ACT question

alexlocnj

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Apr 2, 2018
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25
So I have read that the admissions board only looks at english and math sections of the ACT. Thankfully for me, these are my strongest two sections. I have also read that the average ACT score is usually round a 31. Is this average just off of the english and math or does it include the science and reading? Thanks.
 
I would say don't worry too much about the average. Shoot for above a 30 for English and 32 for Math. Keep pushing for a higher score if you think you can do better!

Along with only looking at english and math, USNA weighs your math score more heavily (source: admissions counselor).

Try the SAT also, because sometimes you will do better there. USNA super-scores between the SAT and ACT (ie. you're scores: 36E, 28M; 600V, 800M—USNA would use the 36E and 800M).

Good luck!
 
Follow up on the ACT for English and Math:

My English is a very good score (34) but my math is not as strong (27). Since these scores still average the same as 30 for English and 32 for math, am I ok?
 
USNA cares more about the individual parts than the average. That’s why their annual class profile highlights the parts, not the whole. A 27 in math puts you at the 25th percentile. So is it good enough to get a candidate in? Yes. Is it enough to get you in? Impossible for anyone here to tell.

Do all you can to get that math score up. As a STEM-centric school, USNA wants assurance that you can handle the curriculum.
 
Follow up on the ACT for English and Math:

My English is a very good score (34) but my math is not as strong (27). Since these scores still average the same as 30 for English and 32 for math, am I ok?


I personally think you need to bring your math score up. USNA is a strong STEM school with a minimum of 3 semesters of Calc... a 27 is on the lower side of what USNA wants to see. With them super scoring I would work on your math and try to bring this up. I always see things on this board like ‘I heard’. A simple Google search of the USNA class profile that is posted on the admissions site is a very easy way to see averages and what a successful candidate had on their app... it’s not the end all be all, but those profiles say a lot, read them.
 
USNA does not publish its WCS algorithm, but I heard at BGO training in the past that the Math score is weighted heavier than the English score, perhaps as much as 2X. The average of Math/English is really irrelevant ...they are two independent scores that are intended to measure your academic aptitude in two different disciplines.

As others noted, USNA is STEM oriented, even for a Group 3 (Bull) majors. To be "qualified" for Admission, you need to demonstrate the aptitude to handle a rigorous STEM curriculum, including good SAT/ACT scores, and record of performance in advanced math/science course in high school. You should also keep in mind there is a difference between being "qualified" and "competitive" --even if your record is sufficient for Admissions to consider you qualified, you will not get the appointment if another candidate in your slate has a better record. To maximize your chances of admission, you need to get that Math score up !
 
I agree.

My nephew was from a competitive HS, and his standardized tests scores and academics fell slightly below the requirements for the competition for the Air Force Academy, so he attended the Air Force Academy Prep School for one year and then attended/graduated from the Air Force Academy and is now a successful AF pilot, engaged to a AF pilot.

The Naval Academy Prep School might be an option; known as NAPS, as referenced above, yet the USNA Admissions decides if a candidate would attend NAPS prior to USNA.

Perhaps consider a private tutor to work with you on standardized testing to improve any area of weakness, especially math.
 
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