Academic Disqualifying?

Did you try taking the SAT? USAFA will superscore. If you are competitive in English in the SAT, then reading in the ACT won't matter. If not, wait until you see the new scores. If they are still not good enough, consider calling the admission officer. While they don't make the decision, it doesn't hurt to let them know that you would be happy to attend the Prep. It might not help in the end, but it won't hurt either.
 
Everybody has an opinion and an a**hole. Neither one of us work in the admissions office nor do we set the annual standards. I'm really not seeing the point that you're trying to make so tell me what I don't know.
You can be an all around stud, valedictorian, president of 10 clubs, recruited football player, the whole nine yards, but if you don't meet the minimum academic standards, you will be academically disqualified and you will not receive an appointment. Too low of ascore on one of the sections can be academically disqualifying, as there are minimum standards. There is a chance(and I would say a pretty good one) that the OP's score is below that minimum standard.
 
You can be an all around stud, valedictorian, president of 10 clubs, recruited football player, the whole nine yards, but if you don't meet the minimum academic standards, you will be academically disqualified and you will not receive an appointment. Too low of ascore on one of the sections can be academically disqualifying, as there are minimum standards. There is a chance(and I would say a pretty good one) that the OP's score is below that minimum standard.
OP finally fessed up. You're right. Only took 3 pages of replies but the truth is out, hence my "3 pages" comment above.
 
Actually if you go back to page two, I did state it. Therefore, I did not just "fess up."
We meant we didn't know they were actually considered not competitive on portal. I had the notion that you were just worried that your scores were below the posted averages, but it's just a misunderstanding no need to ruffle any feathers
 
We meant we didn't know they were actually considered not competitive on portal. I had the notion that you were just worried that your scores were below the posted averages, but it's just a misunderstanding no need to ruffle any feathers
I see what you did there. Ruffle the feathers because USAFA cadets are the Falcons.
 
Are you disqualified if your reading score is too low , but your other scores are high enough?
 
I don't know for sure, but from what it sounds like yes.
Do you have time to retake the test? DS had one section only he wanted to improve, I believe it was the same as yours, not positive though. It was last and felt burned out by the time that section came up, so he went in with the strategy of going in for that section only, staying fresh for that section. He now has an appt for NA and is waiting to hear from AF.

He also concentrated on just practicing and studying for that section only

Just a thought.
 
Do you have time to retake the test? DS had one section only he wanted to improve, I believe it was the same as yours, not positive though. It was last and felt burned out by the time that section came up, so he went in with the strategy of going in for that section only, staying fresh for that section. He now has an appt for NA and is waiting to hear from AF.

He also concentrated on just practicing and studying for that section only

Just a thought.
The next ACT is after the deadline to submit ACT scores to USAFA so the OP can't take it again and submit the scores for the class of 2020.
 
Last SAT late registration in Jan 08 that can be used for class of 2020. ACT happens after Jan 31. As far as, getting an appointment to PS, no one here, unless, they are from ADMISSIONS can say definitive that you will have a shot at PS. If you more help for a particular subject on either SAT/ACT portion, go to http://www.jrotccollegeprep.com Good luck
 
Last SAT late registration in Jan 08 that can be used for class of 2020. ACT happens after Jan 31. As far as, getting an appointment to PS, no one here, unless, they are from ADMISSIONS can say definitive that you will have a shot at PS. If you more help for a particular subject on either SAT/ACT portion, go to http://www.jrotccollegeprep.com Good luck
So I am still able to take the SAT before the score deadline?
 
We meant we didn't know they were actually considered not competitive on portal. I had the notion that you were just worried that your scores were below the posted averages, but it's just a misunderstanding no need to ruffle any feathers
Forgive me for pointing out the irony. But this thread involves reading comprehension. :)

In an initial post the OP specifically said:
"According to my portal, it states that my reading score "may be deemed uncompetitive to USAFA". The only reason I do poorly on the section is because I'm stressing out during that time knowing I need a better score which is test anxiety. If this score is an automatic DQ, do you think I may have a shot at the prep school?"
 
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My free advice for some test takers is to get ACT help early on. Our DS's worst ACT section was reading. He too had test anxiety as he inherited that tick from me. The good news is USAFA has a way of fixing your test-taking anxiety problem. ;) So don't worry about that too much in the long run.

Our DS is very analytical and needed to learn how to boost his ACT score though studying efficiency techniques. We chose a Kaplan ACT plan and it boosted his overall score to 33. Before then, he took the test multiple times with gains along the way. In hind-site, he should have cut the chase immediately and took the class early on and then practice the tests using these techniques. I remember he felt that time was his exclusively enemy from gaining a perfect ACT score. So if he would of practiced those techniques earlier he could of saved a lot of anxiety.

Of course there are students who processed the information quicker and didn't have to bother with a Kaplan like package. But in reality, the ACT score isn't exactly difficult material. So it will not predict future academic or life success. Expanding that a bit, some people's brains will peter-out in a weeder course (or 3) while others won't be be proficient in time management skills. So to assume the guy with the perfect ACT will be at the head of his class is a false assumption. In other words, after a certain caliber of score, I'm not what the test predicts. Hence, more schools are de-emphasizing SAT/ACT scores.

To the OP. Work on your weaknesses and have a can-do attitude. Don't let a silly (yet important) test score keep you from your dreams. Regroup, study your options and persevere. That might mean figuring out a way to get that score higher! It's part of the game. :)
 
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Last SAT late registration in Jan 08 that can be used for class of 2020. ACT happens after Jan 31. As far as, getting an appointment to PS, no one here, unless, they are from ADMISSIONS can say definitive that you will have a shot at PS. If you more help for a particular subject on either SAT/ACT portion, go to http://www.jrotccollegeprep.com Good luck
The January SAT is on the 23rd. I thought the scores have to arrive at USAFA by January 31st. 8 days probably isn't enough time for the tests to be graded and for the scores to arrive at USAFA.
 
To my understanding, as long as test is done before 31 JAN, the scores count. Granted you may have to get get scores expedited to the said SA (USAFA, USNA, WP, USCGA, USMMA). This year the last test is the SAT, which the OP, may have not even taken yet. Good luck
 
So I am still able to take the SAT before the score deadline?

Can't find anything on USAFA, but the USNA website states the following and Annapolis accepted my DS's January scores last year:

Check with your school counselor or visit these websites for details of test dates and registration requirements:
SAT and ACT. We will accept any ACT or SAT test that is taken before the January 31 application deadline, even if the results arrive after January 31. Fee waiver information for SAT and ACT.
Source: http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Steps-for-Admission/

I would IMAGINE that USAFA makes the same allowance for the January 23rd SAT exam but you should contact your ALO to be sure.
 
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