3Q Question

[SAProspect]

Hi,

I'd like to ask how USNA and the other academies define how someone would be 3Q, especially how it pertains to academics? My ACT score is a 32 but I took really hard classes and got less than stellar grades in those classes, messing up my unweighted GPA while my weighted was okay because of the differental.

Am I in trouble?

Thanks

 

[jaglvr]

This year who knows what they will use to define academics. My DD said the one Senator interview panel, one on the panel thought standardized test scores were overrated anyway!

 

[NavyHoops]

Taking the hardest classes with solid test scores will play in your favor. The bottom line is that you have done what you have done. You can’t change the past. USNA does not share any data on what qualifies a candidate to be Q for scholastics. USNA evaluates the school rigor, classes taken, teacher evals, test scores, class rank, etc.

 

[Old Navy BGO]

The Admissions Board takes a number of factors, including GPA, Class Rank, Course Selection, ACT/SAT , and Math/Teacher evaluation in determining whether you are "Q". They want to ensure that you are capable of handling the rigorous USNA academic curriculum.

What is "less than stellar grades" and what other strengths do you have in your application to counter that ? Even if you get the Admission Board "Q", you are still competing with other Candidates in your Nomination slates for the Appointment, and the person who takes a rigorous course load and gets better grades or ranks higher in his/her class is going to do better than someone with lower grades if all other things are equal. However, rarely are "all other things equal", and outstanding leadership, character, athletics, and public service can overcome less than stellar grades.

 

[ArmySon-NavyFan]

The humbling part to me for DS is that SA applicants are all very highly qualified and driven young men/women and I don't envy the process of the SA admissions staff trying to come up with a class of the "best" 1,000 or so future officers. These young men/women bare their souls, experiences, strengths and weaknesses over their last 3+ years to show they have the "stuff" to not only get in, but also excel. I have always and will forever have respect for anyone who applies to an academy (and have immense pride that DS is one of those). 3Q is harder than it sounds, and still not sure if DS has it or not, but he's done everything he can possibly do, so we are prayerful / hopeful for a positive outcome. If not, he's psyched about his backup plan.

That to me seems like the hardest thing - potentially having to get over your disappointment, but serving is an honor (imo - even if I didn't do it myself) and attending a SA would just be one step / path to doing so. SAF has showed me there are more ways than 1 to be an officer. My advice to DS has been "be excited about Plan B, as you know you are already accepted, and be thankful and humbled if Plan A ends up happening."