GPA vs. ACT?

RascalFlatts5858

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Which do you think is more important to the academy, GPA or ACT scores? Also my GPA has recently slightly lowered from about a 3.93 to 3.88 unweighted(out of 4). I'm sure they don't like to see a drop, but I have added harder classes to my schedule including AP. Do they see this as bad or ok?
 
I've been told they pay more attention to your class rank than GPA anyway. If the GPA drop changes your class rank significantly then it might make a difference.
 
I would say ACT score.
My son had high ACT scores butt sufferd a "brain :eek: fart" his sophmore year and he might have a 3.0 when he he graduates this year, but he can get A's in classes he is taking at the local Community College.
Also, IMO, GPA can be "padded" (easy vs rigorous classes).
I know of several honor students with 3.5+ GPA that would not dream of taking the classes he did.
 
what if your school doesnt use class rank?


my school didn't rank either. class rank is a required feature of your application to USNA anyway, so your college counselors will know what to do. i think at my school they gave a rough estimation and kind of gave an overview of the classes offered at my school and the average GPA of the divisions of my class ( top 25%, etc.)

but in any case I would ask college counselors, since you will have to ask them about it anyway when you apply.
 
I was wondering this as well. I have fairly good SAT scores and class rank, but because I take all the hardest classes my school offers my GPA is not amazing (and my Honors Analysis class is only bringing it down). Do you think a good SAT score and class rank will out weigh a mediocre/ average GPA?
 
I'm glad I'm not the only one freaking out! My freshman year, I got straight A's, but last year, when I added much harder classes, I made two B's (one in AP US), and I feel like I'm going to have one B this year, and I took on two AP courses this year. The one thing I HATE about GPA is that every school has a different grading scale... we have to get at least a 95 to get an A. It gets hard sometimes...

I guess that's why they really look at your class rank. I know I'm in the top 20%, maybe even 10%, but I know that practically 90% of my class is moving on to higher education...

All I know is it must suck to work in the admissions office at USNA. :)
 
GPA recalculated anyhow

Kid's (2013 appointee) GPA unweighted was a 3.7, but, like you guys, he took lots of AP / Honors classes. The academy actually recalculated the GPA up to a 4.0. So, don't despair about those honors classes and competitive schools.
 
Which do you think is more important to the academy, GPA or ACT scores? Also my GPA has recently slightly lowered from about a 3.93 to 3.88 unweighted(out of 4). I'm sure they don't like to see a drop, but I have added harder classes to my schedule including AP. Do they see this as bad or ok?

My experience with USNA is that they truly look at the whole person. Although my son has a very high, unweighted, GPA of 3.987 and class rank, his ACT's were less than stellar. If you are taking the tough courses, (especially calc, physics, and trig.) I think they will take this into account, along with the rest of your resume.
 
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