Summer Seminar / Preliminary Application

FlyingWings

FlyingWings

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Jun 30, 2017
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I submitted my summer seminar application for the USNA about a week ago. According to the application page the summer seminar application would also be used as a a preliminary application. My question is whether my low ACT score will disqualify me as a competitive candidate.

ACT SCORES

English: 24

Reading: 22

Math: 23

Science: 22
 
I don't think USNA publishes its criteria for what qualifies as a official Candidate. There are a number for factors, including location and other demographics, but frankly I wouldn't expect that you would be "competitive" with those scores.
 
FlyingWings said:
I submitted my summer seminar application for the USNA about a week ago. According to the application page the summer seminar application would also be used as a a preliminary application. My question is whether my low ACT score will disqualify me as a competitive candidate.

ACT SCORES
English: 24
Reading: 22
Math: 23
Science: 22
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Take a look at https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/_files/documents/ClassPortrait.pdf for a snapshot for the Class of 2022. Your ACT scores are low, but you have time to work on this prior to submitting your application for the Class of 2024. SAs do not use the same criteria for their summer programs (these programs have different goals, so different standards), but I have not seen these published anywhere.

Good luck - work on those ACT scores and resubmit.
 
@FHMS-79 For clarification I would be able to resubmit during the candidate stage, right?
 
FlyingWings said:
@FHMS-79 For clarification I would be able to resubmit during the candidate stage, right?
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Yes - once a candidate, you will have the opportunity to update essentially all of the data from your SS application. I would, however, send them improved ACT scores as soon as you have them to increase your chance of being moved to a candidate status.
 
FlyingWings said:
@FHMS-79 For clarification I would be able to resubmit during the candidate stage, right?
Click to expand...

Yes during the candidate phase you submit OFFICIAL scores. The scores you “self reported” (which would have been the English and Math, because USNA only uses those) will not be used as official scores during the application process. Keep taking it and keep grinding! The ACT was definitely a hurdle for me as well
 
23Lt said:
FlyingWings said:
@FHMS-79 For clarification I would be able to resubmit during the candidate stage, right?
Click to expand...

Yes during the candidate phase you submit OFFICIAL scores. The scores you “self reported” (which would have been the English and Math, because USNA only uses those) will not be used as official scores during the application process. Keep taking it and keep grinding! The ACT was definitely a hurdle for me as well
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Also, I recommended the SAT as well. I did way better on that than the ACT.
 
FlyingWings said:
@FHMS-79 For clarification I would be able to resubmit during the candidate stage, right?
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Not necessarily. IF Admissions determines that a Preliminary (Summer Seminar) Application is not competitive, then a Candidate number will not be assigned... and the applicant will not be permitted to move forward in the Application process. When this happens, as a BGO we receive instructions from Admissions to Contact & Counsel the Applicant. At this point, the Applicant is advised to retake the SAT and the ACT and have the official scores sent to Admissions. If the scores improve, Admissions can then issue a Candidate number to the Applicant, permitting them to proceed. Bottomline: Study hard, go to Khan Academy online (for example)... and Don't give up the Ship!
 
@Norfolk63 If I were to take the SAT offered in March and score well on it (hypothetically within the average for USNA applicants) would that change anything?
 
FlyingWings said:
@Norfolk63 If I were to take the SAT offered in March and score well on it (hypothetically within the average for USNA applicants) would that change anything?
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Potentially, yes. In addition to test scores, it would also depend on your class rank, self-reported athletic and extracurricular activites, and the personal statement. I've seen applicants with lower test scores but excellent leadership record/potential receive an invitation to Summer Seminar and a Candidate number. The important thing is to focus on preparing yourself for success AT the Academy. Improving your test scores, taking more challenging courses, adopting a challenging fitness program are all things an applicant can (should) do to improve their chances of success. Expect to win!
 
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The next thing to look forward to (for class of 2024) is the ECandidate Packet Letter. This past cycle, it was emailed on May 9th. If you receive this, it means that your status has changed from "Preliminary" to "Official Candidate".
The ECandidate Packet Letter assigns you an official candidate number and gives you login information for the Candidate Information System (aka: online "portal"). If you get this letter, it means that you meet the minimum qualifications of being a candidate. It does not in any way mean that you are "competitive", just that you will be considered a "candidate". That is all.

Now, I would say that you have until April to get those standardized test scores up. Take the ACT again (if you feel that you can do better or are better prepared now) and take the SAT as well. The new (hopefully higher) scores will get your foot in the door (with a candidate number) and you'll have your Senior year to retake the ACT and SAT again, if you need to.
 
FlyingWings said:
I submitted my summer seminar application for the USNA about a week ago. According to the application page the summer seminar application would also be used as a a preliminary application. My question is whether my low ACT score will disqualify me as a competitive candidate.

ACT SCORES

English: 24

Reading: 22

Math: 23

Science: 22
Click to expand...

I had a low PSAT score (1080) at the time (it is now a competitive score) but I received an email on June 1st saying I could not apply. I remembered that I met an officer at a USNA admissions event who said to give him a call if I don’t pass. I made a call and it was as simple as pressing a button for him. If you don’t pass the preliminary application just make a call expressing your interest and tell them that you are improving. Also have a transcript ready for them just in case.
 
JohnJr1601 said:
I had a low PSAT score (1080)
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I had a PSAT score of 1080 as well actually. My first SAT was 1180 (well below average). My final superscore was 1440.

I am not special, I just worked hard to get my scores up. You can do the same @FlyingWings-- I know it.

Also, USNA superscores between ACT and SAT. So for example, if you have a 32 on ACT english and a 73o on SAT math, and these were both the highest, they would combine them.

If you would like more specifics or have any private questions, feel free to private message me.
 
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