ACT/SAT Scores

Hello,

I just got my ACT scores back- and they're not pretty. E 26, CR 32, M 23, S 26. The main subject I drastically need to raise is math. It is the only one in my portal with brackets around it. Even my SAT math score is a 550, just 10 points shy of being qualified with a 560. I have taken the SAT 5 times and the ACT 4 times.

However, how much do they really look at test scores? I know they are highly considered during admissions, but would 10 points be a breaking point? Would prep still be a possibility?

The rest of my resume is competitive- 9 Varsity Letters, two time team captain, president of multiple clubs, class officer, 500+ community service hours, 4.0 GPA, nursing student, etc.

Also medically qualified and (I assume) physically qualified. Have received two nominations as well.

I understand my scores are low, besides my CR 32- but how large of a factor would it play in admissions? Is it a true make it or break it factor?

Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

Try the SAT, my ACT looked similar to that and I did much much better on the SAT

I maybe wrong, but I thought the brackets meant you are not academically qual'd via USAFA. Iows you are not 3 Q, even with the 4.0 because of the SAT/ACT scores.
~ Flieger or Christcorp aka Mike can verify that for me, you and every poster.
~~ I always thought the brackets meant you did not meet the standards. You can be a candidate because you have a nom, but that doesn't mean you are 3 Q. Just like you can have a nom, be a candidate, but fail the CFA or DoDMERB exam.

Honestly my advice is to still study and pay for the March, April, May and June boards.

Reason why is nobody can give you insight on your chances, and even if you get an apptmt., the question comes down to whether you have test anxiety or the academic foundation is just not there.
~ Either way you need to realize college profs will move a lot faster than your HS teachers, they are not going to slow down your class because you are having problems...it is up to you to find a tutor or time to meet the prof to discuss where the problem is with picking up the material. Test anxiety will exist next year when you realize how much harder and faster these classes move. Academic foundation will impact you also in the same way, so it doesn't matter in the end whether you say you are not a good test taker or it is the foundation (i.e. you are ending with Pre Calc)

I am guessing you did not either apply or get an AFROTC scholarship, and this ties into why you need to still take the SAT/ACT this spring. If AFROTC, plan B becomes plan A, next year, AND if you decide to reapply for USAFA or apply for an ICSP AFROTC scholarship those scores will still be a player come next fall

I get you want some sense of guidance or hope, but the fact is you just need to go with it now. Either you will or will not get an apptmt to USAFA or prep. My best wishes and hopes.

Zandercott said:

Try the SAT, my ACT looked similar to that and I did much much better on the SAT

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They did...5 times compared to the 4 tries on the ACT.

Bottom line is you cannot attend USAFA without meeting the minimum requirements so keep taking the test. I took the ACT 7 times before I was satisfied. Your scores qualify you for the prep school, but that doesn't mean you have to be offered an appointment there either. Keep pushing for every ACT or SAT that comes your way as sadly a 1 point difference on the ACT or a 10 point difference on the SAT will make the difference. The standards have their minimums for a reason.

I am signed up for the SAT this upcoming weekend. It was originally scheduled for Jan 23rd, but rescheduled due to a blizzard. I am hoping I improve my scores- as I have been studying for months and truly putting in the work. However, I know admissions will receive these scores way past the deadline. Has a candidate ever received an appointment after submitting scores on the late side? It will be mid-march by the time admissions receives them- but is it at all possible?

USAFA is allowing the late scores due to the blizzard, so you need to just move on and do well on the exam.
~ In my 7 years here they did not have a blizzard like they did a few weeks ago that hit when the last time an SAT is offered for the incoming class. You are not the only one in this boat, but this is not common where they give a pass to everyone that had their SAT cancelled.

The best way impo to relieve the pressure for you right now is to have plan B in place in case you don't get an appointment or a Prep/Foundation offer.

I wish you the best of luck.

Pima said:

USAFA is allowing the late scores due to the blizzard, so you need to just move on and do well on the exam.
~ In my 7 years here they did not have a blizzard like they did a few weeks ago that hit when the last time an SAT is offered for the incoming class. You are not the only one in this boat, but this is not common where they give a pass to everyone that had their SAT cancelled.

The best way impo to relieve the pressure for you right now is to have plan B in place in case you don't get an appointment or a Prep/Foundation offer.

I wish you the best of luck.

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Pima,

So they are definitely allowing late scores? According to College Board, my February scores will not reach USAFA until March 16th. That seems super late!

flight9 said:

Pima,

So they are definitely allowing late scores? According to College Board, my February scores will not reach USAFA until March 16th. That seems super late!

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Flight9, my DS is retaking this weekend, as well, due to the blizzard. He called his Counselor twice to confirm he could take and the scores would be counted after the 2/15 deadline and he was advised they will accept the scores in March from the 2/20 makeup test session. You need to call your Counselor at the Academy to confirm this and make them aware. I would not go by College Board. My DS is much in the same position as you -- extremely bright, AP classes, athletic, very well-rounded, Eagle Scout with Bronze Palm, you name it, he just can't seem to conquer the SAT/ACT and is just points away. Focus on your test this weekend, but be sure you have your Plans B, C, etc. in place and be comfortable with those plans. Keep in mind that while the Academy is prestigious and a high honor, it is not the be all end all. Many successful people have developed through ROTC and direct enlistment. Check the USAFA Facebook page - there's a cadet that started when he was 22 and has been successful. If not this year, maybe next. God always has a plan; a route. It may not be your plan, but have faith and keep pressing forward! Good luck!