Candidates REapplying

[usnabgo08]

2017KNR, it is what it is....USNA will be interested in what you will be taking in the spring, but they will (obviously) be focused on your fall grades. In my opinion, your second semester courses should have been taken in your first semester. You really aren't making a statement in the math/science (biology doesn't really count) arena, which is crucial for the Admissions Board. I also don't think AP scores will do you any good, you could have always taken Chem II, Calc II, and Physics II. Remember they want to see candidates challenging themselves. I'm not the Admissions Board so I can't predict what the outcome might be, but, in my opinion, you would have been much more competitive if you took the second iterations of the courses you AP'd out of or taken your planned spring semester in the fall.

Let me say the courses you are taking aren't "bad" courses, but they can't be taken in lieu of the core plebe courses and I think you could have thrown 1-2 of your planned major courses into the mix, so that if you weren't offered an appointment, at least you gained 1-2 of the courses.

 

[kinnem]

2017KNR, it is what it is....USNA will be interested in what you will be taking in the spring, but they will (obviously) be focused on your fall grades. In my opinion, your second semester courses should have been taken in your first semester. You really aren't making a statement in the math/science (biology doesn't really count) arena, which is crucial for the Admissions Board. I also don't think AP scores will do you any good, you could have always taken Chem II, Calc II, and Physics II. Remember they want to see candidates challenging themselves. I'm not the Admissions Board so I can't predict what the outcome might be, but, in my opinion, you would have been much more competitive if you took the second iterations of the courses you AP'd out of or taken your planned spring semester in the fall.

Let me say the courses you are taking aren't "bad" courses, but they can't be taken in lieu of the core plebe courses and I think you could have thrown 1-2 of your planned major courses into the mix, so that if you weren't offered an appointment, at least you gained 1-2 of the courses.

+1. I was going to say the same thing jadler but you said it much more eloquently than I... except for the first phrase which is an exact quote of what I was composing in my head!

 

[2017KNR]

Yes I understand. I will be sure to explain myself when I meet with my BGO again as well as during my nomination interviews.

 

[jalusna2016]

Answer WP:

ACT/SAT/3 SAT subject all above average. 14 AP courses (AP National Scholar), 38 credit hours accepted by A&M toward her BioChem/Math degree, honors courses at A&M, GPA 3.9, WGPA 5.6, rank 6/379.

I do not believe that her BGO recommendation was based on her scores. Advised that a re app candidate should focus their time on the College course load, not on an exam "that is a predictor on how well you might do in college". After all you are in College now. However, it is important to note that this advice was hand in hand, and highly emphasized that the courses you should take in the fall should be the same as a plebe in the fall; Calc/Chem/History/English.

 

[Whistle Pig]

Agree with WP that if the BGOs on this forum determine that it is helpful for college students to retake ACT/SATs, it should be posted/amended in the sticky. DS was a first time applicant last year as a freshman in college and made a deliberate decision to not retake the tests because of the BGO advice on this forum. Notably, his scores were well within the 50th percentile range, with SAT math scores slightly above and he received an appointment. But I would hate to have someone miss out on an appointment because they didn't retake the tests....

This is a clearer explanation of what needs to be explained. Thanks so much.

From a bit different perspective ...

We now know there may be definite advantage in improving one's SAT/ACT scores. Beyond time and cost, is there any possible disadvantage?

If not, then perhaps, as suggested, the rule of thumb should be ... unless the ADMISSION OFFICER indicates not necessary, RETAKE. Only improved scores count.

One caveat ... on this type of information, I would never proceed or not on the basis of BGO counsel.

And this is not intended as any offense. These are volunteers and some are outstanding and fully on top of their assignments. Others are very laissez faire. It is a mixed bag. And in any case, none have any professional responsiblity or liability for misinformation or untimely counsel. As we are observing there can be very disparate or at least unclear information, and were I going at this a 2nd or 3rd time around? Well, I think the point is clear.

 

[AJM7680]

Good post.

Records, in addition to totals being compiled by the Admissions Dept, go before the Board. This board attempts to measure the less obvious, things such as desire. Why would anyone enrolled in a good college with outstanding college grades be taking the SATs? To me, and perhaps the Board, it means they truly are doing everything within their power to get accepted at USNA. In any Admissions endeavor, to err on the side of overdoing it, probably will not hurt.

 

[Whistle Pig]

Answer WP:

ACT/SAT/3 SAT subject all above average. 14 AP courses (AP National Scholar), 38 credit hours accepted by A&M toward her BioChem/Math degree, honors courses at A&M, GPA 3.9, WGPA 5.6, rank 6/379.

I do not believe that her BGO recommendation was based on her scores. Advised that a re app candidate should focus their time on the College course load, not on an exam "that is a predictor on how well you might do in college". After all you are in College now. However, it is important to note that this advice was hand in hand, and highly emphasized that the courses you should take in the fall should be the same as a plebe in the fall; Calc/Chem/History/English.

Some clarifications, please?

First one from here. There is no assessment or need for SAT subject tests. I'm not sure that's what you were implying, but in any case, clarity that these are not used might be in order since you've introduced them to the discussion.

Can you share specific scores? The reason is that insight can come from that as to what might be deemed adequate and NOT in need of remediation.

And just one reiteration, while your dd apparently has an excellent BGO, that noted, candidates might be well served getting their remedial counsel from the "horse's mouth." Make that "GOAT" ... and straight from the barn YARD!

 

[usnabgo08]

I agree with AJM that the 600 mark was historically the imaginary SAT line; it could still well be, but times have certainly changed. There is nothing wrong with re-taking SATs/ACTs.

From the sticky:

Second, CONTACT CGO. I suggest waiting until late May or June, when things are a bit slower. Call your Regional Director and ask what kept you from getting an appt this year (unless it's a nom). They will know. You may also want to talk to your BGO. Don't guess. Don't assume. If you don't know what held you back, you can't "fix" it and, until you do, your chances of admission don't increase.

When you call, ask your Admissions counselor if it is necessary to retake SATs/ACTs. If they tell you it isn't necessary, your time is worth invested in other things.

If you are looking to be competitive, I don't suggest slacking off in college on activity involvement --- you don't necessarily need to do have leadership roles (as most go to the bottom of the totem pole) but having it eat your time up is a double bonus (for the Admissions Board and yourself, time management/prioritization skills).

Start thinking about this.....(rhetorically).....what makes you unique? That is another thing the Admissions Board is looking at.

 

[jalusna2016]

Some clarifications, please?

First one from here. There is no assessment or need for SAT subject tests. I'm not sure that's what you were implying, but in any case, clarity that these are not used might be in order since you've introduced them to the discussion.

Can you share specific scores? The reason is that insight can come from that as to what might be deemed adequate and NOT in need of remediation.

And just one reiteration, while your dd apparently has an excellent BGO, that noted, candidates might be well served getting their remedial counsel from the "horse's mouth." Make that "GOAT" ... and straight from the barn YARD!

Last year I could have remembered all her stats in my sleep I think most moms can. Now I can barely remember her class schedule! I had her transcript when I posted earlier, but had to look up the scores. SAT Math 670, Read 680, ACT 31. She took the 3 Subject Exams because a couple of her back up plan Universities require 2 or more for Admission. They did get sent to USNA because frankly College Board gives you 3 free scores to send and only two of the Universities she applied to required them, and she just automatically out of habit put down USNA as a recipient.

She planned on retaking the SAT/ACT until she spoke with her Area Coordinator in June about her reapplication. She was on the Wait List until June 26. After she received the TWE in July she sent an email to her USNA Counselor as well requesting any advice on her reapplication. Her only advice was to take English/Calc/Chem/History in the fall and to do very well in them.

As I mentioned earlier the other advice her Area BGO gave her was to continue with physical training and extra curriculums. This was not a weak area in her application but he felt that all re app candidates should continue to show that they can prioritize and organize their time and still keep up with the Academics. Also lots of encouragement that a college re app candidate must have a very high GPA (in the courses recommended above) in order to be competitive.

Hope this helps

 

[Whistle Pig]

Thanks for sharing. Helps all to get a clearer picture of how this confusing, complex scenarios "work." Good stuff and much appreciated!

Sounds like yours is in good position for reconsideration. Here's that it's to hers and your benefit!

May next year find you all worrying about logistics and tix to the 2013 Army-Navy game!

GO NAVY! BEAT Army!