Chance/SLE Question/ what do I need to work on

tcas26

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Mar 17, 2016
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28
First off, I know that at this point nobody can really accurately "Chance me", but I would just like some criticism or complements to help me.

Currently a High School Junior, here is a basic summary of what I have going for me right now:

ACT: English (31) Math (24) Science (28) Reading (34) Writing (24) Composite (29)
I know my math and writing scores are low, I'm taking 2 more act's in April to bring them up. (Hopefully both to a 27 or 28)

Cumulative weighted GPA: 3.7 out of 4.0 (Very positive I'm in the top 20% for my class rank)

Sport: I play Ice Hockey for a club team, I have been playing hockey since i was 5 (since club is more competitive than high school hockey) I've also obtained 3 academic excellence awards from the League I play for.
I also do crossfit for weight lifting, I would consider myself in very good shape.

Clubs: Chinese Honors Society, Triathlon Club, Skills USA (Engineering Team Captain, 2x IL State Qualifier, Varsity Letter), Will be attending Boys state this summer

Church: I have gone on missions trips every summer since 7th grade. My high school missions trips (Freshman and Sophomore year) were to Utah where I helped lead kids camps for kids who had been abused in polygamist families. I will be going on a third missions trip back to Utah this summer (Junior Year) again.

AP/Honors: Freshman Year- Hon World History, Honors English, Honors Engineering
Sophomore Year: Hon English II, AP European History
Junior Year: AP English 3 III, AP US History
Senior Year (Signed up for): AP Biology, AP English 4

Math: FR: Geometry SOPH: Algebra 2 trig JR: Pre-Calc Sr: Calculus

Other: I'm from Illinois and half Chinese half Caucasian (if that makes any difference, I don't really know)

SLE: I actually also have a question regarding SLE. I applied back in early febuary, but unfortunately I only entered my ACT scores and not any of my extra curricular activities. I know people who have gotten acceptance with in a couple of weeks, and even though mine says PENDING (I updated my application), is it right to think that I have not made it in?

I'm basically willing to do anything right now to get into west point, any tips, suggestions or compliments will help greatly!

Thanks!
 
With a 24 math (and/or leaving out all of your ECAs), as a majority candidate you are highly unlike to get picked up for SLE, let alone move on in the application process this summer. Getting up to a 27 or 28 is not going to be that much of a help either other than you are more likely to move on in the application process.

Your best bet, if you are that good at hockey, contact the coach now. It might not help for SLE, but it could for admission. Plus, there is nothing better than hanging out in the air conditioned rink during Beast athletics if you make it.
 
With a 24 math (and/or leaving out all of your ECAs), as a majority candidate you are highly unlike to get picked up for SLE, let alone move on in the application process this summer. Getting up to a 27 or 28 is not going to be that much of a help either other than you are more likely to move on in the application process.

Your best bet, if you are that good at hockey, contact the coach now. It might not help for SLE, but it could for admission. Plus, there is nothing better than hanging out in the air conditioned rink during Beast athletics if you make it.

Thanks for the input! I'm currently rigorously practicing my math act. I have two test in April to bring them up. Why wouldn't a 27-28 math act help? The freshman profiles show that this is average for most cadets. Also for hockey I would need to play for a junior team for 1-3 years. During this time I would not be able to Attend college. Making any ncaa D1 is very competitive and comes with the risk of not being offered a spot. Therefore I think I'd be best on the ACHA D2 team.

Thanks again
 
There is no average cadet, only an average of cadets. If you are a majority candidate (from your demographic info above, you are), then average won't get you into West Point unless your district is really weak. From the list of ECA's and courses you participated in, I'm guessing your area is pretty well off so there will be at least an average level of competition, if not higher. Again, average won't cut it.

As far as participating in juniors or going to a prep school, those are courses of actions to speak with the coach about. if you limit yourself saying you can't do D1 in hockey based on your skill, what makes you think you can gain admission with at/below average stats to a tier 1 undergrad institution?
 
There is no average cadet, only an average of cadets. If you are a majority candidate (from your demographic info above, you are), then average won't get you into West Point unless your district is really weak. From the list of ECA's and courses you participated in, I'm guessing your area is pretty well off so there will be at least an average level of competition, if not higher. Again, average won't cut it.

As far as participating in juniors or going to a prep school, those are courses of actions to speak with the coach about. if you limit yourself saying you can't do D1 in hockey based on your skill, what makes you think you can gain admission with at/below average stats to a tier 1 undergrad institution?
So besides my math act, what else would I need to improve on to become above average?
 
Anyone else have any input? I'm starting to feel that I'm not even close to being a contender.
 
Anyone else have any input? I'm starting to feel that I'm not even close to being a contender.
IMO the Math scores can be improved more readily than Reading/English scores (on which you scored high). Take a solid prep course, perhaps one that focuses on the Math. Take many (more than you think necessary) practice exams and carefully go over the answer keys. Then take more practice exams. Familiarity with the question style/format is critical, and that only comes through repeated practice exams.
And don't sweat SLE. I have never ready any authoritative source confirm it makes any difference. Stay focused on the ultimate goal, spend the SLE time on an ACT math prep course, and stay positive.
 
@tcas26 not trying to be overly harsh, but realistic. Many of you walk into this forum and want someone to validate that you are good and will get in. That isn't the reality. You have strengths that could make you above average even with a below average test score in Math, you just have to figure out how to use them. A recruited athlete status moves you out of the majority pool where you have to have top scores to be competitive. Perhaps there is more leadership potential there as indicated by your boys state selection - did you ever think of running for student body president...I'm assuming elections will be coming up soon - and then maybe your file will be lumped together with the other strong leadership files. Perhaps, it's neither of those. Maybe your strength is really in engineering and with your team, you have the chance to win state/nationals. I nor anyone on this forum can answer that for you. You have to make some life choices now. On what merits do you want to pursue your career and how much time and effort are you willing to dedicate to making that successful.
 
tcas26, 845something's admissions suggestions are always right on the money. Read them carefully and figure out what you need to do.

You didn't mention AP or honors chemistry or physics in your post. You will need a teacher recommendation from a physics or chemistry teacher for your application.
 
IMO the Math scores can be improved more readily than Reading/English scores (on which you scored high). Take a solid prep course, perhaps one that focuses on the Math. Take many (more than you think necessary) practice exams and carefully go over the answer keys. Then take more practice exams. Familiarity with the question style/format is critical, and that only comes through repeated practice exams.
And don't sweat SLE. I have never ready any authoritative source confirm it makes any difference. Stay focused on the ultimate goal, spend the SLE time on an ACT math prep course, and stay positive.

Thanks for the response, I have gotten a tutor for my math act and I have been following my plan of one math act test a day.
 
@tcas26 not trying to be overly harsh, but realistic. Many of you walk into this forum and want someone to validate that you are good and will get in. That isn't the reality. You have strengths that could make you above average even with a below average test score in Math, you just have to figure out how to use them. A recruited athlete status moves you out of the majority pool where you have to have top scores to be competitive. Perhaps there is more leadership potential there as indicated by your boys state selection - did you ever think of running for student body president...I'm assuming elections will be coming up soon - and then maybe your file will be lumped together with the other strong leadership files. Perhaps, it's neither of those. Maybe your strength is really in engineering and with your team, you have the chance to win state/nationals. I nor anyone on this forum can answer that for you. You have to make some life choices now. On what merits do you want to pursue your career and how much time and effort are you willing to dedicate to making that successful.

Thanks for the reply again, you are 100% correct, nobody will be able to validate or confirm what I have, the best thing to do is put my best effort forward on bettering myself in anyway possible. And if it's not gods will for me to go to WP, then there's something else out their for me.
 
tcas26, 845something's admissions suggestions are always right on the money. Read them carefully and figure out what you need to do.

You didn't mention AP or honors chemistry or physics in your post. You will need a teacher recommendation from a physics or chemistry teacher for your application.

I took normal chemistry last year, and I'm taking physics this year. I have gotten A's every semester for those classes. How much will it affect me if they are not AP? I chose AP Biology for next year instead of AP Chem.
 
I took normal chemistry last year, and I'm taking physics this year. I have gotten A's every semester for those classes. How much will it affect me if they are not AP? I chose AP Biology for next year instead of AP Chem.
You just need a good foundation in calculus, physics, and chemistry because they are year-long courses at West Point. And West Point likes to see that you have challenged yourself with the most difficult classes you can take that you can make an A or B in. (Other colleges too.)
 
You just need a good foundation in calculus, physics, and chemistry because they are year-long courses at West Point. And West Point likes to see that you have challenged yourself with the most difficult classes you can take that you can make an A or B in. (Other colleges too.)

I am taking calculus next year, should I try and take AP calc?
 
I didn't see your SAT score. My DS scored way better on SAT than ACT. Also, do you have other volunteer activities besides church missions? Consider coordinating a food drive at your school for the local Food Bank. If you stick to peanut butter only, it's a fairly easy activity that shows leadership. Good luck!
 
I didn't see your SAT score. My DS scored way better on SAT than ACT. Also, do you have other volunteer activities besides church missions? Consider coordinating a food drive at your school for the local Food Bank. If you stick to peanut butter only, it's a fairly easy activity that shows leadership. Good luck!

I'll look into the sat. I actually do have a lot of volunteer hours from food pantries and other work. I will take your advice for the food drive and start one asap at my school. Thanks!
 
Keep working hard and do the best at everything you can. Nothing but the best. 110% day in and day out (of course, be sure not to burn yourself out). No one can take that hard work away from you, and eventually, in one form or the other, it will work out.

Any other leadership positions would help greatly. Team captain, 2x IL State Qualifier, and Varsity Letter looks excellent.
 
Keep working hard and do the best at everything you can. Nothing but the best. 110% day in and day out (of course, be sure not to burn yourself out). No one can take that hard work away from you, and eventually, in one form or the other, it will work out.

Any other leadership positions would help greatly. Team captain, 2x IL State Qualifier, and Varsity Letter looks excellent.

Right now I've started campaigning for Chinese honors society president (I already have most of the votes). I also am about to start a fishing club, through that I plan on running numerous fund raisers including becoming a wounded warrior ambassador. Thanks for the advice!
 
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