Academically Qualified??

[usna1234]

Basically I want to know if I’m academically qualified for USNA or if I have more of a prep school application. The only reason I ask is because class rankings came out today and I’m not as high as I thought.

Rank: 111 out of 377 (top 30%)
Unweighted: 3.75
Weighted: 4.2
10 AP/dual enrollment classes
ACT superscore: 33 English, 32 math, 31 reading, 34 science

Background about my school:
-Magnet school across the city because it has an intensive IB program
-75% to 4 year colleges and 20% to 2 year colleges
-unsure of the Ivy League percent
-26 composite ACT average across my grade

My only concern is the fact that after researching different MOC’s and their requirements many of their websites state: Competitive Applicants typically exhibit a class ranking in the upper 20%. Do my ACT scores need to go up to compensate? What are everyone’s thoughts?

 

[MidCakePa]

Reason USNA looks at class rank is it helps them “normalize” your GPA. They can assess you because they have your school profile and other close-up information. Being in top 30% means different things at different schools. Folks on this forum don’t have that in-depth information (regardless of what you posted), so very difficult to comment on your chances.

But yes, there are far more mids who were 90th percentile in high school than 70th percentile. Not necessarily a lost cause, but it demands that you elevate as much as possible the other parts of your application, starting with test scores and then moving to leadership, athletics, CFA, essays, and so on.

To get a better idea of where you stand, look up USNA’s Class of 2022 profile. Best wishes to you.

 

[THParent]

It is what it is, and it looks fine to me. Just because you're not in the top 20% of your class, do not let it deter you.
If you are indeed an official candidate (username and password to login to the CIS) then USNA looks at you as competitive.
Keep plugging away at the application.

 

[CrewDad]

USNA1234. Academically you look very strong, in any city and state. Thus, you don’t qualify for Prep School. However, can qualify for Foundations school if USNA likes you but cannot admit you because of other stronger candidates. Your biggest threat is the quality of the applicant pool in your district and at your own school. Given that you’re from a Magnet School with 110 students who out rank you it comes down to other 45% of your application that need to be stellar. I also think that because you’re in a Magnet School, your school ranking is less important. I have seen students gain Appointment from Magnet schools ranked 50% centile with less stellar academic stats than you. IMHO Academies may look at your ACT Ranking at 98/99% and your school’s to compare. I don’t think in your case the issue will be academics. But other areas. These are my personal thoughts.

 

[kinnem]

Agree that you wouldn't qualify for prep school. Your grades and test scores are too high.

 

[usna1234]

Reason USNA looks at class rank is it helps them “normalize” your GPA. They can assess you because they have your school profile and other close-up information. Being in top 30% means different things at different schools. Folks on this forum don’t have that in-depth information (regardless of what you posted), so very difficult to comment on your chances.

I understand USNA will look at my school profile and determine the academic competitiveness. However, for the nomination aspect, the MOC’s don’t require a school profile. All they’ll see is my GPA and class ranking. How do I work around this? Should I have my counselor attach the school profile to my transcript anyways?

 

[MidCakePa]

Should I have my counselor attach the school profile to my transcript anyways?

Provide the MOC only what they ask for, nothing more and nothing less. In some cases — more likely with your Representative than with your Senators — the staffer and interview panel will know your school’s academic reputation. But I wouldn’t worry about it, frankly. Just do the best you can with the rest of your app.