English vs Math ACT Scores

[Madeleine B]

Hi,
I am very new to this forum so I hope my questions make sense:
1) I have read that West Point only looks at your English and Math scores for the ACT, is this true?

2) If I plan to have a more English/Humanities related major, is it ok if I have a lower Math ACT score that is compensated with a much higher English?

3) I have seen a vast range of ACT scores for those who have been accepted. For someone with many strong extracurriculars and a very rigorous high school schedule, will these be strongly taken into account?
Thank you

ACT superstore:
English-33
Math-25
Reading-27
Science- 25

(just math and science composite-29)
(overall composite-28)

 

[billyb]

The reason the math score is so important isn't necessarily b/c of your major. How does a low math score help in Calc 1,2, Diff Equations, Stats, Chem 1,2 and Physics 1,2? Everyone has to take those classes no matter your major. BLUF, get your math score way up! Good luck!

 

[SAparent2023]

West Point looks at the entire ACT whereas the Naval Academy only looks at English and Math. I do not know how West Points weights the different sections or if they weigh Math and English more, but I do know they look at the entire super score composite and all of the sections. But since all of the service academies super score, take the ACT again and work to get your Math score up.

 

[jl123]

• USMA looks at all sections of the ACT including Writing, but Math and English are the most important. That does not mean you can get away with a poor Science or Writing score.
• Do not place too much weight on the test score ranges in the class profile. Those ranges include several categories that receive special consideration, including recruited athletes. It also includes several identified as "scholars", very high academic performers whose second choices were Harvard, MIT etc.
• The most important number is your WCS score which you will never know. It consists of numeric scores based on academics 60%, leadership 30%, and athletics (CFA score) 10%. So, yes your extracurricular activities, especially leadership positions, do count.
• All cadets take calculus, physics, chemistry, and a minimum 3 course engineering sequence. Math is important.

 

[buff81]

To be a competitive candidate, the math score needs to be higher. English and Math are the 2 scores that are the most important to West Point.

 

[mintyicedtea]

@Madeleine B Are you a junior or a senior? If you have time, try taking the SAT also. Some applicants do better on SAT math. To do well on the ACT math you'll want trig and pre-calc under your belt. Many students improve their ACT scores after taking those classes.

 

[NROTCdad]

@Madeleine B Are you a junior or a senior? If you have time, try taking the SAT also. Some applicants do better on SAT math. To do well on the ACT math you'll want trig and pre-calc under your belt. Many students improve their ACT scores after taking those classes.

If you’re overly concerned with ACT/SAT math scores, also look into taking a prep class. My DS taught it Mathnasium. He said it was an excellent course.