Chances (Slim???)

[Michael_T]

Hello to everyone who may end up eventually reading this!

My name is Michael! I am currently a Junior at Signature School ( we have immensely high ratings for difficulty, and other things, "Ranked #1 in the US, that kind of thing) I was hoping someone might see thus, and eventually respond.

Academics:

GPA: 2.91 (unweighted, all AP and IB courses) :|
GPA 3.22 (weighted , all AP and IB courses)

Of course not the best, but I still have chances at improvement, although I am a junior, I am currently retaking some courses in order to replace previously earned bad grades.

My school does not do any class rank. (Kinda Sucks)

I haven't taken the SAT/ACT yet, I am hopefully trying to take it by the end of next month. I have though taken the PSAT, in which I received a 970 on it. I know this is not the best, but I have done some practice SAT exams via Khan Academy and my scores are somewhat close to 1200.

Extracurriculars:

- I am in the process of getting involved in Robotics Club, as we speak, just trying to sort some things out.

- I will be also trying to get involved in Cross Country, as it is something that is quite small at our school, no other sports are offered at my school. This was recommended to me by my P.E. teacher.

- I volunteer quite a bit around the community, as each year my school requires 25 hours of service, and in both my Freshman and Sophomore years, I did almost 50 hours each year. Almost double what is expected of us. Of course with COVID-19 going on currently, volunteering has been more difficult, but I am trying to do the best with what I have.

- I have a current job that I have been a part of since June 2020, when we first opened, I currently work at Donatos Pizza. I on average work 12 hours a week there, typically on the weekends. I earned my first raise, within a couple months of working, as they consider me to be a hard worker. There have been some mentions between me and managers, that I could possibly earn Employee of the Quarter one day, if I keep on working hard. I make $9.25 an hour, and I try to sometimes save up, in which some times, I have helped my dad pay bills, and do other things.

- I am involved in an organization called Youth Resources of Southern Indiana (Look it Up!) I have been involved with since October 2020, and we typically meet every two weeks on Fridays. Just recently I was awarded with Member of the Month, for my active participation in the organization.

- If anyone takes the time to read this. I really appreciate it, and I hope to maybe gain some advice through this journey, that will take some time.

Thanks again!

 

[Michael_T]

Hello to everyone who may end up eventually reading this!

My name is Michael! I am currently a Junior at Signature School ( we have immensely high ratings for difficulty, and other things, "Ranked #1 in the US, that kind of thing) I was hoping someone might see thus, and eventually respond.

Academics:

GPA: 2.91 (unweighted, all AP and IB courses) :|
GPA 3.22 (weighted , all AP and IB courses)

Of course not the best, but I still have chances at improvement, although I am a junior, I am currently retaking some courses in order to replace previously earned bad grades.

My school does not do any class rank. (Kinda Sucks)

I haven't taken the SAT/ACT yet, I am hopefully trying to take it by the end of next month. I have though taken the PSAT, in which I received a 970 on it. I know this is not the best, but I have done some practice SAT exams via Khan Academy and my scores are somewhat close to 1200.

Extracurriculars:

- I am in the process of getting involved in Robotics Club, as we speak, just trying to sort some things out.

- I will be also trying to get involved in Cross Country, as it is something that is quite small at our school, no other sports are offered at my school. This was recommended to me by my P.E. teacher.

- I volunteer quite a bit around the community, as each year my school requires 25 hours of service, and in both my Freshman and Sophomore years, I did almost 50 hours each year. Almost double what is expected of us. Of course with COVID-19 going on currently, volunteering has been more difficult, but I am trying to do the best with what I have.

- I have a current job that I have been a part of since June 2020, when we first opened, I currently work at Donatos Pizza. I on average work 12 hours a week there, typically on the weekends. I earned my first raise, within a couple months of working, as they consider me to be a hard worker. There have been some mentions between me and managers, that I could possibly earn Employee of the Quarter one day, if I keep on working hard. I make $9.25 an hour, and I try to sometimes save up, in which some times, I have helped my dad pay bills, and do other things.

- I am involved in an organization called Youth Resources of Southern Indiana (Look it Up!) I have been involved with since October 2020, and we typically meet every two weeks on Fridays. Just recently I was awarded with Member of the Month, for my active participation in the organization.

- If anyone takes the time to read this. I really appreciate it, and I hope to maybe gain some advice through this journey, that will take some time.

Thanks again!

Here are my Junior Year grades, and E1 stands for Finals, which I am not too worried about. For Q3, I am currently in the process of fixing my biology grade, as I am trying to meet with teachers.

 

[Kierkegaard]

First, it is recommended on this forum that you avoid posting personal identifiable information—so you may want to sweep over your profile and post.

Anyway, you never know until you apply—cliche but nonetheless valid words. It’s worth submitting the preliminary application at least. Continue trying hard in class and on the SAT/ACT, and purse cross country as this will help you with college admissions in general. I wouldn’t bank on getting accepted, but then again nobody should.

 

[Michael_T]

First, it is recommended on this forum that you avoid posting personal identifiable information—so you may want to sweep over your profile and post.

Anyway, you never know until you apply—cliche but nonetheless valid words. It’s worth submitting the preliminary application at least. Continue trying hard in class and on the SAT/ACT, and purse cross country as this will help you with college admissions in general. I wouldn’t bank on getting accepted, but then again nobody should.

Thank you, for the info!

 

[TheRightStuff]

@MichaelT2022-

You may go to the greatest high school in the world with the most difficult curriculum, but you simply have to get those grades up this semester and fall of your Senior year to have any shot. Sounds like you know that and are doing all you can, so stick with it!

 

[Michael_T]

@MichaelT2022-

You may go to the greatest high school in the world with the most difficult curriculum, but you simply have to get those grades up this semester and fall of your Senior year to have any shot. Sounds like you know that and are doing all you can, so stick with it!

@TheRightStuff I am aware that I must excel in my grades. I appreciate you for your response. What do you think of chances, other than GPA?

 

[MidCakePa]

Academic performance — in the form of transcript and SAT/ACT — account for 60% of the WCS/WPS. Notice I didn’t say GPA? That’s because GPAs are not standardized around the country. So what SAs do is carefully examine your transcript to see if you’ve taken the hardest classes your school has to offer — especially in STEM and English — and excelled at them.

They do this in the context of your school profile, so they know exactly what classes are on offer and how rigorous your school is. If your school ranks, that’s another data point to show whether you stand out among your peers. SAs won’t penalize you for not taking courses your school doesn’t offer. At the same time, regardless of how highly rated your school is, they want to know whether you’re “running with the big dogs.”

As for SAT, go into the USNA website and look up the Class of 2025 profile. There you’ll find the middle 50% scores. See where your projected 1200 puts you.

 

[Michael_T]

@MidCakePa Next year, I will be enrolled in such difficult courses as IB Math SL AI, IB Computer Science, my 4th year of French, and even AP Physics 1, not to mention the second year of IB BIO HL 2, IB LITERATURE HL 2, AND IB EURO HL 2.

 

[Copeland 2025]

@MidCakePa Next year, I will be enrolled in such difficult courses as IB Math SL AI, IB Computer Science, my 4th year of French, and even AP Physics 1, not to mention the second year of IB BIO HL 2, IB LITERATURE HL 2, AND IB EURO HL 2.

This year I'm taking my second year of IB Physics and IB Computer Science, as well as IB Chem, IB Math SL, IB Literature HL, and Civil Engineering. Looks pretty similar to a lot of courses you'll be taking. It's certainly not easy, but it's doable. My best advice to you would be to find smart study habits. Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself and ask your teachers for help either. IB is difficult but rewarding if you are willing to put the work in. Know how to manage your time efficiently and you'll be feeling pretty okay. It definitely says a lot though if you can excel in those kinds of classes! Good luck!

 

[Michael_T]

This year I'm taking my second year of IB Physics and IB Computer Science, as well as IB Chem, IB Math SL, IB Literature HL, and Civil Engineering. Looks pretty similar to a lot of courses you'll be taking. It's certainly not easy, but it's doable. My best advice to you would be to find smart study habits. Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself and ask your teachers for help either. IB is difficult but rewarding if you are willing to put the work in. Know how to manage your time efficiently and you'll be feeling pretty okay. It definitely says a lot though if you can excel in those kinds of classes! Good luck!

Thank you very much! What do you think my chances look like, in your personal opinion, assuming I make my GPA better?

 

[TheRightStuff]

@TheRightStuff I am aware that I must excel in my grades. I appreciate you for your response. What do you think of chances, other than GPA?

Simply impossible to say. Also keep in mind you are competing against others in your MOC District and state (for senators) and not against the whole country (at least at first) for an appointment AFTER you receive a nomination.

 

[Michael_T]

Simply impossible to say. Also keep in mind you are competing against others in your MOC District and state (for senators) and not against the whole country (at least at first) for an appointment AFTER you receive a nomination.

Definitely true, to be honest, I'm not completely sure what the competition is in the state of Indiana. So its kind of hard to tell.

 

[MidCakePa]

Definitely true, to be honest, I'm not completely sure what the competition is in the state of Indiana. So its kind of hard to tell.

SA admissions is initially a local competition, i.e. your MOC’s nomination slate. It only takes one person with better credentials to make your district competitive. Don’t worry about what you can’t control.

 

[Copeland 2025]

Thank you very much! What do you think my chances look like, in your personal opinion, assuming I make my GPA better?

It's difficult to determine your exact chances, as there are other factors like extracurriculars/leadership, interviews, recs, and essays. That being said, increasing your GPA and doing well in the most rigorous courses your school offers can't do harm.

 

[krabbypatty]

I don't want to come across as arrogant, but how would your school affect the difficulty level of your classes? IB coursework is standardized for a reason. I graduated from the IB diploma program and took many of the classes you did, I probably learned much of the same material you are currently learning. Study hard and take advantages of the immense amount of online resources available. For HL bio look up Alex Lee on youtube!

 

[FrauTeufelshund]

Unfortunately, that D is going to haunt you. Even if you get straight A's the rest of your days in high school, it is going to be very hard to pull up that GPA to that of your competition. (Your competition is also attending some rigorous schools taking IB/AP classes.) Yes, admissions does look at all the other factors to see you more than just a GPA so do apply to the SAs but your do your research (ROTC) and get some solid plan B's rolling. Aside from getting on CC, work out on your own daily and practice for the CFA. Good luck.

 

[justdoit19]

OP, I’ll chance you. But first, I’ll need to know:

1) who is your competition in your State. And their stats, resume’s, and how they interview.

2) your best SAT/ACT score. And no matter your grades, standardized test measure your understanding and application of material you have learned.

3) how your interview goes.

4) how your teachers evaluate you.

5) what admissions is looking for when they appoint from your slate (or slates).

Obviously all that is unknown. But it matters as to your “chances”. All you can do is your best. As mentioned. Contrary to what I think sometimes people think here, you do not have to be the most amazing candidate in the whole wide word to be offered an appointment. You have to be the one from your state, and on the slates presented by your MOC’s, that a SA sees as having the potential to be an Officer. And be successful at the SA (including academic rigors).

No one can chance you. Go for it of you want it. Have backup plans. Perhaps a prep offer could come. And good luck if you do!!

 

[Don't Give Up the Ship]

Hello to everyone who may end up eventually reading this!

My name is Michael! I am currently a Junior at Signature School ( we have immensely high ratings for difficulty, and other things, "Ranked #1 in the US, that kind of thing) I was hoping someone might see thus, and eventually respond.

Academics:

GPA: 2.91 (unweighted, all AP and IB courses) :|
GPA 3.22 (weighted , all AP and IB courses)

Of course not the best, but I still have chances at improvement, although I am a junior, I am currently retaking some courses in order to replace previously earned bad grades.

My school does not do any class rank. (Kinda Sucks)

I haven't taken the SAT/ACT yet, I am hopefully trying to take it by the end of next month. I have though taken the PSAT, in which I received a 970 on it. I know this is not the best, but I have done some practice SAT exams via Khan Academy and my scores are somewhat close to 1200.

Extracurriculars:

- I am in the process of getting involved in Robotics Club, as we speak, just trying to sort some things out.

- I will be also trying to get involved in Cross Country, as it is something that is quite small at our school, no other sports are offered at my school. This was recommended to me by my P.E. teacher.

- I volunteer quite a bit around the community, as each year my school requires 25 hours of service, and in both my Freshman and Sophomore years, I did almost 50 hours each year. Almost double what is expected of us. Of course with COVID-19 going on currently, volunteering has been more difficult, but I am trying to do the best with what I have.

- I have a current job that I have been a part of since June 2020, when we first opened, I currently work at Donatos Pizza. I on average work 12 hours a week there, typically on the weekends. I earned my first raise, within a couple months of working, as they consider me to be a hard worker. There have been some mentions between me and managers, that I could possibly earn Employee of the Quarter one day, if I keep on working hard. I make $9.25 an hour, and I try to sometimes save up, in which some times, I have helped my dad pay bills, and do other things.

- I am involved in an organization called Youth Resources of Southern Indiana (Look it Up!) I have been involved with since October 2020, and we typically meet every two weeks on Fridays. Just recently I was awarded with Member of the Month, for my active participation in the organization.

- If anyone takes the time to read this. I really appreciate it, and I hope to maybe gain some advice through this journey, that will take some time.

Thanks again!

Sorry, but I just don't think your competitive based on only the information provided. Academics is on the lower side, other factors do not appear strong. You need to make major changes to what you're doing. As another reply stated, look at the USNA Class Portrait for 2024 and see if you match 80% of the class. Unfortunately it appears you do not.

 

[dadinnc]

Hello to everyone who may end up eventually reading this!

My name is Michael! I am currently a Junior at Signature School ( we have immensely high ratings for difficulty, and other things, "Ranked #1 in the US, that kind of thing) I was hoping someone might see thus, and eventually respond.

Academics:

GPA: 2.91 (unweighted, all AP and IB courses) :|
GPA 3.22 (weighted , all AP and IB courses)

Of course not the best, but I still have chances at improvement, although I am a junior, I am currently retaking some courses in order to replace previously earned bad grades.

My school does not do any class rank. (Kinda Sucks)

I haven't taken the SAT/ACT yet, I am hopefully trying to take it by the end of next month. I have though taken the PSAT, in which I received a 970 on it. I know this is not the best, but I have done some practice SAT exams via Khan Academy and my scores are somewhat close to 1200.

Extracurriculars:

- I am in the process of getting involved in Robotics Club, as we speak, just trying to sort some things out.

- I will be also trying to get involved in Cross Country, as it is something that is quite small at our school, no other sports are offered at my school. This was recommended to me by my P.E. teacher.

- I volunteer quite a bit around the community, as each year my school requires 25 hours of service, and in both my Freshman and Sophomore years, I did almost 50 hours each year. Almost double what is expected of us. Of course with COVID-19 going on currently, volunteering has been more difficult, but I am trying to do the best with what I have.

- I have a current job that I have been a part of since June 2020, when we first opened, I currently work at Donatos Pizza. I on average work 12 hours a week there, typically on the weekends. I earned my first raise, within a couple months of working, as they consider me to be a hard worker. There have been some mentions between me and managers, that I could possibly earn Employee of the Quarter one day, if I keep on working hard. I make $9.25 an hour, and I try to sometimes save up, in which some times, I have helped my dad pay bills, and do other things.

- I am involved in an organization called Youth Resources of Southern Indiana (Look it Up!) I have been involved with since October 2020, and we typically meet every two weeks on Fridays. Just recently I was awarded with Member of the Month, for my active participation in the organization.

- If anyone takes the time to read this. I really appreciate it, and I hope to maybe gain some advice through this journey, that will take some time.

Thanks again!

I commend you for taking on such a challenging course of study. This is preparing you well for college curriculum. An SA may or may not be in your future, but there are so many great ROTC programs out there if becoming a military officer is your goal. Consider looking at universities where your GPA and standardized test scores put you squarely in the middle of their student population. You'll be challenged, but you'll also be within reach of a great GPA with hard work. There is a perfect school and ROTC fit for everyone. Good luck, sir. You'll do great!

 

[Michael_T]

Unfortunately, that D is going to haunt you. Even if you get straight A's the rest of your days in high school, it is going to be very hard to pull up that GPA to that of your competition. (Your competition is also attending some rigorous schools taking IB/AP classes.) Yes, admissions does look at all the other factors to see you more than just a GPA so do apply to the SAs but your do your research (ROTC) and get some solid plan B's rolling. Aside from getting on CC, work out on your own daily and practice for the CFA. Good luck.

I am trying to get that D fixed right now. Hopefully some grades soon will be fixing those soon!