Christcorp, Any idea what is considered a competitive score this year?
Let me answer that.
A "competitive" score "this" year or any other year is highly subjective. USAFA/RRS is not going to tell you "XXX" score is competitive for EVERY candidate. Some scores are competitive for some candidates, while those same scores might NOT be competitive for another.
The "baseline" to look for is: what is the minimum score for qualification. Those are MUCH lower than "competitive." And while your scores might "qualify" they may not be competitive.
This year? Your guess is as good as anyone else's but I'm willing to give my opinion. And that's all it is, MY OPINION. It's based upon numerous briefings I've received from USAFA/RRS, a couple visits this cycle to USAFA, and a LOT of years of experience.
I "think" that to be truly, REALLY, competitive for this VERY BRUTAL cycle at USAFA, you need scores in the VERY HIGH 600's and that may not be enough! ACT scores...if you're not in the 30's, I don't think it'll work.
NOW....REALIZE there are OTHER FACTORS that are looked at: SAT/ACT is not the end-all, the WCS: Weighted Composite Score is THE number. And the SAT/ACT is only a portion of that!
The rest of the package is crucial as well! Which is why I can't (neither can CC or anyone else here) say "for certain" what IS or what IS NOT competitive. It might be possible for someone with SATs in the mid 600's to be a "slam dunk" appointee because the rest of their package is just that good! ACTs could be in the upper 20s and low 30s; same story.
And then there's that amazing candidate that is just head and shoulders above everyone else, EXCEPT in test scores: and they receive a principal nomination (which means they receive an appointment) because they were just that impressive to their MOC's nomination board. I know a current cadet at USAFA that was precisely that last year. His scores were NOT the highest, not even close...they were above the mins, but not awesome. But the rest of the package WAS STELLAR! And his interviews with the nomination board...they couldn't have been better. And he was the principal nominee. He's now a "doolie" and doing great!!!
Long-winded answer, I realize, but I think it's key to understand that your focus needs to be to achieve the highest score you can; don't focus upon a number, focus upon the entire package!
Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83