Act score question

Ben Brodt

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Oct 26, 2018
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Hey everyone. I am currently applying to USMA. I have a 34 composite with a 29 math, 35 science, 35 reading, and 36 english. I know that the Naval Academy only looks at math and english scores. Does West Point look at all scores or just math and english? Thank you
 
Hey everyone. I am currently applying to USMA. I have a 34 composite with a 29 math, 35 science, 35 reading, and 36 english. I know that the Naval Academy only looks at math and english scores. Does West Point look at all scores or just math and english? Thank you
West Point looks at all scores, including Writing. Math and English are the most important.

Take it again if you can and focus on math - USMA superscores and it won't matter if your other scores drop.
 
Hey everyone. I am currently applying to USMA. I have a 34 composite with a 29 math, 35 science, 35 reading, and 36 english. I know that the Naval Academy only looks at math and english scores. Does West Point look at all scores or just math and english? Thank you
Your scores are great. Unfortunately though, Math is probably the most important, so I would keep taking the exam and see if you can bump it even one point. But they use all of the subject scores. Push hard Ben, until you get that appointment. Then you can become a Cadet and start wondering why you wanted it so bad. LOL. Just kidding; but not really.
 
I read that the average math ACT is 30. One point won’t make THAT much of a difference, will it?
 
It’s a competition. Every point counts. For every candidate who says “one point is no big deal,” there are others who say, “one point is a big deal, and two or three even more so.” Which one are you?
 
I read that the average math ACT is 30. One point won’t make THAT much of a difference, will it?
Ask your RC for advice. They can tell you whether or not you should test again.

Test scores are an important factor in the academic portion of the WCS score. A 29 in math with a 34 composite probably won't make a difference, but it could. Qualified Alternate appointments are made on a strict merit basis (WCS score) by law. One WCS point may be the difference.

Do not look at profile averages. Averages include scores of recruited athletes, minorities, and enlisted soldiers. These categories receive special consideration and bring the test score averages down. Also, appointees winning slates in less competitive districts may have scores that lower the average. If you do not fall into one of those categories, you should be looking to score higher than the averages - especially if you are in a competitive district.
 
It's a competition.. That one point could be the difference between you and hundreds of other applicants. Strive to improve everything you can right up to the deadline, those you are fighting for that spot will be...
 
I read that the average math ACT is 30. One point won’t make THAT much of a difference, will it?
Do you assume that your overall WCS, and your application is vastly superior to all the other candidates in your district competing for the one or two appointment spots available? Or, do you take the position that, because you have no idea who your competition is, or what their scores are, you better do everything you can to improve everything you have the capacity to improve, so that if you lose out on an appointment by a single point on the ACT you at least know you did the best you could? There is no more important factor for admission than the ACT/SAT scores. Very often the competition within a district is fiercely close and competitive. And it can come down to a single point on the math section of the ACT.

That's the long way of saying, "yes".
 
....and to state further, this isn't a pass/fail admissions process. You can exceed all the averages for every measurable component of the application, and be an otherwise spectacular candidate, and still be denied an appointment. Indeed, hundreds if not thousands of candidates fall into this category every year. Don't be the guy who doesn't leave it all on the field.

Just saying.
 
.......Do not look at profile averages. Averages include scores of recruited athletes, minorities, and enlisted soldiers. These categories receive special consideration and bring the test score averages down.
+1
This is why profile averages are misleading. The averages are a good place to start, but many don't realize that these aren't really the average for the reasons jl123 stated. Most candidates need to be above the average to be competitive.
 
For some candidates the SAT math is easier. I believe there is more time per question also. The ACT math’s time limitation is very tough.
Question- is another sitting’s results even possible at this point prior to the application deadline?
 
For some candidates the SAT math is easier. I believe there is more time per question also. The ACT math’s time limitation is very tough.
Question- is another sitting’s results even possible at this point prior to the application deadline?
That’s exactly what I was wondering. I have all of my required materials in to West Point, so I think they should be reviewing my file soon. I’m afraid they will make a decision before I even take the test.
 
For some candidates the SAT math is easier. I believe there is more time per question also. The ACT math’s time limitation is very tough.
Question- is another sitting’s results even possible at this point prior to the application deadline?
That’s exactly what I was wondering. I have all of my required materials in to West Point, so I think they should be reviewing my file soon. I’m afraid they will make a decision before I even take the test.

Send a letter to the admissions counselor that you are retaking the test ... and you will have updated scores to send to them, just in case your prior scores are less competitive.
 
That’s exactly what I was wondering. I have all of my required materials in to West Point, so I think they should be reviewing my file soon. I’m afraid they will make a decision before I even take the test.

Your score is competitive but your spirit is not. If you retake ACT your Math is likely to go up. If you missed the Testing date then you’re done for this year. You now pray and hope you’ll be picked not the guy who has 1 Point more than you to pass you up. It can take more than 1 Point for someone to bump you for an Appointment. Your ACT has better chance at USMA than USNA. Your ACT will drop lower to 33 and equalized to SAT 1480 at USNA. If not applying to USNA no worries.
 
For some candidates the SAT math is easier. I believe there is more time per question also. The ACT math’s time limitation is very tough.
Question- is another sitting’s results even possible at this point prior to the application deadline?
That’s exactly what I was wondering. I have all of my required materials in to West Point, so I think they should be reviewing my file soon. I’m afraid they will make a decision before I even take the test.
Your test score are well within qualifying range. FYI - if your school does not rank students, your test score will be used and will give you a very high class rank. If there is any problem with your academic qualifications when you file is reviewed, it won't come from test scores. You can still increase your WCS score after your file is reviewed; that is why increasing your math score can help even if submitted at a late date.

While taking the SAT to increase your math score seems like a good idea, think carefully if schedule conflicts require you to choose between SAT and ACT. USMA will not superscore by mixing SAT/ACT tests. Admissions will pick which test makes your scores most competitive, meaning you will also have to score very high in the other sections of the SAT test; a high SAT math score may be irrelevant if admissions uses your ACT scores.

Take both tests if you can (it can't hurt).
 
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