Is there anyway to know what combination of SAT/ACT, grades, class rank etc. that would be considered academically qualified or disqualified, or is it a subjective decision by the board. Are all candidates notified when they are deemed to be academically qualified?
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Academic Qual
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Whistle Pig
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No, no, and no.
(Some, not all on #3.)
(Some, not all on #3.)
No, no, and no.
(Some, not all on #3.)[/QUOT
hey Whistle Pig: Are you saying that there is NO discretion in making the scholastically qualified determination? Doesn't the Whole Person Score get factored in that part of the 3 Q? Or does a candidate become 3Q and then the WPS is determined? My DS has a weighted 4.0, 1400 SAT and is an AP Scholar with Distinction (5 AP scores of 3 or greater). What else do they consider in making the scholastically qualified determination?
Whistle Pig
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Scholastically qualified does have a specific definition. I recall seeing this some time back, in which each component was given a % of the weighting for determining the WP (or whatever they call it now, another name?). My recollection was that the single most weighted component was math SAT/ACT. (Unfortunately the formula got axed on a bum hard disk. Sorry.) So in that regard, the answer to your 1st question might be more accurately yes. It is definitive, and if there might be any discretion, perhaps in determining the score of ECs. But no discretion in determining which measures count how much.
Other components to WP to my recollection ...rank, grades, ECs/Leadership, verbal scores, recommendation letters.
Your son sounds like top-shelf! Congrats and good luck!
Now, having said all that, allow for what another has said, allegedly based on some research now nearly a decade dated, but perhaps more accurate, specific, and insightful in addressing your question. Note: the Strong Interest is no longer used, as you'd know.
In this paper (2003) author describes the USNA admissions board evaluation process using a metric know as the Whole Person Multiple (WPM). This "score" is calculated based on a candidate's application information. It is designed to be a predictor for successful completion of freshman year at USNA. Qualifying candidate multiples fall between the ranges of 58,000 to greater than 80,000. The paper set forth the components of the WPM and their weighting:
Highest SAT verbal score - 15 %
Highest SAT math score - 31 %
High School Class rank - 21 %
Teacher Recommendation - 8 %
X-curr. activities/athletics - 10%
strong interest inventory technical interest score - 12 %
strong interest inventory career interest score - 3 %
The admissions board can subjectly adjust the WPM by up to 9,000 points.
At least this'll give you a pretty fair idea of how it all goes down. And ...as you can see, this indicates there IS some discretion available for use.
Other components to WP to my recollection ...rank, grades, ECs/Leadership, verbal scores, recommendation letters.
Your son sounds like top-shelf! Congrats and good luck!
Now, having said all that, allow for what another has said, allegedly based on some research now nearly a decade dated, but perhaps more accurate, specific, and insightful in addressing your question. Note: the Strong Interest is no longer used, as you'd know.
In this paper (2003) author describes the USNA admissions board evaluation process using a metric know as the Whole Person Multiple (WPM). This "score" is calculated based on a candidate's application information. It is designed to be a predictor for successful completion of freshman year at USNA. Qualifying candidate multiples fall between the ranges of 58,000 to greater than 80,000. The paper set forth the components of the WPM and their weighting:
Highest SAT verbal score - 15 %
Highest SAT math score - 31 %
High School Class rank - 21 %
Teacher Recommendation - 8 %
X-curr. activities/athletics - 10%
strong interest inventory technical interest score - 12 %
strong interest inventory career interest score - 3 %
The admissions board can subjectly adjust the WPM by up to 9,000 points.
At least this'll give you a pretty fair idea of how it all goes down. And ...as you can see, this indicates there IS some discretion available for use.
Last edited:
Scholastically qualified does have a specific definition. I recall seeing this some time back, in which each component was given a % of the weighting for determining the WP (or whatever they call it now, another name?). My recollection was that the single most weighted component was math SAT/ACT. (Unfortunately the formula got axed on a bum hard disk. Sorry.) So in that regard, the answer to your 1st question might be more accurately yes. It is definitive, and if there might be any discretion, perhaps in determining the score of ECs. But no discretion in determining which measures count how much.
Other components to WP to my recollection ...rank, grades, ECs/Leadership, verbal scores, recommendation letters.
Your son sounds like top-shelf! Congrats and good luck!
Now, having said all that, allow for what another has said, allegedly based on some research now nearly a decade dated, but perhaps more accurate, specific, and insightful in addressing your question. Note: the Strong Interest is no longer used, as you'd know.
In this paper (2003) author describes the USNA admissions board evaluation process using a metric know as the Whole Person Multiple (WPM). This "score" is calculated based on a candidate's application information. It is designed to be a predictor for successful completion of freshman year at USNA. Qualifying candidate multiples fall between the ranges of 58,000 to greater than 80,000. The paper set forth the components of the WPM and their weighting:
Highest SAT verbal score - 15 %
Highest SAT math score - 31 %
High School Class rank - 21 %
Teacher Recommendation - 8 %
X-curr. activities/athletics - 10%
strong interest inventory technical interest score - 12 %
strong interest inventory career interest score - 3 %
The admissions board can subjectly adjust the WPM by up to 9,000 points.
At least this'll give you a pretty fair idea of how it all goes down. And ...as you can see, this indicates there IS some discretion available for use.
Wow, Thanks! MY DS, got an 800 in CR, and only a 600 in math. (if only the reverse!). Any extra points for "perfect" in either math or CR on the SAT? Class rank is top quarter (*very* competitive HS). No athletics (for reasons too complicated to go into here but mostly having to do with a very nasty divorce and that affected his early grades (considered?)), but he is an Eagle Scout and did double duty as Senior Patrol Leader and has the Triple Crown for Scouting's 3 high adventure camps. I read on NESA for the USNA site that Eagle is the single best predictor of success at the USNA. He also has leadership positions in Model UN. Senatorial nom from Maryland (very competitive)
So, do they have discretion in assessing ECs? Or is there a point system for type of activity? EG, X points for Eagle?
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PS: There is a functioning link to the GAO referenced by Whistle Pig:
http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d031000.pdf
http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d031000.pdf
For you Eagle Applicants out there, this is what the NESA for the USNA says:
• Eagle Scouts at USNA have a higher probability of completing the
4-year program than any other demographic group including
o high scholastic indicators (SAT's, etc.)
o a family tradition of military service.
• Eagles begin their Plebe year at approximately 11% of their class and
complete the four years as approximately 14% of their graduating
class. Their rate of attrition is very low!
• On average, Eagles are in the top 17% of their graduating class.
• Because of the above statistics, all four Service Academies send out
"unsolicited application packages" to any Eagle Scouts that join the
roles of NESA National.
The link is http://www.usna.edu/NESA/
Look under NESA History, left column.
• Eagle Scouts at USNA have a higher probability of completing the
4-year program than any other demographic group including
o high scholastic indicators (SAT's, etc.)
o a family tradition of military service.
• Eagles begin their Plebe year at approximately 11% of their class and
complete the four years as approximately 14% of their graduating
class. Their rate of attrition is very low!
• On average, Eagles are in the top 17% of their graduating class.
• Because of the above statistics, all four Service Academies send out
"unsolicited application packages" to any Eagle Scouts that join the
roles of NESA National.
The link is http://www.usna.edu/NESA/
Look under NESA History, left column.
Whistle Pig
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A digression, but speaking of Eagle Scouting ...Check out Sec Defense Gates connections to Eagle Scouting! Impressive.
He taught a senior seminar @ the Acad a week or 2 back. He was outstanding, amazing, brilliant, incredibly informed.
And more good news! He will be the commencement speaker this May. Not only is he a great speaker, he is such a refreshing alternative to the possibilities!
He taught a senior seminar @ the Acad a week or 2 back. He was outstanding, amazing, brilliant, incredibly informed.
And more good news! He will be the commencement speaker this May. Not only is he a great speaker, he is such a refreshing alternative to the possibilities!
It is an achievement! Congrats to your son -- and to you for the kids don't get that rank without your love and support. It's a long road to Eagle and there is a reason that only 2% of kids who start scouting make it to Eagle. It takes a lot of commitment, but it is worth it! If DS doesn't get into USNA, we are going back to Philmont this summer (he and I and a bunch of the Venture Crew) for one last hurrah.