Great GPA, but 24 ACT. Is prep school a realistic option?

K

kpo

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DS wishes to attend one of the military service academies. He has done very well in high school, and has a cumulative CPA of 3.85 out of 4 (unweighted) while taking mainly honors, and a few advanced, classes. He has not taken AP classes. Unfortunately, his ACT scores are not as stellar as his GPA. He has a superscore composite of 24 after taking the exam 5 times. (He started at a 19 composite and has worked hard to improve his score to a 24). He has 1 year of varsity soccer, 2 yrs JV, and a good resume of accomplishments. We understand that the ACT score is a few points below the median score, and know that means acceptance into USMA is rather unlikely.

Most of the posts I have seen about prep schools are for folks that need to shore up their academics because of the did not have a 3.0 or greater GPA in HS. Is a prep school a realistic option for someone that excelled in the classroom in HS, but did not excel at the ACT?
 
I had friends at the Prep School with 4.0 GPA and roughly 25 ACT scores. I'd say it's not impossible.
 
Prep....

Your DS will be an excellent candidate for a Prep Program. There are two categories of student "sponsored" and "free agent". The sponsored students are those who are given a scholarship to attend such as AoG (USMA) or Falcon (AFA). A "fee agent" is a student who is not sponsored. There are some very good schools to select from. Some are Military type schools and others focus on polishing up academics like NWP. Investigate the schools to find a fit for you. Many do offer scholarships to help cover costs.

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
I am assuming your DS is a Senior, and options are narrowing. I don't know the application process for the prep schools. If they will take additional test scores, perhaps DS should try the SAT. I understand it is less science intense and is broken up into sections rather than a marathon. If he is able to get an SAT test submitted in time, it may be worth a shot.
With the SAT math, they are testing algebra, not trig or calculus. So sometimes a student who is advanced in math has not had algebra for several years and needs to bone up on it.
 
The only advice I can give is from experience >>> Your DS must speak to his FFR and indicate his interest in the Civil Prep program if he feels that he may not receive an appointment to USMA. My DS' SAT Verbal was lower than the average for appointed USMA cadets. He knew this could be a factor. He also knew he was very motivated and more than qualified in the other areas. He indicated to his FFR (several times, but respectfullly) that if he was not to receive an appointment, he would like to be considered for the Civil Prep program. DS is currently at Marion Military Institute and has received an appointment for the USMA Class of 2018. He also raised his SAT Verbal (590 --> 680) taking a SAT Verbal Prep class while at MMI.
 
How would one know if they are overqualified for the USMMA? What scores and GPA (in both high school and college) would you be at the point of being overqualified?

Thanks in advance!
 
If you were overqualified for King's Point ...

You are probably an alien with artificial intelligence.:eek:


and a humble one at that!
 
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