ACT of 29 but otherwise solid credentials. That said, what would be the best military prep school for focus on the ACT just in case.

You should consider MMI as they have a very strong track record with all SAs. Good luck!
 
I’ve seen MMI and Northwest Prep to upgrade test taking skills. Nevertheless, 29 ACT is a good score and it is worth plowing through this year’s competition by showing your best hand!
 
An ACT score of 29 is in the 91st percentile nationally and is not a low score. Unless you have a low subscore in one area this will not be what keeps you out. The guidance from admissions is that strong candidates should attend a four year college and do well in a challenging plebe like schedule. In my opinion, these prep schools should be options for candidates that have a week academic background or may not have the maturity to handle a four year college. It is difficult to evaluate the performance of the private prep schools as they always lump sponsored prep into their success rate.

If you do not receive an appointment this year, you will need to do an honest evaluation of your entire application and determine where you can improve. It will be more than just the 29 on your ACT.
 
For what it's worth - the highest ACT my son got was a 29. He took it 9 times! His super score is 31. His application package is very strong, but we thought his ACT would hold him back. In the last 2 weeks he has been given an LOA from USAFA and USMMA. Also was awarded the NROTC MO scholarship. He's holding out for USNA! Keep working hard and good luck!
 
For what it's worth - the highest ACT my son got was a 29. He took it 9 times! His super score is 31. His application package is very strong, but we thought his ACT would hold him back. In the last 2 weeks he has been given an LOA from USAFA and USMMA. Also was awarded the NROTC MO scholarship. He's holding out for USNA! Keep working hard and good luck!

Congratulations [emoji898] .

What were strong points in his application if you can share?
 
He is very well spoken and worked hard and wrote very good essays.
4.0 unweighted GPA, not sure of the weighted. Has taken the hardest classes offered at his HS - unfortunately they don't offer a lot. At end of Sr year, will have only had 4 APs. But has worked hard and excelled in all classes.
Class rank is 2 out of 130.
He worked so hard on the ACT and just couldn't get his score above a 29. He did get a 35 in English, but the highest he ever got in Math was 28.
President of NHS, VP of FFA.
Lettered in football and track all 3 years. Was starting QB both Jr and Sr year. Set several school and conference records in track.
He is a highly regarded leader in his team sports.
Did very good on his CFA - don't remember his stats, but I know he maxed his sit-ups and pullups.
Boys State - he was 1st runner up for Boys nation (A heartbreaking honor)
Works a part time job
Volunteered and later was added to the staff for Boys and Girls Club. Has been nominated for Youth of the Year.
Lots of community service hours.
He puts his heart and soul into everything he does including these applications!
He has lots of determination and grit - it shows in everything he does!
His nomination interviews are tomorrow and on 12/13. Nervous for him, but I know he will do good!
 
That is something special..very diversified EC, sports. As lot of folks have pointed out here, it’s the whole candidate the academies look at.

good luck to your son [emoji106]
 
For what it’s worth both of mine had slightly lower ACTs. One is in pilot training after graduating from USAFA and the other is a happy firstie at WP. I am a firm believer that the academies really look at the whole candidate.
 
Which Service Academy ? If the question relates to Plan B for USNA, I encourage you to read the sticky at the top of the USNA forum re: Reapplying. If not NAPS or the Foundation programs, USNA has a strong preference for attending a 4 year college with strong STEM curriculum similar to Plebe Year over Self Prep.
 
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