Sitting low on the emotional roller coaster

navymomwannabe

5-Year Member
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Sep 7, 2013
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2 weeks ago, we were riding high on the NOMS to USNA and USAFA and today we got DS's last ACT results and they did not go up. So although he's got a great package (lacking CFA which will be complete soon and he will officially be an eagle scout shortly as well), his ACT is a 29 composite.

He is at the food bank and practice with the wrestling team and does not know, I on the other hand have been through the emotional ringer and I'm trying to pull myself back up to the "he's still got a shot" part of the roller coaster. I know this is part of the process and I emotionally bottom out way more than he does (which is good) but...ugh.

That was his last test because the final SAT will take place on the same day as his Conference Wrestling tournament which he can not miss if he wants to chase a state run.

Any anecdotal evidence that a 29 is not a death knell would be appreciated. For the record, he is ranked 1 out of 484 in his class (he's not the only "1" but I still think that is a pretty good indication of his scholastic aptitude)
 
Any anecdotal evidence that a 29 is not a death knell would be appreciated.

Here you go. I believe I had a 29 composite (something like 34 for science and something lower for reading.... side note: I have no idea what's on the ACT now and while I'm pretty sure about my composite, I'm not as confident about the scoring break down).

And with that 29 ACT composite I was accepted to the three service academies I applied to, USCGA, USNA and USMMA (with LOAs), and a Navy ROTC scholarship, to Vanderbilt.
 
A 29 is a good score.
I almost got in with a 28, and I've seen others get into SA's with lower than that.
I've posted this before, and it's been on my mind because I've been observing this alot recently, but let you and your son enjoy his senior year!! Let him enjoy the last of his wrestling, spend some time with or meet his high school sweetheart, be a goofball with his high school buddies before they all meet that inevitable fork in the road....
You only get one senior year :smile:
And again, a 29 is a really good score.....ya'll both should be proud of it....give your son a hug and go see a movie or something together before you won't be able to for a long time....
Don't blink, you might miss something more important than a number.....
 
You are worrying WAAYYY too much. Your kid sounds like his package is good and he seems well rounded. Everyone is anxious at this point but it is truly out of HIS hands. Let your son handle this in his own way and do not assume he has no chance. Plus, there is always prep school if USNA is interested. I know it's hard because we have been through this but just let it happen and keep up plan B. I'm a Momma too so I know it's hard but this is not the hardest thing your son will face and you do have to let him face it with your support but not worry. On a side note-why do you know his ACT scores before him? Not to be harsh but he may benefit from standing on his own a bit more.
 
Thanks LITS and bulldog, I knew I ran a risk posting this as "I'm just a Mom" and I'm sure lots of people are rolling their eyes at their computers right now. But I also knew that if I posted my anxieties, it would help me get rid of some and people would step up to talk me off the ledge.

Midmom, no offense taken on your opinions. I have been trying to figure out if the SAT was feasible in January with his schedule and popped out to the ACT site and his scores were posted. So, I didn't go out hoping to find out before him, but I did. Worked better for him as I'm now not as upset as I was when I first saw them, like I said, I react harder than he does by a lot. Hence the reason he is applying and not me! I know there are many who don't help their kids with this process, I am not one of them. I don't DO anything for him but research (here) and obviously on the testing sites but I am not going to apologize for that either. I am competitive and if he achieves his goal, that's a "win". :)

And bulldog for the record, he is enjoying a lot of his senior year. His girlfriend is gorgeous and sweet, his football team won the state championship, he sang in the madrigal group (which he loves) and he is working on breaking the school wrestling pin record. But I will continue to make sure he enjoys his senior year...it's a good reminder.
 
I did not mean to offend and I struggle with help/do for sometimes myself. I have also learned I worry more than my DS so venting here and working it out so to speak can help you be more supportive. I feel your anxiety and hope he gets a BFE because I know what the stress feels like. We are all friends here.
 
Hi navymomwannabe,
I love that you research!! Keep it up. Honestly I cant imagine not researching every detail. We had an issue recently with Dodmerb that if I wasnt a research junkie I dont think we would (fingers crossed) make it through. Regarding ACTs composite means nothing. ONLY English and Math scores for navy. (science,writing and Reading have ZERO impact on the application).

You can be a worrier....or if you want....just call it "detail orientated" that's what I say....

The highs and lows will carry you all the way through the application, into plebe summer and well beyond...
 
Thanks Vista, unfortunately his highest ACT scores are in science and reading. Hence my anxiety.
 
How are his SAT scores? My DD has a LOA to USAFA with a 27 ACT composite but her SAT scores are better and she has a good gpa/class rank with tough classes. Remember its the total package and he is really only competing with those in your district for the first round.
 
I'm a research junkie too :smile: And at times a personal secretary...
 
You're normal!

Navymomwannabe...

There are lots of people on this board (and not on this board) that are worried about their child's future. You know that his entire future is going to be decided by what happens very soon.

Who wouldn't be worried? If you weren't you'd be abnormal. Now just how that worry manifests itself is the thing here. You are helping him stay on top of things, researching, monitoring the boards, etc. He is VERY active (congrats on the football and wrestling accomplishments) and if he's like my son, he gets home late needing to eat and tackle a ton of homework.

You are doing what moms do... nurturing and trying to do all you can to help him achieve his dream. I have been in this game a long time, and I have seen the proverbial helicopter parents. Parents that try to arrange housing or even find rides for their ensign. Parents that worry about the food in the dining hall. Parents that visit their child every weekend, or send packages every week. I don't see you in this group.

I think it is commendable that you are doing all you can to help him. After he gets in (which I am predicting for him) then you will have the chance to back off and let the little bird fly.

With my sons I worried too. Much more than they did. But our hopes were always tempered with the confidence that what is meant to happen will happen. Things have worked out great for them, and we are thankful in every way for the experience.

Your son has GREAT credentials. I don't know his competition, but don't fret about that ACT. Just keep checking that mailbox. The earlier comment about why do you know his ACT score before him... well you birthed that kid, sat up nights when he was sick, spent a fortune on him, carted him to practices and probably a million other things. You are invested. Who could blame you for wanting to see that score?

Good luck to you!:thumb:
 
I agree with Maplerock. I have been a nervous wreck through this whole thing. Let's face it folks - this is quite a process!

And then just when you get through one stage, the next comes along. (But, this next one - preparing for Plebe Summer - is all on her!) :biggrin:

I will send good vibes your way for your son! Think positive!
 
I can tell you from personal experience for the class of 2018, that a 29 composite is NOT the end of the world. Because... that's what I had, and I was honored to receive my Appointment for the class of 2018 in November.

You son sounds like he has a decent record.. Granted I don't know his entire package.

Just remember, USNA superscores everything. So if you did well on math on the SAT but not the ACT, they take that instead, but might still use the reading from the ACT.

I know the emotional rollarcoaster you are going through. Relax. There is nothing you can do at this point.

Take your kid to the movies and relax. A 29 is a decent score, and coupled with a great set of ECA's and grades, he'll be fine.
 
Navymomwannabe...

Our son, now a Plebe at home for Christmas break, was only able to get a 26 on the ACT. He never took the SAT, received a LOA in early September and then received an appointment in October.

Yes, as parents we were concerned too, but his admissions officer told us that the USNA is "looking for" a 26 and a 26. Obviously a higher score would be better, but a 26 wasn't a deal breaker.
 
I am very appreciative to be following this discussion thread. Have been watching my ds stalk the mailbox and his email daily since he received his LOA, waiting to see if he receives a nomination. I know the deadline for names to be submitted is right around the corner...but for stalkers, it still feels so far away.

I appreciate the support the forums have provided to me, the wisdom shared, as well as the shared "nerves" for us parents who have never been through this process before. Thank you to all who help guide us along the way.
 
The #1 in class bit will make up for the act score, which is still decent. I wouldn't be worrying.

Sent using the Service Academy Forums® mobile app
 
In the end, receiving an academy appointment is the short term goal. Commissioning is really what matters in the long run.

I doubt any of those great generals or admirals of legend needed any academy to get that way.
Sure, its awesome to be accepted and to go to such a school, but that will never make your son/daughter. They are amazing because of themselves, their own hard work and initiative to blaze their own trail. And they were helped by mom, dad, sister, brother, cat, dog, and best friend, all equally worthy of renown.

I was devastated when I didn't make it into USMA or USNA 2 years ago. I remember how sad I was, and knowing how I just barely didn't make it. I ended up applying to an SMC and earning a 4 year scholarship there. I haven't turned out too terrible so far; I have amazing cadre that I trust, and I'm being sent to Germany this summer on a CULP deployment. My grades also aren't too shabby either. I learned that I don't necessarily need West Point or Annapolis on my diploma to be successful, that I am just fine where I ended up, despite me always considering it a crash landing.

Your kids will all be successful in life. They don't need to be perfect, well, because then people like me'd be pretty out of luck :D.

Let your sons and daughters stretch their wings....life is a roller coaster ride and I promise the Valedictorian's closing statement is only the beginning of the first big drop.

Just have faith....this is the world.
 
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