Low SAT/ACT Scores - Successful graduate?

maxf90

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Any of you, candidates/midshipmen/cadets/parents , know of a person that scored low on the SAT/ACT , got accepted into an academy, and successfully graduated?

..Just a question in mind.
 
I do not know that many SA graduates....so I cannot exactly answer your question. I do know that appointments are only given to the candidates who have the skills to complete the program and graduate, low SAT/ACT or not. The SAs have been doing this a very long time and know how to choose the candidates that have the strongest potential to graduate.
 
I recently found an academic study that looked at SAT scores and HS class ranks versus admissions rates and graduation rates at USMA and USNA for the c/o 1995. For males, the higher the SAT score range of the incoming mids/cadets, the higher their graduation rate as a group 4 yrs later. Please note that's as a group.

It's been said before, but everyone who is admitted to a SA can succeed. However, studies like this one show why the SAs consider test scores to be good predictors of success (graduation).
 
As 2012mom said, ACT/SAT's are used as predictors of how one will do in college. So SA's use those tests to determine whether that person can succeed or not. My BGO told me something similar to that since my scores were not so great, but my college grades in courses similar to those of a plebes will hold a lot of water because it is showing that I am able to do the college work and succeed. Best of luck to you in your future endeavors!
 
Low SATs, successful plebe (so far)

My son had SATs in the 1100 range though the rest of his app was good (4.0 @ compet h.s., ECs, varsity team capt, etc.) His testing problem also kept him out of h.s. calculus, but he was lucky enough to get NAPS.

He's a plebe now, validated Chem I, USNA dean's list 1st sem. He thinks he could have done OK academically as a direct admit, though he feels grateful to NAPS for its other benefits (military knowledge, exposure to prior enlisted). He's always had strong study habits and time mgt skills, which count for a lot @ SAs.

Based strictly on anecdotal experience w/ son and two other kids I've met, I believe there is a category of learners who fall outside the predictive skills of standardized tests. Thank goodness for the safety net of programs like NAPS and colleges that don't emphasize test scores, or kids in this category might miss opportunities where they could excel.
 
Based strictly on anecdotal experience w/ son and two other kids I've met, I believe there is a category of learners who fall outside the predictive skills of standardized tests. Thank goodness for the safety net of programs like NAPS and colleges that don't emphasize test scores, or kids in this category might miss opportunities where they could excel.

Sorry if my earlier post offended. I did not intend to imply that kids with poor test scores cannot succeed.
 
Absolutely no offense taken. I just wanted to point out that there are kids w/ weak test scores who can succeed -- at least so far. (The original question was about graduation rates, and that's quite a way off for my kid and the other kids I referred to.)
 
Test scores are the weakest predictors for success at the college level. I think the best predictors are going to have to come from your class rank and GPA. My friend had a 1520 SAT score, and he is extremely lazy and never does any of his work. He did get a 4 year at Yale though, but he turned it down ^^ BECAUSE HE NEVER DID THE APPLICATION FOR THE SCHOOL. He said he was too lazy to do just that much. He went to SLS at West Point with me, and he said he hated it, so he isn't applying this year.
 
Sometimes students must learn lessons the hard way. One day I expect your friend will tell his own children what a knucklehead he was.
 
There is a lot of unmotivated brilliance out there. trust me.

SAT's were designed to be a predictor of college success in the first year. This is one of the reasons for Prep programs - to give kids a chance to prove themselves and prepare for the rigors of plebe year.
One reason the academies use them is they are just about the only way of comparing students from a wide variety of backgrounds and educational systems. You can't compare kids using GPA. SAT's and class rank - though both are flawed - are just about the best way.

A couple of years ago and admissions officer from West Point explained to my daughter that all those kids who receive appointment are capable of graduating. Some may need extra instruction and there is plenty available - they want you to succeed. Whether or not you do is up to you. I suspect this goes for all other academies as well - including MMA!


Interestingly - I just read a article written in the late 90's by a USMA alum who was startled at the number of WP grads who bailed out after 5 years active. He refer's to a study that concluded that there is an inverse relationship of high SAT scores and the likelyhood an academy grad will remain on active duty long enough to retire.
Interesting stuff.
 
I wonder if that exists because everyone I know with hi SAt (2300-2400) are very analytical, and the military in everyday life makes you always say WHAT, WHY? This could be frustrating to people who see things in black and white
 
That brings back old memories! Long ago after college it was be drafted or choose your own future. I enlisted for OCS and my Infantry DI asked those of us who were college graduates "Do you know why we HATE you $%#*% college boys?!??! -- because when we say 'GET DOWN!' you pop your heads up and ask 'WHY???' " :shake:
 
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