AM I competitive enough for USNA

USNAhopeful88

Member
Joined
Feb 16, 2015
Messages
78
I feel like I've been posting a lot so sorry. Would these scores be considered competitive math: 28 english 32

I know to some they probably wouldnt be but im asking because I live in an extremely under represented district (last year 28 kids applied for nominations to the 4 schools combined, and most didn't qualify academically) do you guys think I would have a shot? My EC's are solid (student government, 3 varsity sports blah blah blah) and I was accepted to NASS in the first wave of acceptances last week with a score of English- 24 Math-23 so is it possible I am competitive for admission with my new scores? Thanks in advance
 
Certainly people have received appointments with similar or even lesser scores.
 
I would recommend getting the math score up because I think nass is more about recruiting than actually picking out the best candidates (as far as I know with what I have been reading on the forum)
There's so many people with great grades and bunch of leadership so it wouldn't hurt to improve it

Sent using the Service Academy Forums® mobile app
 
My question would be, what do you hope to gain by asking? Are you going to walk away if someone here tells you a 28 math isn't good enough?
 
My question would be, what do you hope to gain by asking? Are you going to walk away if someone here tells you a 28 math isn't good enough?

Well clearly my scores won't improve but Im not opposed to constructive criticism. Im not going to walk away no matter what i just want to know whether I can be competitive where im at or if I should try and improve drastically


Sent using the Service Academy Forums® mobile app
 
i just want to know whether I can be competitive where im at or if I should try and improve drastically

So you want to know if you should try your hardest or not? That should be a no brainer. It is one thing to ask where you can improve on your application...which you really aren't asking...you want to know if you can relax with what you got and no one on here is going to tell you "yes" (I hope not, since you always have room to improve). SAT/ACT scores are BUT ONE component into the decision process. Plenty of candidates with high SAT/ACT scores have been turned down. You say your ECA's are "solid," so what is it that you are actually asking or need help with?
I agree with 53AlumKid.
 
So you want to know if you should try your hardest or not? That should be a no brainer. It is one thing to ask where you can improve on your application...which you really aren't asking...you want to know if you can relax with what you got and no one on here is going to tell you "yes" (I hope not, since you always have room to improve). SAT/ACT scores are BUT ONE component into the decision process. Plenty of candidates with high SAT/ACT scores have been turned down. You say your ECA's are "solid," so what is it that you are actually asking or need help with?
I agree with 53AlumKid.


I knew that sentence would be quoted the second i sent it. What im asking is if I am competitive (in the standardized test scores category) where I can move on and shift my primary focus to grades, athletics, nominations and recommendations. Im still going to take it a few more times however.


Sent using the Service Academy Forums® mobile app
 
You should take them many times...both tests. I think the recommended number is 3-4. So that could be up to 6-8 tests (between he 2). I would keep going at it a few more times. Remember that you should be focusing on everything simultaneously.

Don't forget that USNA takes the best scores from each section on different tests and dates. You can only get better.
 
Some interesting points here... have you read any of the comments from the candidates who are waiting anxiously for the BFE or TWE? It might be constructive for you to do so. Also, remember that there is more than just getting an appointment involved here - how well are you prepared to succeed once you are sworn in? Another cogent question is how motivated and committed are you? 08 dealt with this aspect very politely, but motivation and commitment really are or become the factors that many midshipmen and cadets call upon to help them deal with the stress and rigor of the program. Finally, remember that selection is a very competitive process and the prize of a four year education and the opportunity for a great career really is worth your best effort. The number of candidates competing is not as important as how vigorously they are pursuing an appointment makes the difference. There is one more thing - in your reading you will note that many of the grads point out that academics come first at the SA's. This really is a great opportunity for young people, so don't sell it short If you are going to do this you really should give it your best effort; it may not guarantee success, but at least you will know that you really tried and you didn't sell yourself short. All that said, my sincere best wishes to you, the next fourteen months or so are going to be a wild ride.
 
  • Like
Reactions: tle
Why not just look at the class profile? Compare yourself to those that are already there? I know that's what I did when I got my scores


Sent using the Service Academy Forums® mobile app
 
Def. try to get that math up. USNA will convert your ACT to its SAT equivalent and they really like to see scores 700 and above, which is a 30 on ACT I believe. If you put just a little time into studying each week and retake it in June, you could easily pull it up. DD scored a 29 first time she took the test. She studied using the practice tests offered on the ACT website (for a nominal fee, maybe $30) and raised her Math score to a 34 on her retake a few months later. Strive for 36 across the board!
 
Looking at the profile is a good litmus test to see where one falls. HOWEVER, I would not stop taking tests simply because I was in the "upper half" of the percentile.
 
Looking at the profile is a good litmus test to see where one falls. HOWEVER, I would not stop taking tests simply because I was in the "upper half" of the percentile.
Nor should you, however the question whether op is competitive or not is easily answered using the profile(at least to the ability of anyone except the admissions board)


Sent using the Service Academy Forums® mobile app
 
I feel like I've been posting a lot so sorry. Would these scores be considered competitive math: 28 english 32

I know to some they probably wouldnt be but im asking because I live in an extremely under represented district (last year 28 kids applied for nominations to the 4 schools combined, and most didn't qualify academically) do you guys think I would have a shot? My EC's are solid (student government, 3 varsity sports blah blah blah) and I was accepted to NASS in the first wave of acceptances last week with a score of English- 24 Math-23 so is it possible I am competitive for admission with my new scores? Thanks in advance

You have time ... take the SAT & ACT as many times as you can and try to improve your score. I would focus on getting the math score up a few of points (take practice tests!) My DD's attitude was "good enough is not good enough." Take that approach. She eventually got at 32 in Math and 34 in English. You can do it!
 
Maybe take another test or two. I wanted USNA pretty badly and took 7 SAT'S and 6 ACT'S. Best scores for reading and math on the ACT were 30 and 26 respectively. I'm a 2013 grad and today I'm 3 months out from receiving my wings of gold as an NFO. show you're putting forth the effort to get in and things may work in your favor.
 
I feel like I've been posting a lot so sorry. Would these scores be considered competitive math: 28 english 32

I know to some they probably wouldnt be but im asking because I live in an extremely under represented district (last year 28 kids applied for nominations to the 4 schools combined, and most didn't qualify academically) do you guys think I would have a shot? My EC's are solid (student government, 3 varsity sports blah blah blah) and I was accepted to NASS in the first wave of acceptances last week with a score of English- 24 Math-23 so is it possible I am competitive for admission with my new scores? Thanks in advance

Congratulations on your acceptance to NASS (it was a great time and I would go back any day)! In regards to your competitiveness, it is very hard to tell. Something I learned from this forum during the application process is you NEVER want to ask if something is "good enough." It's never good enough until you have the BFE in your hands. What you should do instead is just focus on what you can improve. All your EC's may be identical to another applicant across the country. Of course, I'm not telling you go to figure out what other people have (it's really not necessary). If you focus on you and look at what past appointees have, you'll have an easier time with the process. Now to answer your question ;) your English score is excellent but because you have a lot of time left, strive for a higher score. Math is really important to the academy so try to definitely bring that up. Feel free to PM me with any questions you may have!
 
Back
Top