What else can I do?

T

talltrees

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Feb 23, 2019
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i recently got my last act scores back and they didn’t improve much (E31, m27, R35, S 28) and I really needed the test scores because my grades are bad (3.3 unweighted 3.9 weighted). I really want to go to the academy and I’ve done almost everything to make my extracurriculars fantastic but my academics are holding me back, what else can I do?
 
Have you taken both the ACT and the SAT? What kind of time are you putting into preparing for the tests when they are available? I would sign up for as many test dates as I could this fall, and I would put some real time into studying, and when I say study, that doesn't mean just reading over test questions. Put yourself in practice test mode and take timed tests that mimic the test setting. Then go back and look at each question you missed and find out why. The Army puts out a great program called March2Success and Khan Academy will link to your SAT scores to help you practice your weakest areas. Kaplan puts out study material for ACT. Another idea is to find someone in your area that offers SAT/ACT prep sessions. Sometimes those can help you gain a few points just by attending and listening to strategies.

It might feel like you don't have time, but you really do. You just need to push really hard to bring those scores up. Use all your free time to study and make it happen.
 
milmomsomeday said:
Have you taken both the ACT and the SAT? What kind of time are you putting into preparing for the tests when they are available? I would sign up for as many test dates as I could this fall, and I would put some real time into studying, and when I say study, that doesn't mean just reading over test questions. Put yourself in practice test mode and take timed tests that mimic the test setting. Then go back and look at each question you missed and find out why. The Army puts out a great program called March2Success and Khan Academy will link to your SAT scores to help you practice your weakest areas. Kaplan puts out study material for ACT. Another idea is to find someone in your area that offers SAT/ACT prep sessions. Sometimes those can help you gain a few points just by attending and listening to strategies.

It might feel like you don't have time, but you really do. You just need to push really hard to bring those scores up. Use all your free time to study and make it happen.
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I have a 1330 on the sat, but this was my 4th act
 
And keep working on your grades. If you are having trouble in high school it's not going to get easier at the academy, so be ready to answer pointed questions. They don't want excuses, just be able to point to the last few semesters and show you're still fighting.
 
If you aren’t, you need to do about 50 questions/day for several months prior to taking the ACT. Concentrate on math a science questions. Don’t worry about the other areas as they take your super scores.
About 1000 practice questions=1 Point ACT score increase. So you can see why 50 questions/day on average.
 
What other areas are strengths? Do you have varsity letters? Are you an Eagle scout? Are you SGA president? Boys state? WP is looking at the whole person, not just one area. How bad do you want this? Do you want it badly enough that you are applying for ROTC scholarships for plan B, in the hope that if you don't get in, you can get a ROTC nom after a year of college and reapply? Not everyone gets in on the first try. I'm always amazed at those who want this with "every fiber of their being," yet don't reapply when they receive a thin white envelope.
 
talltrees said:
because my grades are bad (3.3 unweighted 3.9 weighted)
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It bothered me to read this. Your grades aren’t “bad”, in fact they are quite good. Your AP scores aren't “bad” either. And the fact that you are very motivated to attend an SA and serve your county tells me you are motivated, and probably a heck of a kid.
The fact that you are even competitive enough to consider an SA puts you at the very high end of achievers.
Work hard, strive for your goals but - even if you don’t get accepted - never lose sight of your value.
Best of luck!
 
Your ACT scores are not bad. Composite is above USMA average. Math is below average. Focus on math - that will give you the most return. Increase math 2 points to 29 and you are at the USMA average for math. One point raises your composite to 31.

USMA uses class rank, not GPA. That is what will determine how good/bad the grades are.
 
mom3boys said:
What other areas are strengths? Do you have varsity letters? Are you an Eagle scout? Are you SGA president? Boys state? WP is looking at the whole person, not just one area. How bad do you want this? Do you want it badly enough that you are applying for ROTC scholarships for plan B, in the hope that if you don't get in, you can get a ROTC nom after a year of college and reapply? Not everyone gets in on the first try. I'm always amazed at those who want this with "every fiber of their being," yet don't reapply when they receive a thin white envelope.
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Boys state, Club president and vice president, intern for congressman and state senator, and more. Im thinking about Greystone Prep if I dont get in my first try.
 
Good info in posts above. Keep working hard; but if grades are a concern, you may be a candidate for prep school. It's a great opportunity if offered.
 
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