How much does applying early really help?

Aircrew

Member
Joined
Jun 8, 2015
Messages
36
Hello all,

Just curious to see if anyone knew how much applying early really does help . I understand it's a rolling admission but to me it would seem the more competitive candidates get their applications done early. So if you have a decent Package going against the super competitive packages in the first board it would seem your at a disadvantage? Just curious to people's thoughts! Thanks for the help!
 
It depends. If you have the best scores you possibly can do in the ACT/SAT, then submitting early will help a bit (notice the words "a bit"). Without the crush of the deadline in January, the Admissions Board has the luxury of a little bit more time in September to evaluate each candidate. That's what you'd like---the decision makers to spend more time on your application than your competition. Notice I did not say that you necessarily have a better chance of appointment, as a weak application at any time in the process is headed for the reject file. If your SAT/ACT scores can be improved, it is a different ballgame. Now you don't want the Admission Board to review your application until you get those world-beater scores in, as you know the Academy superscores. You need to contact your Regional Director to ask them to hold aside your application until you do get those scores in. The vast majority of candidates will improve their ACT/SAT scores by taking them multiple times with formal study and practice between the sittings but that is your decision. So, like I said: it depends.
 
Aircrew you are currently enlisted right? Probably not the same impact as a direct applicant. Talk to the Chief and see what he says. Often most prior applicants will find out in the same general timeframe in the spring. Not saying with a strong enough package you might hear sooner or even receive an LOA. Best to check with the Chief and see his thoughts as they generally rack and stack prior candidates with age factoring in, how long you have been out of school, if you are currently taking college classes, etc as they rack and stack priors for NAPS and direct admits.
 
Hoops, which Chief are you referring to? His supervisor at his command or the Enlisted coordinator at USNA?
 
It depends. If you have the best scores you possibly can do in the ACT/SAT, then submitting early will help a bit (notice the words "a bit"). Without the crush of the deadline in January, the Admissions Board has the luxury of a little bit more time in September to evaluate each candidate. That's what you'd like---the decision makers to spend more time on your application than your competition. Notice I did not say that you necessarily have a better chance of appointment, as a weak application at any time in the process is headed for the reject file. If your SAT/ACT scores can be improved, it is a different ballgame. Now you don't want the Admission Board to review your application until you get those world-beater scores in, as you know the Academy superscores. You need to contact your Regional Director to ask them to hold aside your application until you do get those scores in. The vast majority of candidates will improve their ACT/SAT scores by taking them multiple times with formal study and practice between the sittings but that is your decision. So, like I said: it depends.
What are the superscores for the academies?? Like at what score should you ask to have your file set apart?
 
I think you might be misunderstanding of the term "superscore". What it means is that when you take the tests multiple times and have the scores sent to the Academy, they will take the highest score you get in each category and use that as your final score the Admissions Board sees. That means you can take the test many times and you can never hurt yourself if you screw up and bomb one category you used to do very well at. This is a very good deal! That is the reason you don't want the Admissions Board to look at your application until you have done your personal best in all categories. Which leads to your second question and the key words are "your personal best". There is no cut off as it is your personal best. If you keep taking the ACT test and your scores aren't budging between them even with a formal ACT prep course that you practiced on between testings, well then, you have done "your personal best" and those are the scores to submit.

This is all covered (and more) in the superb book "The Naval Academy Candidate Book" by Sue Ross available on Amazon for about $20.
 
If a candidate is worried about their SAT/ACT score, my recommendation would be to contact the Admissions Counselor and state that you are working on the scores and plan to take future tests and then ask if there would be any negative impacts if the record went to the board as is. They will be upfront and let you know....if they think the current scores might impact the decision, they might hold the record pending improved scores. This is different then the candidate calling and asking for their record to be held. The candidate's Admissions Counselor will know the best path.

In general, though, I think holding a record back doesn't make the most sense. Here is why:
(1) The Admissions Board does not tend to "reject" candidates early on in the admissions process, if the SAT/ACT is in the balance (presumably if this is the only thing or one of a few things the Admissions Board wants to see improvement in), they normally defer. They know many candidates take the fall SATs/ACTs, thus they expect scores to come in and to see improvement.
(2) There is no guarantee of improvement, so holding it back and deferring to later on could actually be more harmful. Additionally, as stated above, the worst case scenario, is the scores don't improve and eventually a decision will be made.
(3) It is hard to know how the Admissions Board will look at a record -- the candidate might think they have low scores (and it may be true), but maybe the Admissions Board truly does like something in the record.

When I applied as a senior, I finished my application early and was deferred (don't know the exact reason, but think it was for testing scores) and eventually received a TWE post April 15th. Point being, I did not hold my application and sat deferred (not rejected).
 
Back
Top