ACT Scores

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Dec 13, 2018
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21
I applied to USMA last year and but was not accepted. I’m currently a ROTC cadet on a 4 year contract and am reapplying to the Academy with a nomination from my ROTC Professor of Military Science and my Congressman. I’ve been told that I’m an exceptional candidate in all areas except for my ACT scores, especially my math which I’m told is the reason I was not accepted last year. I’ve taken numerous ACTs (I think 5 or 6) trying to boost my score and will be taking my last possible ACT in a few days.

My current super score is:
English 33
Reading 34
Science 29
Math 27
Writing 9

West Point has been a dream of mine for roughly 6 years now. Attending the Academy is extremely important to me because I feel it will give me the best chance of becoming the best officer possible for my country and for the people I will be leading once I commission.
Any advice or tips on how to boost my math score/application in general would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
 
Did you take Calc, Chem, Physics in college? If so, did you get an A? The ACT is a measure of how you are expected to do in college. You have an advantage in that you can prove how you can do in college.
 
Your math score isn't terrible, and the other scores are quite good. Do as many practice tests as possible, and go over the answers in the book closely. Make certain you understand the correct answer, and why it is correct. When you are doing the practice tests circle any questions you are not certain you know the answer to, and those are the answers you need to scrutinize closely, even if you guessed the answer correctly. If you don't fully understand after that, YouTube tutorials on those type problems. Do this until you get headaches from intellectual exhaustion. If you are motivated enough you will master what you can.

Obviously you are a smart enough kid, and dedicated. If you have a math class in college right now, go ask the teacher for help on those that you can't figure out using the above suggestions.

Get it done, and always remember, Go Army! Beat Navy!
 
You have to learn the two techniques called "plugging it it" and plug in the answer "PITA". These techniques allow you to more quickly move through some of the complicated algebra and word problems. You can probably look these up on line or find them in an ACT prep book. You also need to memorize certain triangles such as the 90-45-45, the 60-60-60, and the 3,4,5. Knowing the properties of these triangles can help you skip calculations and move through the geometry problems faster. You know how to do most of the math on the ACT, the issue is how fast you can accurately find the answer.
 
Did you take Calc, Chem, Physics in college? If so, did you get an A? The ACT is a measure of how you are expected to do in college. You have an advantage in that you can prove how you can do in college.
I just took a semester of physics and calc with a average of 90 in physics and 85 in calc. I’ve heard you get additional points on your application for good performance in college so hopefully that’ll help.
 
You have to learn the two techniques called "plugging it it" and plug in the answer "PITA". These techniques allow you to more quickly move through some of the complicated algebra and word problems. You can probably look these up on line or find them in an ACT prep book. You also need to memorize certain triangles such as the 90-45-45, the 60-60-60, and the 3,4,5. Knowing the properties of these triangles can help you skip calculations and move through the geometry problems faster. You know how to do most of the math on the ACT, the issue is how fast you can accurately find the answer.
I will definitely incorporate the plugging in strategy on the test. The geometry was always a little bit of a rough spot on the test because I haven’t taken any geometry for four years, so the triangle tips should definitely help. I’ve incorporated these into my studying. Thank you!
 
Your math score isn't terrible, and the other scores are quite good. Do as many practice tests as possible, and go over the answers in the book closely. Make certain you understand the correct answer, and why it is correct. When you are doing the practice tests circle any questions you are not certain you know the answer to, and those are the answers you need to scrutinize closely, even if you guessed the answer correctly. If you don't fully understand after that, YouTube tutorials on those type problems. Do this until you get headaches from intellectual exhaustion. If you are motivated enough you will master what you can.

Obviously you are a smart enough kid, and dedicated. If you have a math class in college right now, go ask the teacher for help on those that you can't figure out using the above suggestions.

Get it done, and always remember, Go Army! Beat Navy!
I’ve been taking as many practice tests as possible leading up to the test and covering as much material as I can. Haven’t thought about approaching my professor about the ACT, so I might consider that going forwards. Thank you for the tips!

Go Army! Beat Navy!
 
Your ACT score is actually pretty good Comparatively. Our DS took it 4xs started w/a 28 didn’t get in his 1st time. Went to a reg University after HS and in the fall semester of his 1st year at university he got an LOA because he increased his scores. Your math is not too bad at all if you do get in you’ll be put in Rock math. Keep up all the hard work & don’t give up on your dream. 😊
 
Your ACT score is actually pretty good Comparatively. Our DS took it 4xs started w/a 28 didn’t get in his 1st time. Went to a reg University after HS and in the fall semester of his 1st year at university he got an LOA because he increased his scores. Your math is not too bad at all if you do get in you’ll be put in Rock math. Keep up all the hard work & don’t give up on your dream. 😊
Thanks for the feedback! I did manage to increase my math ACT score to the point Academy admissions wanted it to be so I’m hoping for the best! Do they decide what math class you get put in using your ACT scores? I’m actually pretty good at math and received an A in my first college calculus course. ACT math has always been tough for me because I struggle to complete all the questions, even though I understand the material well.
 
During Beast you will take tests, and you will get placed accordingly. Three basic options, and the vast majority are in the middle option.
 
Thanks for the feedback! I did manage to increase my math ACT score to the point Academy admissions wanted it to be so I’m hoping for the best! Do they decide what math class you get put in using your ACT scores? I’m actually pretty good at math and received an A in my first college calculus course. ACT math has always been tough for me because I struggle to complete all the questions, even though I understand the material well.

No if you are able to get in either the first week of beast or sometime during they will all have you do tests & those are your placement tests.
 
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