Poor HS performance/Perfect College Record

AcademyHopeful_50

5-Year Member
Joined
Jul 4, 2012
Messages
133
Since I will most likely be reapplying, I was just wondering if a HS record with a 3.5/4.0 GPA can be outweighed by a year of As in Plebe courses at college. I had some Cs on my report card and that is what my admissions officer said really hurts. It sucks seeing as how I'm nearly maxed on SATs and athletics and extracurriculars and took all APs and honors. Can a year of college really outweigh HS?
 
College grades

Hi
My DS did poorly his freshman and sophomore and even though his Junior and Senior year were 3.7 and 3.83 it was not enough to bring his GPA to where it needed to be. So at the end of his Sophomore year he started taking college classes at local junior college and on-line through American Public University (great school). He added 18 units with a 3.95 GPA and will enter the USAFA class of 2017. So I feel the college can make all the difference. As a side note, my DS is a recruited athlete but coach was very up front with my DS about the ACT, SAT, GPA requirements. If you really want this, GO GET IT!!
Regards
John
 
Yes, getting As in plebe courses in college can definitely help. Obviously, one of the things that h.s. grades are supposed to represent is your ability to handle classes at USNA.

If you do well at a 4-yr college (community college ok if financial reasons) while also being reasonably active in ECAs, sports, etc., that can also show USNA your ability to handle college courses. However, it is not a guarantee.
 
Just to be clear are you saying that you got C's in College or High School? If it is high school, then I would certainly agree with others that showing the ability to get strong grades in College will be a better indicator of your academic capacity than what you did in high school. Good Luck.
 
Just to be clear are you saying that you got C's in College or High School?

I think the OP got those C's in HS.... What is killing me reading this post is why are you knocking yourself out of the running already?!?!

Did you get a TWE? All they said is that it hurt you not that it kocked you out. Does it suck to hear that? Of course it does but they didn't say you have zero chance.

What does the "W" in the WCS stand for? They look at the whole person, while yes you lost points with those C's but doesn't mean that once you're racked and stacked with everyone else it knocked you out of the running.

At this point in the game be confident in the package you've submitted and keep working your Plan B and once you get the TWE then think on how you can improve your package if you chose to re-apply next year. But in my opinion it's too soon (prior to receiving a TWE) to worry about that.
 
If you haven't already done so, read the Sticky Note thread on reapplying. There is some pretty good advice in there from people who know. Also remember, it ain't over til the fat lady sings.
 
I was told by USMA that I am maxed for points in athletics, leadership, and extracurriculars. I would assume its similar to USNA. I was Boys State Governor for instance and am a legacy. But I got several Cs in high school that really messed me up. They were centered in a semester where I had a very bad concussion, although that is no excuse.

I am planning on going to Virginia Tech if I do not get into any academies. I am also finishing strong in HS. Just finished with a 4.0 in all AP classes.
 
Yes, getting As in plebe courses in college can definitely help. Obviously, one of the things that h.s. grades are supposed to represent is your ability to handle classes at USNA.

If you do well at a 4-yr college (community college ok if financial reasons) while also being reasonably active in ECAs, sports, etc., that can also show USNA your ability to handle college courses. However, it is not a guarantee.

usna1984, we had talked back in September via private messages I have frequented your post on reapplying. I was just wondering about the HS vs. college part.
 
Getting in on your own merit

Legacy as in my dad was a grad. To clarify.

I noticed you have stated you are a legacy but that does not give you an advantage for admittance into a federally funded institution. It has got to be on your own merit.
 
Given your SAT scores, most recent grades, and maxing everything else, and with noms to all three, I would be shocked in your don't get into at least one Academy. As hard as it is to wait, I hope you can find something fun to occupy your time. Best of luck to you!
 
I noticed you have stated you are a legacy but that does not give you an advantage for admittance into a federally funded institution. It has got to be on your own merit.

Understood. I like to throw it out there so people know that I know what I'm getting myself into.
 
Given your SAT scores, most recent grades, and maxing everything else, and with noms to all three, I would be shocked in your don't get into at least one Academy. As hard as it is to wait, I hope you can find something fun to occupy your time. Best of luck to you!

I appreciate it!
 
Mooradian- very impressed with your replies to inquiries. Have you gotten an LOE from USMA or heard anything positive from USAFA? I'm pulling for you too! Best wishes and it is great you are not giving up.
 
I noticed you have stated you are a legacy but that does not give you an advantage for admittance into a federally funded institution. It has got to be on your own merit.
It is anecdotal but this has been shown to not be the case on occasions.

And while to my knowledge it's never been officially, openly stated, having a USNA sibling who's gone on ahead successfully seems to carry substantial weight.

My opinion based upon observation is that legacy may indeed count.:thumb:

Conversely, don't count on it. :thumbdown:

As for "federally funded" being the beacon and guardian of merit? Well, I admit chuckling on that. :shake: Didn't Congress and Cabinet just receive a merit raise. And we could go on, and let's not.:rolleyes: :frown:
 
And while to my knowledge it's never been officially, openly stated, having a USNA sibling who's gone on ahead successfully seems to carry substantial weight.

Not exactly. Having a close relative (parent, sibling) who has either attended a service academy OR served in the military gives you a small boost. The reason is that USNA believes that, if you have that family military background, you have a better idea of what USNA/the military is like and thus are more likely to stay around both at USNA and for a career.

USNA has advised that the "boost" you get is equivalent to being a team captain or an Eagle scout or having terrific SATs or doing well at NASS or . . .

That said, many many many (maybe "most", I don't know) entering plebes have no family military background so being in that position does not hurt you in the least.
 
In sum, here's the truth:

1. Legacy will be no deterrent nor do any damage if your older brother quit as a Plebe

2. As noted, if he didn't, his successful presence (or someone else's from your fam) may, can, and often does add value to one's candidacy.

3. Don't discount it adding value and don't count on it adding much.

4. The official position is that having a successful sibling adds some modest value. Thus it may be merely a function of family genetics and/or nurturing, but diligent observation of USNA student body composition reveals there are MANY siblings and intergenerational connects. What is less likely is coincidence.
 
Last edited:
Back
Top