How important is academics in the application process?

iceman111

5-Year Member
Joined
Mar 16, 2014
Messages
2
Assuming that I feel pretty confident in the athletic aspect on my application (I'm by no means the top athlete in my school, but I'm athletic enough to consistently get varsity letters in my sports) and my extracurriculars (Eagle Scout, NHS, USAFA Teen Aviation Camp, Washington Aerospace Scholars, etc)
do you think I'll have a good chance despite my academics being kind of average?

My GPA is ~3.76 on a 4.00 scale unweighted, and my ACT score is 28.
I haven't taken very many rigorous classes. In all of high school, I've taken 2 AP classes and no honors credits.
My class rank at my current high school is about 57/305.
 
It's rather difficult to determine your explicit chances to get in the Academy, from what I hear. Let me just point out, I'm no member of the Armed Forces; I'm just a mere high school student with enormous dreams. The details I'm going to state are my pure bias and prior knowledge on the subject.

From what I'm seeing, you already have a good impression on your transcript. Especially that Eagle Scout award. You see, I'm in the opposite position as you. I have my academics all set, as I'm taking 2 AP classes this year and 3 AP classes for senior year. I maintain a 3.9 GPA in my school, resulting in being the Top 20. Call me a nerd if you must. But my athletics aren't as impressive. I honestly wish I was as athletic as you, considering I am only in Track & Field. And once again, that Eagle Scout award.

But to answer your question, yes. As much as athletics, academics are very important too. Taking rigorous classes that you can handle attract the attention of the Academy. Those 2 AP classes you took are a good start. Assuming you are a sophomore or a junior, taking an extra 1 or 2 AP classes for senior year would be great on your transcript.

Maintain those great grades and qualities buddy, and you'll soar high.
 
I'm actually already a senior. I'm just waiting on my decision, having already applied.
I'm trying to gauge where I am so I won't be too surprised by the outcome of my decision.
 
Ah, I see. Based on the context of what you've stated, you have a fairly good chance of being accepted in the Academy. I'm only saying a "fairly good" chance and not a "great" chance because I'm not trying to guarantee anything. With diligence and persistence, anyone can be accepted in the Academy; that's why it's important to strive to your very best. And if you accomplished your very best, there is no need to worry. Only time will tell from that point on.

I wish you the very best of luck.
 
To answer your question "how important is academics in the application process?" you just need to look at the candidate information. You WCS (whole candidate score) is 60% Academics, 20% extracurricular and 20% your interview/CFA. Academics are extremely important. The curriculum is difficult, they need to be sure that you can manage the academic rigors of the academy. Your class rank is a little on the low side. ACT is below the average of 30 but not by much. It does depend if you have one score that is much lower, just one score could fall below their minimum (which I don't believe is published). All that said, if you are a qualified candidate, it really depends who you are competing against on your slate. If you are a strong candidate overall but your academics seem on the low side you may be considered for prep school or Falcon Scholarship. You could also self-prep and reapply. Regardless, all posters here would recommend you have Plan B in place. Good luck to you.
 
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