ACT Scores for Preliminary Applications [USNA]

Ckrash

USNA 2028' Hopeful
Joined
Jan 31, 2023
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I just wanted to get some additional voices on this topic since I want to ensure I cover all bases before doing this. I intend to apply for the quickly upcoming Preliminary Application in April of this year. From what I have seen, it seems like the ACT/SAT scores are self reported and not mandatory to include within your Preliminary Application. I did poorly on my first ACT test (25/36 composite), additionally the only one I have taken so far. I intend to retake it in June, as that is when I will be available to do so next. I strongly believe I can improve my score, but I am unsure if I should include my current score in my Preliminary Application or not. Would it be better to leave it out due to the lower score, considering it is optional from what I understand? Or should I report it regardless and make a remark explaining the poor score and that I intend to retake it? If I am wrong about it being optional in a preliminary, please let me know.
 
You can include them. USNA understands that students will continue to take the ACT/SAT to improve. A 25 is right at the minimum typically considered. One or several of your score components may be below their threshold, but if you have a strong high school GPA in a college preparatory course regime, then you will achieve 'candidate' status, which is your goal. Sometimes, you will be refused candidates status if your scores are too low, but USNA will ask you to notify them when your scores improve. None of my students, including lower composites than your current results, have been refused USNA candidate status. Best of luck with the application process!
 
That’s score won’t preclude you from becoming a candidate. Don’t worry about this.
 
If you were strong in any areas in particular, and you wanted to submit it, then you could Superscore. It would be hard to bring up all 4 subject areas so I would assume that you might end up using one part of your current score in a Superscore.
 
Sometimes, you will be refused candidates status if your scores are too low, but USNA will ask you to notify them when your scores improve.
FYI: USNA has not used the "Contact and Counsel" status for prospective candidates with lower scores for at least 3 cycles now. The BGOs used to get notified of prospective candidates with lower scores or other drawbacks under the status of Contact and Counsel instead of "Candidate" but they stopped doing that and now every applicant who fills out a Preliminary App is deemed a candidate.
 
I have to imagine there is a significant amount of understanding at USNA that the applicants completing the preliminary app now are juuuust getting their feet wet with standardized testing and have only finished half of junior year, which for many means nowhere near finished with math and verbal preparation. ACT score of 25 or SAT score of 1200 seems super normal to me (and my denominator here is kids who are college bound). It usually goes WAY up by summer / early fall senior year. Especially once you take it a few times officially (or unofficially at your kitchen table). Study for it. Take the SAT and see if you prefer that. Just take the thing a million times in a real environment (timed, etc). My son's math score went up like 100+ points and stayed there every time he took a practice test. Turns out it's really helpful to finish junior year math. 😂 Great teachers doing their thing plus a dedicated kid doing their own prep is a wonderful combo. Don't sweat it.
 
You can include them. USNA understands that students will continue to take the ACT/SAT to improve. A 25 is right at the minimum typically considered. One or several of your score components may be below their threshold, but if you have a strong high school GPA in a college preparatory course regime, then you will achieve 'candidate' status, which is your goal. Sometimes, you will be refused candidates status if your scores are too low, but USNA will ask you to notify them when your scores improve. None of my students, including lower composites than your current results, have been refused USNA candidate status. Best of luck with the application
FYI: USNA has not used the "Contact and Counsel" status for prospective candidates with lower scores for at least 3 cycles now. The BGOs used to get notified of prospective candidates with lower scores or other drawbacks under the status of Contact and Counsel instead of "Candidate" but they stopped doing that and now every applicant who fills out a Preliminary App is deemed a candidate.
Thanks for the info. It's a good reassurance, I will definitely keep working at it.
 
Thanks to everyone who replied. Seems like a pretty straightforward process so long as I get all my info together. I will work to improve scores and use my current ones for the preliminary. Much appreciated.
 
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