College Reapplicant

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USNAHopeful2

5-Year Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2016
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55
Will it help make up for my low ACT score (25) that I got a 4.0 during my first semester of college and currently hold all A's again
 
I would like to think so. Of course I'm sure the courses themselves are taken into account (ie a Calculus class will probably have more weight over lets say a philosophy class - just my thought), but to maintain a 4.0 does show the capacity to succeed in a difficult environment (college is not easy for freshman which I am assuming is what you are)

I was in the same boat as you; my high school GPA was average (3.5) so my high school transcript wasn't as impressive but I managed a 3.81 GPA within the honors program at my university with courses such as Calculus, English Literature and Writing, etc.

In my opinion, it does reflect an ability to focus and stay on top of things and again, the capacity to succeed.
 
As noted, it depends on the courses you've taken...do they somewhat mirror those taken in the Plebe year? Yes, Calculus of course, but what about English, History, Physics and importantly, Chemistry. Take a look at the classes they take, you can find them on USNA site and compare those with your own curriculum.

I'm assuming you're reapplying for this go around....? If so, you're playing the cards you have.
 
Yep I am a freshman and had a 3.7 GPA In high school with lots of honors and 3 ap classes but my ACT score is the thing that is on the low side. My high school had about 400 kids and I was in the top 15 percent so yeah I was very similar to you.
 
Sorry. The only thing that "makes up" for a low ACT score is a higher ACT score. The only thing that makes up for a low GPA is a higher GPA. The only thing that makes up for a lack of sports is sports. The only thing that makes up for a lack of leadership is leadership. The fact you have A's is good and it shows you can achieve them. The next question is "A's in what?" If it is Calculus, Chemistry with a Lab, English, and the rest of the classes that the USNA website advises college re-applicants to take that is very good. The Academy uses the ACT /SAT scores as an indicator as to how well a candidate can handle the 4 years of academics so you have partially answered that question with your current grades. However, if you have low ACT scores the Admissions Board says "Why does this candidate do so well in class and so mediocre in a standardized test like the ACT? Can they not take timed, standardized tests? That is all the Academy gives is timed, standardized tests. Does this candidate have a problem?" That is not what you want and fortunately you can improve ACT scores with formal instruction between taking them as there are tricks to beating those tests. As a bit of motivation, I had a candidate go from a 23 in English to a 29 with formal instruction and practice simply because although she knew the material, she was making dumb mistakes in the testing.

Having said all that, there are 100's of appointments made with ACT scores in that range because the Admissions Board liked the "whole person" picture of a candidate but they still looked at the ACT scores. Be glad for that fact and the fact you can improve.
 
Hi! I am also a reapplicant. I met with the dean of admissions over the summer and he said that 80% of your package as a reapplicant is your first semester grades. I'd say you're looking pretty good, but no guarantee's, obviously. I wish you the best of luck!!
 
Anyone know if they take the difficulty of classes into consideration? I am in the honors college and had to take an Honors English class (got a C), took Calculus 3 for Engineers (C+) and Chm 114(B) NAV 101 (A+) and A's in the rest of my classes totaling to 19 credit hours and a 3.18 GPA. I'm afraid I should have not chosen the honors college and took some easy regular class, retook Calculus 1 and chosen the easier Chm 113 class to of achieved a higher GPA. This may be the wrong way to think (and obviously to late to change anything!).
 
USNAHopeful2 said:
Will it help make up for my low ACT score (25) that I got a 4.0 during my first semester of college and currently hold all A's again
Click to expand...
My son was wait listed for NAPS for what we assume was low SAT/ACT scores. He retook them and did a little better, but not much. He got a 3.3 his first semester in college and got in and is now a plebe for class of 2019. As someone else stated, they look at the "whole package" and test scores are only a small part if you have been to college and done well your chances are probably good.
 
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