ACT scores

This is probably a common question, but here it is:
Do academies look at best of each score on the ACT? For example, I got 30E 30M 26R 29S on my first ACT and 34E 32M 24R 27S on my second one. So my "best" score that they would consider is 34E 32M 26R 29S, right?

Thanks

Do the academies have minimum ACT scores they consider acceptable? Do they use the overall composite score, or just the individual scores?

I can only speak for USNA. They look at your best verbal SAT or ACT and your best math SAT or ACT. Thus, they will mix & match.

There is no minimum score required. However, you need to be competitive and that means at least a 600/600 for USNA and probably higher scores for many MOC noms. That's not to say that people don't get appointments with lower scores, but that typically should be the minimum you shoot forl.

Your scores are fine. My son's were much lower, and he received an appointment.

Does USNA look at Science? Because that was my worst, at a 26. I'd like to avoid paying again to raise one score....

So only english and math scores count? That's good to hear (two of my best scores).
And no, I don't think they look at your science score

C/ 2nd Lt. McKnight said:

Does USNA look at Science? Because that was my worst, at a 26. I'd like to avoid paying again to raise one score....

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lol same here.
besides its not just me and u.
i also known other ppl who take ap bio courses but cant seem to score well on act science.

C/ 2nd Lt. McKnight said:

Does USNA look at Science? Because that was my worst, at a 26. I'd like to avoid paying again to raise one score....

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C/2nd Lt., Yes, USNA does look at science. IMHO take it again, (and again, and again, if you have to.) My son took his ACT 4 times, although he qualified the first time. He was trying to improve his scores to be more competitive. It shows perseverence and the kind of determination USNA is looking for.

Getting into USNA is well worth the cost of an extra ACT or two. You might even want to take the SAT. There are books that can help you raise your score. If you are willing to spend the time and effort preparing, you will likely improve your scores. I do believe that you are OK with your science score, if my memory serves me correctly.

Last year there were over 15,000 applicants...this year I heard that there were over 17,000. We have a bad economy, and good jobs are hard to come by even for college grads. This is a guaranteed job. If you don't get an appointment, you may wonder if that ACT retake could have tipped the scales in your favor. Skip the writing portion to save some $$$. If money is an issue, PM me, and I'll share some ideas with you on how to overcome that hurdle.

It is certainly your call, but it is a big decision. Depending on where you live in CA, I have heard that it is a competitive state. Best wishes.

USNA does look at the science scores, but not the composite. Chemistry is the killer course at the academy for most mids.

USNA said:

USNA does look at the science scores, but not the composite. Chemistry is the killer course at the academy for most mids.

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USNA DOES NOT look at science scores, only math and english ACT scores, which they convert over to what they would be on the SAT scale. In all honesty, the ACT is easier so take it. I got an 640 on my english portion of the SAT then when I took the ACT, they converted my ACT english score to the SAT it was an 800.

Bottom line: USNA only looks at math+english. Make sure you take AP technical classes though, and try to get your composite at least 30(which equals a 2040 when converted to the SAT)

I have taken the SAT. My scores were CR: 600 M: 640 and W: 620.

However, I got Eng: 33 and M: 32 on the ACT. I think I may just call the admissions office to check because views seem to be conflicting here....haha.

cracked123 said:

USNA DOES NOT look at science scores, only math and english ACT scores, which they convert over to what they would be on the SAT scale. In all honesty, the ACT is easier so take it. I got an 640 on my english portion of the SAT then when I took the ACT, they converted my ACT english score to the SAT it was an 800.

Bottom line: USNA only looks at math+english. Make sure you take AP technical classes though, and try to get your composite at least 30(which equals a 2040 when converted to the SAT)

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What was your ACT english score? And do you think 34 English and 32 Math is good enough?

C/ 2nd Lt. McKnight said:

I have taken the SAT. My scores were CR: 600 M: 640 and W: 620.

However, I got Eng: 33 and M: 32 on the ACT. I think I may just call the admissions office to check because views seem to be conflicting here....haha.

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Can you give an update when you find out?
Thanks

cracked123 said:

USNA DOES NOT look at science scores, only math and english ACT scores, which they convert over to what they would be on the SAT scale. In all honesty, the ACT is easier so take it. I got an 640 on my english portion of the SAT then when I took the ACT, they converted my ACT english score to the SAT it was an 800.

Bottom line: USNA only looks at math+english. Make sure you take AP technical classes though, and try to get your composite at least 30(which equals a 2040 when converted to the SAT)

Click to expand...

I won't argue the point. Perhaps the USNA admissions representative is wrong! Call him and ask for yourself.

If you scored a 20 on the Science portion, do you think the selection board would not notice? All the scores are sent. Your file may only get one review. Don't take anybody's word for it...seek for yourself, as my son did. He was told that Math, Science, and Reading is all considered. They had a required writing portion last year. I doubt that has changed, but it could have. The admissions counselor gave a minimum # to be competitive, for all three sections. I can find his name and number, if you like. PM me if you need it.

USNA is the best source for information that could have a bearing on receiving an appointment. I've seen a fair amount of misinformation on this board. Sometimes I wonder if it is intentional. But, I doubt it.

I'm not aware of USNA looking at anything other than math and verbal. The reason is that USNA also accepts the SAT and there is no "science" section on that test.

That said, I suppose it's possible that, if you have low math/science grades in h.s. and/or haven't taken math/science at high levels in h.s., USNA might sneak a peak at your score as some predictor of your abililties in that area. However, I wouldn't retake your ACTs if math & verbal are good and you have solid science classes/grades in h.s.

In terms of retaking the SAT/ACT, USNA cares more about your scores than "persistence." If you score 760/760 on your first try, I'm not sure you'll benefit from retaking them and getting a 760/770. You have to evaluate your scores vs. your grades and class rank vs. the likelihood you'll improve and what that improvement could mean. If you're unsure, check with your BGO.