need to be 3Q and have a NOM to be in the RUNNING for an appointment. The scholastic Q includes far more then just GPA and test scores. Things like teacher recommendations as well as ECA participation in h.s. are also considered. No one here knows the exact formula used by USNA to determine who is 3Q or how high of a score is needed for an appointment. Everyone who attends did NOT ace their GPA and/or SAT so don't listen to someone who says you can't attend for this reason or that. None of us have ever met you in person so to say something like that based on only a brief posting on here is nonsense. (Some who had stellar h.s. scores might also do poorly in the environment of the academy so that is really not any predictor of future success.)

I am not clear on how you think you got an "excelleent recommendation" from your BGO, since they don't typically comment on their evaluation of you.

Try also taking the SAT if you have not done so, since some do better on one than the other. There is no guarantee your scores will go up by taking either test an excessive number of times. You score MIGHT go up or down.
 
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