Only ‘2021’ test scores are good for the application?

[Keys4me]

My rising senior has taken both the ACT, and SAT(waiting for score to come back on the 14th. He’s applying to AFROTC and states-now I haven’t looked to be positive of this myself lol-that they are only looking at his activities and grades from 9th-11th, but only test scores from “this year”. He’s also concerned about the fact that he just decided to apply this year, and doesn’t have the athletic, or leadership that’s being requested. He played ice hockey in 9th, quit in 10th because he was concerned about his school schedule, of course everything was cancelled for 11th, but he’s playing again this coming season.
He did work last year during the school year, and his cumulative GPA is 3.8, weighted is 4.1. Has taken multiple AP classes(don’t have those test results yet either!), and is scheduled for more his senior year.
I guess I’m asking if this seems correct, and if he’s basically going to be out of the running right from the gate?? Thanks.

 

[99Gold]

My rising senior has taken both the ACT, and SAT(waiting for score to come back on the 14th. He’s applying to AFROTC and states-now I haven’t looked to be positive of this myself lol-that they are only looking at his activities and grades from 9th-11th, but only test scores from “this year”. He’s also concerned about the fact that he just decided to apply this year, and doesn’t have the athletic, or leadership that’s being requested. He played ice hockey in 9th, quit in 10th because he was concerned about his school schedule, of course everything was cancelled for 11th, but he’s playing again this coming season.
He did work last year during the school year, and his cumulative GPA is 3.8, weighted is 4.1. Has taken multiple AP classes(don’t have those test results yet either!), and is scheduled for more his senior year.
I guess I’m asking if this seems correct, and if he’s basically going to be out of the running right from the gate?? Thanks.

You are correct about activities from 9th-11th grade. It states in the application that they will not look at any activities from 12th grade. I can't find anything in either the instructions or application that states the test scores must be from this year. ACT/SAT scores are usually good for 5 years. It does state that scores will not be superscored. My DS is waiting on the AUG SAT and SEP ACT to submit scores. His scores are competitive but he doesn't want to leave points on the table since he's retaking both anyway. Now that I think about it, we might just submit his current scores to trigger his interview and update them later. I didn't think about that when we were discussing his test scores.

 

[Keys4me]

You are correct about activities from 9th-11th grade. It states in the application that they will not look at any activities from 12th grade. I can't find anything in either the instructions or application that states the test scores must be from this year. ACT/SAT scores are usually good for 5 years. It does state that scores will not be superscored. My DS is waiting on the AUG SAT and SEP ACT to submit scores. His scores are competitive but he doesn't want to leave points on the table since he's retaking both anyway. Now that I think about it, we might just submit his current scores to trigger his interview and update them later. I didn't think about that when we were discussing his test scores.

Thanks! My sons current GPA and ACT score are competitive as well, still waiting on the SAT score. So you can submit those now to trigger the interview?

 

[99Gold]

Thanks! My sons current GPA and ACT score are competitive as well, still waiting on the SAT score. So you can submit those now to trigger the interview?

The applicant guide says that once the whole application is complete, an interview request will be triggered.

Ds probably won't do the fitness test until he gets back from his Philmont Trek at the end of July. He'd better be working on pushups each evening on the trek. His adult leader is an USMMA grad so I bet he'll get some encouragement. We live in Texas so he might wait until the weather cools a bit even though running is his strength. It'll be nice for him to have everything else ready to go beforehand.

 

[SpectacularDiver24]

Extraneous circumstances are taken into account during the admissions process.

Is your son filling out the application for c/o 2026?
When did he gain access to the new portal?
I've submitted several preliminary applications, and requests for support, but havn't heard back.

 

[99Gold]

Extraneous circumstances are taken into account during the admissions process.

Is your son filling out the application for c/o 2026?
When did he gain access to the new portal?
I've submitted several preliminary applications, and requests for support, but havn't heard back.

Are you referring to the AFROTC application? It opened on July 1st.

 

[SpectacularDiver24]

Nope. I thought he was also applying to usna. Mistake on my part.

 

[Herman_Snerd]

My rising senior has taken both the ACT, and SAT(waiting for score to come back on the 14th. He’s applying to AFROTC and states-now I haven’t looked to be positive of this myself lol-that they are only looking at his activities and grades from 9th-11th, but only test scores from “this year”. He’s also concerned about the fact that he just decided to apply this year, and doesn’t have the athletic, or leadership that’s being requested. He played ice hockey in 9th, quit in 10th because he was concerned about his school schedule, of course everything was cancelled for 11th, but he’s playing again this coming season.
He did work last year during the school year, and his cumulative GPA is 3.8, weighted is 4.1. Has taken multiple AP classes(don’t have those test results yet either!), and is scheduled for more his senior year.
I guess I’m asking if this seems correct, and if he’s basically going to be out of the running right from the gate?? Thanks.

The only way he takes himself out of the running would be to not apply. Certainly his application should outline where he found a way to be a scholar, athlete, and leader. That can be in the classroom, in a civic organization, religious organization, etc. Athletics / working out should be at core of what he does - and he should focus on rocking the fitness test - it matters not where he is today, but where he can be with a very focused effort in the next 60-90 days. Go for it and good luck.

 

[Herman_Snerd]

" but only test scores from “this year”.

Sounds like it's time for a Missouri moment with your son ("Son, show me where it says only test scores from this year"). Please let the board know if in-fact this is the case.

Has taken multiple AP classes(don’t have those test results yet either!), and is scheduled for more his senior year.

You will list all courses you are taking including senior year APs. AP scores from this past round come out on July 21st so he can include those details in his application.

Recommend you put your best application forward for each branch - if that means waiting to get the best AP scores, ACT scores, personal fitness scores, etc. then plan accordingly.

 

[airborne1030]

My rising senior has taken both the ACT, and SAT(waiting for score to come back on the 14th. He’s applying to AFROTC and states-now I haven’t looked to be positive of this myself lol-that they are only looking at his activities and grades from 9th-11th, but only test scores from “this year”. He’s also concerned about the fact that he just decided to apply this year, and doesn’t have the athletic, or leadership that’s being requested. He played ice hockey in 9th, quit in 10th because he was concerned about his school schedule, of course everything was cancelled for 11th, but he’s playing again this coming season.
He did work last year during the school year, and his cumulative GPA is 3.8, weighted is 4.1. Has taken multiple AP classes(don’t have those test results yet either!), and is scheduled for more his senior year.
I guess I’m asking if this seems correct, and if he’s basically going to be out of the running right from the gate?? Thanks.

You son has a strong GPA. His SAT/ACT needs to be strong, as well. If his score isn't as high as he wants it to be, he can retake the exam. His extra-curricular activities need to be strong (varsity athletics, clubs, leadership, and volunteering).

My recommendation is that your son take some time to prepare the best scholarship application possible. If he has questions, he can search through this forum, and he'll find plenty of sound advice.