What are my chances at appointment?

navy8921

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Sep 5, 2016
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14
Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone could give me some insight on if I have a chance and possibly some tips on improving my application.

My GPA is a 4.44 weighted, class rank 11/402, SAT 1310, and ACT 30. I have taken up to Latin 4 and I took AP Bio and AP English Language last year and this year I am taking AP English Literature, AP Government, AP Chemistry, and AP Calculus. I am also in band and I made district band last year and I am in the marching band as well and I am trumpet section leader this year. I also have been class president for the past 4 years and I am president of NHS. I am in a bunch of clubs like chem club, environmental club, a community service club (I am VP of this club), international club, math honor society, and I am a student ambassador. I also swim(all-conference), and play tennis (I got the sportsmanship award this year, is it worth it to include?) and I rowed 8-10th grade. I'm also involved in the church and I was in a musical group outside of school for a year. I also am a lifeguard at a local pool.

Also, my dad was a graduate from USNA c/o 1989. I already received a presidential nom, can someone explain how much weight him being a graduate pulls because I have heard mixed responses from multiple people.
 
I think you're competitive. Obviously my opinion or anyone else's opinion on this forum is nothing more than that- just an opinion, so take it lightly.

I believe USNA has one of the lowest legacy admissions rates of universities in the U.S. So that's all I can say about your father.

Also what grade are you in?
 
I think you're competitive. Obviously my opinion or anyone else's opinion on this forum is nothing more than that- just an opinion, so take it lightly.

I believe USNA has one of the lowest legacy admissions rates of universities in the U.S. So that's all I can say about your father.

Also what grade are you in?
I am just starting my senior year, and I am currently applying
 
You are competitive for an appointment with the stats you have provided. That being said, a large part of what determines your chances is how you stack up in your congressional district. If you are the best qualified applicant in your district (assuming you received a nomination), you will be appointed. How you stack up is mostly up to USNA to decide. If you have similar statistics as others in your district, then it is not so black and white. Long story short, it depends. Best of luck!
 
Based upon my review of the forums, being a legacy (progeny of an alum) does not factor into an appointment determination.
 
Based on anecdotal evidence (DS's experience and my own observation), having a mid sibling has a higher correlation to gaining an appointment than having a parent who graduated, unless the parent has stars or some other extraordinary distinction. Your stats are good (grades, class rank, ECAs) but there is room for improvement with your ACT. There's no disadvantage to taking it again (except cost, which I understand is a burden to many - DS took it 3x, and SATs 2x. That adds up).

Understand that no one on here can give you probabilities. If USNA is your goal, don't stop trying to improve your profile until the clock runs out. When there's an update, send it. Keep on trying.

Best of luck to you.
 
You are competitive for an appointment with the stats you have provided. That being said, a large part of what determines your chances is how you stack up in your congressional district. If you are the best qualified applicant in your district (assuming you received a nomination), you will be appointed. How you stack up is mostly up to USNA to decide. If you have similar statistics as others in your district, then it is not so black and white. Long story short, it depends. Best of luck!
Thank you!
 
Based on anecdotal evidence (DS's experience and my own observation), having a mid sibling has a higher correlation to gaining an appointment than having a parent who graduated, unless the parent has stars or some other extraordinary distinction. Your stats are good (grades, class rank, ECAs) but there is room for improvement with your ACT. There's no disadvantage to taking it again (except cost, which I understand is a burden to many - DS took it 3x, and SATs 2x. That adds up).

Understand that no one on here can give you probabilities. If USNA is your goal, don't stop trying to improve your profile until the clock runs out. When there's an update, send it. Keep on trying.

Best of luck to you.
Thank-you and I am definitely retaking the ACT.
 
Also, my dad was a graduate from USNA c/o 1989. I already received a presidential nom, can someone explain how much weight him being a graduate pulls because I have heard mixed responses from multiple people.

You probably have a small advantage, and nothing more. Read this link below and I'd also recommend improving your standard test scores.

Definitely have a plan b. Best of luck!

http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/the-end-of-the-line.48184/
 
what type of school do you go to... How can you be #11 and only have a 1310...

Umm.. Standardized test scores are hardly a representation of intellect. I know of several really "smart" students who have gotten mediocre test scores. That's because a good number of students have test anxiety and/or other factors that inhibit them from performing to the best of their intellectual abilities...
 
What's wrong with a 1310? It's a great score, yes it can go higher, but still competitive.
 
Umm.. Standardized test scores are hardly a representation of intellect. I know of several really "smart" students who have gotten mediocre test scores. That's because a good number of students have test anxiety and/or other factors that inhibit them from performing to the best of their intellectual abilities...

Standardized scores are the one thing that everyone is measured to across the board regardless of school in America. It helps to build a full profile and see where someone stands regardless of their 4.8 GPAs. Wack-flacka... You know nothing of this person or their school... Why do you care they are ranked 11 out 402 with a 1310. My old neighbor's had their 3rd kid appointed to West Point. Their GPA was 'only' a 3.6. Their SAT was 1580 and ACT a 35. They were ranked about 50% in their class. Oh did I mention they go to one of the toughest high schools in America... Thomas Jefferson? Their siblings were about the same at TJ and finished top 100 at West Point.

USNA has been in the business a very long time and looks at key indicators of success at USNA... Standardized test scores, especially math scores are a key indicator. Test anxiety... Not saying anyone used this as an excuse, but don't recommend anyone use it as one applying to a SA. Why? My thoughts... Okay so what happens if they can't pass an aviation exam because of anxiety? What if it's the one on emergency procedures or how to drop a bomb in the right spot? They don't get a, 'it's okay, he or she is really smart, they don't test well.' Sure that is still 5-6 years from now and they will get better at some things, but don't use test anxiety as an excuse. All SAs are a pressure cooker, if you think a standardize test brings anxiety, USNA you will be tested weekly in more areas than you can fathom. The application process with interviews and its length is meant to be apply pressure to candidates as it helps to self select those who don't have it.
 
How does it work in reverse? ie. a very good SAT or ACT but marginal class rank. something like 1400+ SAT but class rank in mid 20's.
Test scores are easy to compare across the board, but as you say, class rank can be very different. 50% class rank at Thomas Jefferson might be very impressive, and top 10 or 15% at some other schools might not be.
For a well regarded high school (approx 90% 4 year college, most ivy's and many many top tier colleges represented every year, top 5% nationally as ranked by US News and Newsweek), would a 25% class rank be a major negative?
I know GPA isn't really considered, but grades are all A's and B's, no C's on transcript, most challenging curriculum available.

When class rank is somehow translated to a number in the WPM, is there some calculated adjustment for the school profile? or is that a subjective thing that the board looks at.

Is the 'top 20%' number that USNA likes to publish a hard cutoff like SATs?
 
USNA does factor in school profile to the WCS. I do not know how USNA does the math for the top 20%. A lot of schools don't rank anymore and all the SAs adjust based on a formula for this. It's why USNA looks at all candidates to build the 'full picture' then just inputting thrm without someone reviewing them.
 
thanks,

I asked the same question at the CVW and got several slightly different answers. It seems that, obviously, the higher the rank the better, but the school profile is certainly considered.
So what might be a disqualifying low rank for one school might not be for another

anyone have any anecdotal info on appointments with class rank outside the top 20%? very uncommon? or not so much?
 
Would be surprised if anyone can answer that as there are so many variables involved. High standardized test scores, top notch application, and competitive high school would all help. He may knock if out of the park at his Nom interview and earn a principal or get ranked #1 on the slate. Too many moving parts to even guess.
 
thanks,

I asked the same question at the CVW and got several slightly different answers. It seems that, obviously, the higher the rank the better, but the school profile is certainly considered.
So what might be a disqualifying low rank for one school might not be for another

anyone have any anecdotal info on appointments with class rank outside the top 20%? very uncommon? or not so much?

Here's anecdotal: DS was almost certainly outside top 20. Strong HS profile. Strong SAT 2100+. 12 seasons of cross country/track, also a captain. Strong LORs. Went to school in a big city, which BGO said was a plus last year. Also, we're pretty sure he had principal nom. Had LOA sometime around Dec/Jan of last year if memory serves. Happy plebe now. Don't obsess over any of it. Too many variables.
 
Standardized scores are the one thing that everyone is measured to across the board regardless of school in America. It helps to build a full profile and see where someone stands regardless of their 4.8 GPAs. Wack-flacka... You know nothing of this person or their school... Why do you care they are ranked 11 out 402 with a 1310. My old neighbor's had their 3rd kid appointed to West Point. Their GPA was 'only' a 3.6. Their SAT was 1580 and ACT a 35. They were ranked about 50% in their class. Oh did I mention they go to one of the toughest high schools in America... Thomas Jefferson? Their siblings were about the same at TJ and finished top 100 at West Point.

USNA has been in the business a very long time and looks at key indicators of success at USNA... Standardized test scores, especially math scores are a key indicator. Test anxiety... Not saying anyone used this as an excuse, but don't recommend anyone use it as one applying to a SA. Why? My thoughts... Okay so what happens if they can't pass an aviation exam because of anxiety? What if it's the one on emergency procedures or how to drop a bomb in the right spot? They don't get a, 'it's okay, he or she is really smart, they don't test well.' Sure that is still 5-6 years from now and they will get better at some things, but don't use test anxiety as an excuse. All SAs are a pressure cooker, if you think a standardize test brings anxiety, USNA you will be tested weekly in more areas than you can fathom. The application process with interviews and its length is meant to be apply pressure to candidates as it helps to self select those who don't have it.
Navy Hoops... I never said anything about the candidates ability to be successful or be accepted to the Naval Academy. I simply noted the discrepancy between class rank/GPA and test scores... Obviously, this individual has done really well for themselves with a presidential nom. I sure wish I had that. But to be ranked #11 with a GPA of 4.44 and test scores of only a 1310/1600 and a 30/36 is quite astonishing.
 
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