Have 2 Noms but still nervous

H

hblueberry7

Member
Joined
Oct 16, 2016
Messages
14
Hi,

Last week I received the amazing news that I received two nominations from my MOC for USAFA. I live in Mississippi, one is from my senator and one from my congressmen. I finished up my application a month ago, and am 3Q. My family and school faculty are congratulating me heavily because I also received two noms to USMA and one to USNA. (I was so worried about getting one, and I ended up getting five, a huge shock to me) Yet with each congratulation, I feel as if I am putting on a fake smile. Because I am extremely nervous that this is the only good news I will ever be hearing back from the academies. I've taken many rigorous AP/Honor classes and my GPA is a 3.7, I've done 4 years of AFJROTC, President of the Honor Council at my school, 4 years Varsity Softball and captain, a little above the average CFA scores, but sadly my sat is 1090. I've taken it four times this year, and that's the highest with the using Super score I've gotten it. I'm worried that the USAFA and USMA&USNA will see my scores and deny me. I've taken the SAT six times, and still get the same scores even with the countless hours of studying for it. Attending a US Service Academy has been my dream now for the past five years, is there any hope for me? I was wondering if anyone believes that I could get into any academy with low SAT scores, or even offered a prep/foundation scholarship.
 
Of course there’s hope. Take heart in the nominations you’ve received — the congratulations are well deserved — which is a major hurdle. But you’re also smart to be realistic. Many candidates with far better SAT scores have failed to receive offer of appointment.

Bottom line is this: You’ve done your best and it’s now out of your hands. Enjoy your senior year and take satisfaction knowing you also have a solid Plan B.

You do have a solid Plan B, right?
 
Yes!

I have already been accepted into Norwich and The Citadel. I'm only eligible to apply to the AROTC Scholarship and have finished the application and will be considered at the next board (the minimum SAT scores for NROTC is 1200, and AFROTC 1240). I also am looking into the Greystone Prep Program at Schreiner University, since the academies are my dream I am looking into doing a sponsor year there too.
 
Focus on those things that you have control over - make sure you have a solid plan b, plan c, and plan d in place and then turn your attention to other items - keep in shape, stay out of trouble, and enjoy the holidays and your senior year. It could take several more months before you receive decisions from the SAs, so try to be patient and don't check each of the admissions portals 14 times a day... ;)

Good luck. Thank you for your willingness to serve.
 
What about ACT? I've read that the differences from SAT sometimes work to a test taker's strength. It wouldn't surprise me if you were offered a spot to USAFA Prep so they can see if you can handle the academic rigors.
 
Bracken said:
What about ACT? I've read that the differences from SAT sometimes work to a test taker's strength. It wouldn't surprise me if you were offered a spot to USAFA Prep so they can see if you can handle the academic rigors.
Click to expand...
I received a 20. That is what I am hoping for
 
Let’s hope for Prep School. IMHO I think you fall short on ACT/SAT to SAs even as an URM. Given you got the Noms you must have given a very good impression to your MOCs. Prep School can be an excellent point of entry for you to do well at an Academy.
 
I would try to take your SAT/ACT again to get your scores up. Investing in a study course would be well worth the investment.
 
Unless I’m mistaken, the next SAT isn’t until March and the scores aren’t released until March 22. Also the next ACT isn’t until February and the scores won’t be released until the end of February. To my understanding, those dates are too late for consideration to USAFA this year but you should contact your ALO for the best advice for you questions.
 
hblueberry7 said:
Hi,

Last week I received the amazing news that I received two nominations from my MOC for USAFA. I live in Mississippi, one is from my senator and one from my congressmen. I finished up my application a month ago, and am 3Q. My family and school faculty are congratulating me heavily because I also received two noms to USMA and one to USNA. (I was so worried about getting one, and I ended up getting five, a huge shock to me) Yet with each congratulation, I feel as if I am putting on a fake smile. Because I am extremely nervous that this is the only good news I will ever be hearing back from the academies. I've taken many rigorous AP/Honor classes and my GPA is a 3.7, I've done 4 years of AFJROTC, President of the Honor Council at my school, 4 years Varsity Softball and captain, a little above the average CFA scores, but sadly my sat is 1090. I've taken it four times this year, and that's the highest with the using Super score I've gotten it. I'm worried that the USAFA and USMA&USNA will see my scores and deny me. I've taken the SAT six times, and still get the same scores even with the countless hours of studying for it. Attending a US Service Academy has been my dream now for the past five years, is there any hope for me? I was wondering if anyone believes that I could get into any academy with low SAT scores, or even offered a prep/foundation scholarship.
Click to expand...


Congratulations on all your nominations that is great news. It sounds like you have done extremely well in school. But I can tell you from previous experience with our DS just like you he had all the same statistics as you. Had nominations as well was at the top of his graduating class (Top 10%) of 850+ kids/An Athlete/Volunteered..etc! BUT his SAT was around 1250 & his 1st (2) ACT Scores were under 30 cumulatively. So unfortunately he did not get accepted into USMA or AFA. So upon the recommendation from a retired Colonel he was told to retake the ACT one more time during the Summer before he started College. But to sign up for the ‘Princeton Review’ there is a cheap version to sign up for. So he did & for 4mths he practiced on it & brought his ACT score up 5pts. And lo & behold in September he received an ‘LOA’ from the USMA & is hoping to hear from the AFA as well. Fingers crossed this will be his year! So as a parent to a DS who didn’t make it his 1st year if it doesn’t happen for you DO NOT be discouraged. Sign up for the Princeton review & practice practice practice. I totally did not believe in those things at all . But after watching my son work so hard & it helped him. I believe you can do it too.
 
@hblueberry7
Northwestern Prep in California is another possibility. Pros and cons for sure, but a clear emphasis on improving standardized test scores as 3 SAT and 2 ACT tests are taken in that semester. It is worth researching.
Attendees have a historically impressive track record of success at academies. Personally - I am very thankful for the program. The Durbecks (who run the program) are wonderful!
 
What was your breakdown regarding the ACT and SAT? I ask because USAFA clearly states to be deemed competitive for an apptmt you need to meet a certain marker for English/Verbal on the ACT or SAT.
 
Pima said:
What was your breakdown regarding the ACT and SAT? I ask because USAFA clearly states to be deemed competitive for an apptmt you need to meet a certain marker for English/Verbal on the ACT or SAT.
Click to expand...

Yes, there is. It specifically says "Students who score below 580 verbal and 560 math on the SAT Reasoning and below 24 English/reading and 25 math/science reasoning on the ACT normally will not be competitive for an appointment".

However, I did just find out that I received a third nomination to USAFA. And I know that every MOC sends the number one from the nom to an academy. They do not have the principal nominee in my state, they send them our names to the academies and then the academy will rank us. But who knows, maybe the first few "number one's"arent medically qualified or even turn it down. So there might still be a chance...
 
I dont say this to be mean, but you should be worried. Not worried where you will get a stomach ache or worse but rather that no matter how good your numbers and stats are, there is no guarantee you will be chosen. You should feel proud about how far you have traveled and how well you have done. So be confident and happy but also realize that their is no guarantee, so worry enough that should have a Plan B. If you can improve your test scores, do so but also realize that their are things you have no control over.
 
Get 1v1 instruction for taking the SAT. It's expensive but will be worth it. My daughter increased her score from 1120 to 1350 after just 3 lessons. Her final SAT was up to a 1515 super scored. They will teach you how to quickly analyze passages, offer general test taking advice that saves time and show patterns within the tests.
 
You did not answer my question. I stated in my post that USAFA clearly states that min. You can move from applicant to candidate because you have a nomination. That does not equate to being 3Q. You need 3 Q to be appointed.

Of course every number 1 on their slate will go, because it comes down to the WCS. Highest WCS on that slate will be offered an appointment. The rest will be thrown into the national pool.

The question still comes down for you, did you meet the standards set forth by USAFA to be considered academically qualified for the SAT? Or did you move from applicant to candidate due to nominations. I am not trying to upset you, I am trying to understand. Are you academically qualified or not?

JMPO, I think you are probably like others have suggested a prep school option. You might just need 1 more year.

USAFA is known as the Little Engineering School in the Rockies.
 
Last edited:
Pima said:
You did not answer my question. I stated in my post that USAFA clearly states that min. You can move from applicant to candidate because you have a nomination. That does not equate to being 3Q. You need 3 Q to be appointed.

Of course every number 1 on their slate will go, because it comes down to the WCS. Highest WCS on that slate will be offered an appointment. The rest will be thrown into the national pool.

The question still comes down for you, did you meet the standards set forth by USAFA to be considered academically qualified for the SAT? Or did you move from applicant to candidate due to nominations. I am not trying to upset you, I am trying to understand. Are you academically qualified or not?

JMPO, I think you are probably like others have suggested a prep school option. You might just need 1 more year.

USAFA is known as the Little Engineering School in the Rockies.
Click to expand...

What is 3Q?
 
skyflies2023 said:
Pima said:
You did not answer my question. I stated in my post that USAFA clearly states that min. You can move from applicant to candidate because you have a nomination. That does not equate to being 3Q. You need 3 Q to be appointed.

Of course every number 1 on their slate will go, because it comes down to the WCS. Highest WCS on that slate will be offered an appointment. The rest will be thrown into the national pool.

The question still comes down for you, did you meet the standards set forth by USAFA to be considered academically qualified for the SAT? Or did you move from applicant to candidate due to nominations. I am not trying to upset you, I am trying to understand. Are you academically qualified or not?

JMPO, I think you are probably like others have suggested a prep school option. You might just need 1 more year.

USAFA is known as the Little Engineering School in the Rockies.
Click to expand...

What is 3Q?
Click to expand...
"Triple Qualified (3Q) - scholastically (academics/ACT/class rank, leadership, sports, etc) , medically (DODMERB), physically (CFA)" founded on the "The Acronym List"
 
Pima said:
You did not answer my question. I stated in my post that USAFA clearly states that min. You can move from applicant to candidate because you have a nomination. That does not equate to being 3Q. You need 3 Q to be appointed.

Of course every number 1 on their slate will go, because it comes down to the WCS. Highest WCS on that slate will be offered an appointment. The rest will be thrown into the national pool.

The question still comes down for you, did you meet the standards set forth by USAFA to be considered academically qualified for the SAT? Or did you move from applicant to candidate due to nominations. I am not trying to upset you, I am trying to understand. Are you academically qualified or not?

JMPO, I think you are probably like others have suggested a prep school option. You might just need 1 more year.

USAFA is known as the Little Engineering School in the Rockies.
Click to expand...


Well, it is clearly stated on the USAFA portal that "Should USAFA deem you eligible to compete for a direct entry appointment, the Preparatory School, or a Falcon Foundation Scholarship you will become a "Candidate." Note that you may receive a nomination and still not be deemed eligible to compete by USAFA." I haven't had any correspondence from USAFA stating that I am not academically qualified. It also says on the USAFA website that "Prior Academic Record and SAT combine to create your Academic Composite Score". I have a 3.7 GPA, I have taken all the courses recommended by USAFA and most were honors/ AP. I have contacted my ALO, waiting back for further correspondence.
 

Attachments

  • Screen Shot 2018-12-19 at 8.19.31 PM.png
    Screen Shot 2018-12-19 at 8.19.31 PM.png
    43.3 KB · Views: 66
It sounds like you have a good chance to get into a prep school or sponsored scholarship to a prep school from one of the foundations ! If you don’t get in this year it probably is because of the scores . DS has similar stats as you , got three noms to AFA, his SAT was 1200 and ACT 25, ALO said that was most likely why he wasn’t selected . He would not quit though and is now at the prep program as a self prep at NMMI and raised his SAT to 400 and ACT to 31. He took their ACT 500 course and I think that with the added year between taking them helped . If you don’t get in this year and still have the drive , just get those test scores up keep taking them , take a prep course , something , you can do it !
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top