Invalid ACT Scores – Retake?

I

i.phl

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Jan 19, 2020
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Hey All,

I am applying to USNA for the Class of 2027 and received communication recently regarding my ACT scores. This past week I received my congressional nomination and when I went to check my portal I saw that in addition to the nomination being added, there was a new SAT placeholder score (200/200). I didn't take the SAT, I took the ACT (35 with 150% time). I was informed that this was in place due to the fact that my ACT scores were considered invalid because of the extra time.

From the email: "These scores simply indicate to the Reviewers that you were not able to take standardized tests due to our COVID environment or because of Accommodations. All completed applications are getting a thorough review."

I have extra time for non-medicated ADHD (waiting on a waiver) and I have not been using it in school in the last couple of years as I haven't had the need. I have a 4.7 GPA and (I feel) a really strong application package along with a nomination. I could take the Feb. ACT but I have not been studying for it (so I might not score as high) and would possibly have to miss a very important swim meet. Looking up the official policy, USNA has adopted a "test flexible" approach. All of this kind of leads me to my questions: Do I need to take this ACT with regular time in order to be considered competitive? Will my high school grades be accepted?

Thanks.
 
I just had this discussion with my boss, and I’m of the understanding, that ‘test flexible’ refers to whether testing is available to you, or not. IOW, if you CANNOT take it, due to COVID cancellations of the test, it would not be held against you. It doesn’t mean, that the tests are not considered or required.

Regardless, that isn’t what you are dealing with, as you have already tested.

It’s always suggested to retake tests to your own satisfaction level. If you are happy with your scores? Then you are happy with your scores.

No comment on the accommodations of TIME that you require.
 
justdoit19 said:
I just had this discussion with my boss, and I’m of the understanding, that ‘test flexible’ refers to whether testing is available to you, or not. IOW, if you CANNOT take it, due to COVID cancellations of the test, it would not be held against you. It doesn’t mean, that the tests are not considered or required.

Regardless, that isn’t what you are dealing with, as you have already tested.

It’s always suggested to retake tests to your own satisfaction level. If you are happy with your scores? Then you are happy with your scores.

No comment on the accommodations of TIME that you require.
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I got a 35 twice with time and a half. I'm happy with the score, but it's invalid for USNA.
 
Recommend taking it without accommodations.

See the link below - the SAs need to know you can perform academically in every way, classroom, standardized tests, etc., without accommodations or medication. The SAs are high-pressure, relentless environments. Those accommodations are not available at USNA. In the Fleet or Corps, there is no extra time given for real-world operational situations, simply because it’s a matter of safety for the entire unit.

It’s a great sign if you haven’t needed them in regular classroom work, and we wish you luck on your waiver.


This is a great lesson learned for Class of 2028 just gearing up for their cycle and other future applicants - to read every page, link and menu item at USNA.edu. I have no doubt if the OP had read this, they would not have submitted test results that would not be considered, and they would have prepared to take the test without accommodations.


Guidance counselors report on use of IEP, accommodations, etc., when they submit the transcript.
www.usna.edu

High School Transcript Application

High School Transcript Application page for Admissions at USNA.edu. Updated Sat Apr 06 06:14:45 EDT 2024.
www.usna.edu
 
Building on Capt MJ’s response, admissions states, “We will accept any ACT or SAT test that is taken before January 31, even if the results arrive after. We do not accept test scores from a test taken with accommodations.”

If you have an SAT or ACT score taken without accommodations, even if it’s not your best score, I would forward that to admissions right away and get registered for the March test before registration closes. Maybe it’s possible for admissions to accept the March scores for consideration.

www.usna.edu

Apply to USNA

Application for Class of 2023 Opens April 1st. Navigate your future with the top public college in the US
www.usna.edu
 
Coffee22 said:
Building on Capt MJ’s response, admissions states, “We will accept any ACT or SAT test that is taken before January 31, even if the results arrive after. We do not accept test scores from a test taken with accommodations.”

If you have an SAT or ACT score taken without accommodations, even if it’s not your best score, I would forward that to admissions right away and get registered for the March test before registration closes. Maybe it’s possible for admissions to accept the March scores for consideration.

www.usna.edu

Apply to USNA

Application for Class of 2023 Opens April 1st. Navigate your future with the top public college in the US
www.usna.edu
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Lol I am confused. If they accept tests before 1-31 - how do they accept a test taken in March? By the time the results are in, they are near completion in filling the class.
 
A1Janitor said:
Lol I am confused. If they accept tests before 1-31 - how do they accept a test taken in March? By the time the results are in, they are near completion in filling the class.
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Not sure it’s possible, but might be worth a try. Maybe?
 
Coffee22 said:
Not sure it’s possible, but might be worth a try. Maybe?
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I don’t think so - but I am just a parent.

I take it as a waiver is needed for a condition. And a waiver might be granted if a candidate shows they can succeed without medicine or accommodations.

I suspect preparing for the act or sat without accommodations and applying the following year is the right course. And a solid year of stem classes at a community college is the best option.

Someone can correct me if I am wrong- and I hope I get corrected.
 
I tend to agree that, if the OP has no score for the ACT or SAT taken without accommodations, this year may be a lost cause. Scores from a Feb. test would likely be posted too late for year’s decisions. However, we aren’t the official source. OP should contact his/her admissions officer to determine whether there are viable options for this admissions cycle.
 
usna1985 said:
I tend to agree that, if the OP has no score for the ACT or SAT taken without accommodations, this year may be a lost cause. Scores from a Feb. test would likely be posted too late for year’s decisions. However, we aren’t the official source. OP should contact his/her admissions officer to determine whether there are viable options for this admissions cycle.
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I would also ask them if applying next year is an option in this case. Meaning, since they already have accommodations as part of their record, are they able to create a situation where it isn’t? Ie: rocking a year of plebe like classes, without accommodations? Idk, a convo to have with admissions.

A SA, and even more so as an Officer in the military, is an INCREDIBLY fast-paced, overly stressful environment. Almost all the time. Some days, ACTUALLY all the time. Its not the place for everyone, unfortunately.
 
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As Coffee22 points out above, it clearly states in all of the SA’s application instructions and in the portal that “only scores submitted without accommodations Will be accepted” by the academy. My DS had a head injury and severe concussion a few years before applying. He had been given extra time and accommodations while he recovered. The academies (both USNA and USMA) made him show two years without accommodations of any kind and all standardized test scores had to be without extra time. We provided letters to College Board (SAT) showing accommodations provided for PSAT had been removed for SAT.

Now, as a cadet at USMA he can definitely see the reason. It is one thing to do well in a relaxed home environment with lots of time and an unstressed atmosphere but the academy is the reverse and they want to make sure all candidates are ready for that. Cadets / Mids are constantly placed in an environment where they have more assignments, duties, and activities than possible in the allotted time. They are always prioritizing and compromising one grade for another or social time, sports vs.that better grade. Even though he is at USMA it is not much different at USNA. Everyone who gets an offer of appointment is academically strong and gifted but many have problems functioning in the SA environment. Making sure all standardized test scores are on an equal plane at the start are just one way for them to judge readiness for the fast-paced high pressure environment of the academy.
 
"Test Flexibile" does not mean "Test Optional"
Candidates are expected to take the ACT/SAT unless they can demonstrate that circumstances prevent it.
(This policy was established in 2020, when some jurisdictions prevented students from taking ACT/SAT due to COVID, and USNA wanted to accomodate those strong candidates that just couldn't take the test....I am not aware of any jurisdictions where that would apply now)
 
Capt MJ said:
Recommend taking it without accommodations.

See the link below - the SAs need to know you can perform academically in every way, classroom, standardized tests, etc., without accommodations or medication. The SAs are high-pressure, relentless environments. Those accommodations are not available at USNA. In the Fleet or Corps, there is no extra time given for real-world operational situations, simply because it’s a matter of safety for the entire unit.

It’s a great sign if you haven’t needed them in regular classroom work, and we wish you luck on your waiver.


This is a great lesson learned for Class of 2028 just gearing up for their cycle and other future applicants - to read every page, link and menu item at USNA.edu. I have no doubt if the OP had read this, they would not have submitted test results that would not be considered, and they would have prepared to take the test without accommodations.


Guidance counselors report on use of IEP, accommodations, etc., when they submit the transcript.
www.usna.edu

High School Transcript Application

High School Transcript Application page for Admissions at USNA.edu. Updated Sat Apr 06 06:14:45 EDT 2024.
www.usna.edu
Click to expand...
Hello,
Out of curiosity and worry would a 1050 SAT scores and a 4.0 GPA not be accepted? I have no other SAT dates that I can take before the official send in date.
 
konnery said:
Hello,
Out of curiosity and worry would a 1050 SAT scores and a 4.0 GPA not be accepted? I have no other SAT dates that I can take before the official send in date.
Click to expand...
If you have no other chance to take it again, submit and see how it turns out. My son had a much lower score than he had hoped for - below where many people in this forum say it needs to be. He was offered appointment almost immediately after his nomination came in. They are looking for a well rounded candidate. Test score is just a part of the whole picture.
 
InItToWinIt said:
If you have no other chance to take it again, submit and see how it turns out. My son had a much lower score than he had hoped for - below where many people in this forum say it needs to be. He was offered appointment almost immediately after his nomination came in. They are looking for a well rounded candidate. Test score is just a part of the whole picture.
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Thank you so much, the rest of my application is "very well rounded" according to my officer so I am hoping that you are correct and this won't inhibit me.
 
InItToWinIt said:
If you have no other chance to take it again, submit and see how it turns out. My son had a much lower score than he had hoped for - below where many people in this forum say it needs to be. He was offered appointment almost immediately after his nomination came in. They are looking for a well rounded candidate. Test score is just a part of the whole picture.
Click to expand...
Yes, but is also a competition. And that makes anecdotal cases tricky. Your son might not have had competition on his slate for instance.
 
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