Two questions about the class profiles

A

armydaughter

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I have been looking at a lot of the posts regarding being competitive in terms of test scores and have a couple questions. It is fairly common here to refer the questioner to the class profiles for the past few years.

1) The test score averages seem much lower than what is discussed in these threads. For example, the profile for the class of 2015 would make it seem like ACT scores of 29-30 accross the subjects would be very competitive - just above the average for all entering cadets. But the advice in these forums points to the need to be at least at the 32+ level to be in the running. Where does the discrepancy arise from?

2) Approximately when is the profile published for each entering class? With all the talk of how much harder it was for the class of 2016, I am curious as to how the profile info will be different.
 
armydaughter said:
1) The test score averages seem much lower than what is discussed in these threads. For example, the profile for the class of 2015 would make it seem like ACT scores of 29-30 accross the subjects would be very competitive - just above the average for all entering cadets. But the advice in these forums points to the need to be at least at the 32+ level to be in the running. Where does the discrepancy arise from?
Click to expand...

Hi!

So, the class profiles the averages all the scores out. That includes people in all different cases... prior-services, principal nomination receivers, URMs, less-competitive states, recruited athletes, re-applicants, amazing leaders...

I don't mean to say that these situations imply a lower standardized test-scores. But you must understand that "averages" are not valid for every single candidate. If I recall correctly from what I've read in the forums, a candidate from California (which I understand is very, VERY competitive) would need a higher test score than candidates from less-competitive states, both to compete against the pool of applicants and for the nomination. Also, it is a good idea to have AMAZING test scores if you end up in the national waiting list, which I understand ranks candidates based on WCS (30% of it is ACT/SAT scores).

So... I don't really know what is your situation and what your aims should be. Truth is, several candidates with amazing test scores did NOT get nominations or appointments, whilst others with lowers scores did. There are so many things that influence your chances of getting an appointment that you do NOT want your test scores to be a reason NOT to get an appointment.

Therefore... aim for amazing scores. However, just because one scored 32+ on all subjects does NOT mean he/she is a very competitive candidate overall.

I believe people who get an appointment to WP are rarely "average". They might not be superb in everything they do (say, they didn't get very high standardized test scores, be are great in all other matters).

So that means - getting 32+ is good if you want to be competitive - because you don't KNOW what will make you stand out from the other candidates.

Thus: if you want to be running, aim for 32+ scores (however, that doesn't mean you won't get an appointment if you score any less than that... the same way that if you score above that will not mean you will).
 
There are many problems if you try to make too many conclusions based on the averages.

For the vast majority of people, you have to have a VERY strong record (academic, physical & leadership) to get an offer to WP. However, based on the Congressional system of nominations, the competition between Congressional Districts throughout the U.S. can vary GREATLY. All that get admitted are FULLY qualified, but clearly the top 1200 in the U.S do not get in due to the geographical distribution required by law.

In addition, people like recruited athelics, and other people selected to "round out the class to provide diversity" often have lower scores than the people selected from competitive congressional districts. Also the people admitted from the USMA Prep School normally have lower scores - that is usually why they were sent to Prep school and not directly to WP.

However, when all is said and done, the entering classs are great young men and women who are fully qualified for the challenges of WP.
 
Links to Class Profiles

Speaking of class profiles, I haven't been able to locate recent class profiles with the redesign of the USMA website. Does anyone have the link(s) available?
Thanks.
 
because the English+ writing score is not listed in the profile can you assume that it is needed but not used for admissions?
 
^^^^
On the ACT, you are evaluated on your Math, English, Science and Reading scores - not the English/Writing score.
The reason you take the ACT with Writing is data collection for future consideration. WP may in the future use the Writing score as part of the academic evaluation but I have not heard that they will use it for the 2017 class.
 
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