Is my ACT Score too Low to Be Considered for Appointment?

[FAR Cadet]

Hello, I haven't had any problems as of now, however, my ACT score isn't the best. I scored a 24 on the Math section, 29 on Science, 28 on English, and a 33 on Reading. This leads me to an overall composite of 29. Is my Math section score disqualifying? Could this impact my admissions decision for the USAFA? As of now everything on my portal is still pending.

 

[dddad]

Hello, I haven't had any problems as of now, however, my ACT score isn't the best. I scored a 24 on the Math section, 29 on Science, 28 on English, and a 33 on Reading. This leads me to an overall composite of 29. Is my Math section score disqualifying? Could this impact my admissions decision for the USAFA? As of now everything on my portal is still pending.

Your math section score may be disqualifying for direct appointment (per USAFA's webpages). These ACT scores may turn an otherwise strong candidacy into a Prep School candidate - though we certainly don't have sufficient information to opine on the overall strength of your application. Even if not disqualifying, it would be surprising if that math score did not have a pretty detrimental impact on the likelihood of admission.

 

[99Gold]

You already received some good answers to your question, but this is from the USAFA Admissions page:

"Students who score below 620 Evidence-based reading and writing or below 580 math on the SAT reasoning test and below 24 English/reading and 25 math/science on the ACT normally will not be competitive for an appointment directly into the Academy. However, they will be considered for the prep school or a Falcon Foundation Scholarship."

 

[franknd]

This is from the Pre-Candidate questionnaire booklet--
"In general, students who score . . . below . . . 25 Math/Science Reasoning on the ACT will normally not be competitive for an appointment directly into USAFA but may be eligible for one of our preparatory programs."

Now whether that means they will average the Math and Science scores or, instead, require each to be at least 25, I couldn't say.

 

[99Gold]

This is from the Pre-Candidate questionnaire booklet--
"In general, students who score . . . below . . . 25 Math/Science Reasoning on the ACT will normally not be competitive for an appointment directly into USAFA but may be eligible for one of our preparatory programs."

Now whether that means they will average the Math and Science scores or, instead, require each to be at least 25, I couldn't say.

I was wondering about that as well, but the more I think about it, I imagine each would need to be 25 due to the math required for core classes.

OP, we internet warriors can speculate all we want but it is up to admissions at the end of the day. Personally, I wouldn't want to attend USAFA direct with a math score of 25. I am a huge fan of the P-school for candidates who need a little more academic prep. I hope you get that chance.

 

[FAR Cadet]

Okay, thank you for your replies. Another aspect that may factor in is that I am currently a college student, taking engineering-level classes. So far I have trigonometry completed with calculus in progress. I am just concerned that my past ACT score will ultimately make me ineligible, but in the end, it is up to admissions.

 

[flightdeck]

One of my son's got an overall 34 ACT with a 34 on math, 36 on English, GPA over 4 (AP classes) and 2 Noms (MOC and Sen) to USAF and didn't get an appointment, grades and test scores are only one fraction of the total equation for appointment.

 

[99Gold]

Okay, thank you for your replies. Another aspect that may factor in is that I am currently a college student, taking engineering-level classes. So far I have trigonometry completed with calculus in progress. I am just concerned that my past ACT score will ultimately make me ineligible, but in the end, it is up to admissions.

Getting good grades in those classes will certainly help prove to admissions that you can handle the STEM classes. Definitely could be a game-changer for your application. Good luck!

 

[StPaulDad]

Safe to say almost all of the folks you'll be competing with will be featuring a better score than that, but as a transfer applicant the relative importance of test scores might be diminished when actual college grades are available. I'd still consider retaking the test though.

 

[bopper]

Okay, thank you for your replies. Another aspect that may factor in is that I am currently a college student, taking engineering-level classes. So far I have trigonometry completed with calculus in progress. I am just concerned that my past ACT score will ultimately make me ineligible, but in the end, it is up to admissions

1) Does it make sense for you to take the ACT again?
2) Make sure you do well in calculus... if you aren't currently getting an A get a tutor/form a study group/go to professor office hours