Reapplying - HELP ASAP

He is referring to HS. College Class Rank is very different since it is both college w/in the university, major w/in the college, etc. I'm not even sure my class rank appeared on my college transcript (but now you have me curious... may have to dig it out).

To add to earlier statements ... retake the SAT and ACT to get those scores up high if you want to compete. Your grades in college validate your effort and ability.

I'll contact my BGO ASAP, thanks.

But to clarify, my high school does not rank - I'm going to college next year, and as you said it's hard to determine rank there. So would I be putting myself at a disadvantage?
 
But to clarify, my high school does not rank - I'm going to college next year, and as you said it's hard to determine rank there. So would I be putting myself at a disadvantage?

Some things are what they are. Even if you were putting yourself at a disadvantage, what could you possibly change about your situation at this point in time? Worry about the things that matter and that you can change. Forget the stuff that is what it is.
 
Just some advice on SAT scores....

I had seen the class of 2016 profile, it had said that the vast majority had scored in the following ranges:

Math...600-700
Reading...560-670

I have a 590 in Reading at the moment, is that a tad low to be considered for an appointment? Thanks.
 
Just some advice on SAT scores....

I had seen the class of 2016 profile, it had said that the vast majority had scored in the following ranges:

Math...600-700
Reading...560-670

I have a 590 in Reading at the moment, is that a tad low to be considered for an appointment? Thanks.

Again, good grief. The only correct answer to your question is to have a better whole person score (or whatever WP calls it), including outstanding SATs, than the competition on your slates. The only correct score to shoot for is the very highest score you can achieve. You don't stop just because you're "in the range" since you do not know what scores your competition has. And no, I wouldn't feel comfortable with a 590, although it could be good enough.
 
Just some advice on SAT scores....

I had seen the class of 2016 profile, it had said that the vast majority had scored in the following ranges:

Math...600-700
Reading...560-670

I have a 590 in Reading at the moment, is that a tad low to be considered for an appointment? Thanks.

Stats are stats. I got a 700M/780R. Aim for 700. The great thing about the SAT is that scores will increase with practice. So practice. A lot.
 
To be perfectly candid, those scores on the profile reflect the impact of all kinds of outliers, and therefore are not good indications of what USNA is seeking from the normal candidate. Trust me you will be leaving your candidacy in jeopardy if you decide those scores are "good enough" to get selected. I'm not saying it couldn't happen, but there are candidates with much better scores who hit highly competitive slates and got TWE's in this cycle. If you chose to use those scores as your benchmark, in spite of several warnings regarding their viability, you do so at your own risk.
 
To be perfectly candid, those scores on the profile reflect the impact of all kinds of outliers, and therefore are not good indications of what USNA is seeking from the normal candidate. Trust me you will be leaving your candidacy in jeopardy if you decide those scores are "good enough" to get selected. I'm not saying it couldn't happen, but there are candidates with much better scores who hit highly competitive slates and got TWE's in this cycle. If you chose to use those scores as your benchmark, in spite of several warnings regarding their viability, you do so at your own risk.

I'm definitely going to strive to do much better, there's no denying that.
 
I just have 1 question, if anyone could help me out - it would be greatly appreciated. I had seen that 86 people (hailing from a civilian college) received appointments to the USNA. Does anyone know by chance as to how many College freshman/sophomores apply every year.
 
One final question, any BGO mods - please if you could help me it would be greatly appreciated.

What are the minimum SAT/ACT scores for a candidate to be able to open the CIS system? I'm afraid my Math SAT scores might not be up to par, but then again I was a candidate last year. Please any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
There is no specific minimum. Official candidates are in the BGO system as of today (more will be added). Check w/your BGO.
 
There is no specific minimum. Official candidates are in the BGO system as of today (more will be added). Check w/your BGO.

Understood. I'm just a tad worried, I couldn't register for the June SAT - I was a candidate last year, it's just I wish my scores were better...but then again I could always send the academy my sat scores later on.
 
...and to caveat that with, would you recommend taking the June SAT? I thought it would be smart to get a heads up so to speak...
 
...and to caveat that with, would you recommend taking the June SAT? I thought it would be smart to get a heads up so to speak...

If you think you can be prepared to score well on the June SAT (not necessarily your best, but well) then I would recommend taking it. Otherwise wait for the next one and get ready for it.
 
If you think you can be prepared to score well on the June SAT (not necessarily your best, but well) then I would recommend taking it. Otherwise wait for the next one and get ready for it.

I already registered, and I plan on working with a tutor until the actual test date.

I just want to make sure that my sat scores are strong enough to get past the preliminary application (I know, it seems stupid). I think it would be better to start the application earlier than later. Someone had said that it had to be at least a 570/590 - but usna1985 disproved that theory. Regardless, I just want my scores to be a little better. Thanks.
 
Just a suggestion, aim higher.

"A little better" is not going to get you an appointment.

Understood. To clarify, I'm also going to be taking the October/November SAT's as well.

...and obviously the USNA wants to see solid sat scores, but would you venture to say that your personal GPA is slightly more important considering I'm going to be applying as a college student? I'm not denigrating or belittling the SAT's, it's just that in the reapplication thread - usna1985 alludes to the fact that your GPA is essentially the most important aspect of your application.

On another note, do any of you have any experience with Huntington Learning center? I've heard good things about their SAT prep program (a but pricey, but worth it - or so they say).
 
To be clear to all readers, for h.s. students, GPA isn't the critical thing -- it's your class rank. Also important are the courses one is taking. Taking "solid" courses such as Engligh, calculus, chem, physics, history and advanced language -- especially at the honors or AP level -- will serve one better for USNA purposes than psychology, history of art, entry level language, music theory, etc.

For college candidates, it's how well you do in the plebe courses -- not really class rank or GPA. So, if you gets As in calc and chem and English and history, you have improved your chances.

There is no per se mininum SAT. However, in the end, you must be competitive for an appointment. Realistically, you should shoot for AT LEAST 600/650. That said, I've had candidates with <1200 get in and more than a few candidates with >1500 (including one 800/800) get turndowns.

As a general rule, if you are reapplying and were an official candidate last year, you'll be one this year.

As for your SAT prep . . . your college grades are more important but if you had <600/600, you should retake the SAT. USNA will not consider your packet until after your first semester grades are in so there is no rush.

I can't speak for prep courses but most people I know who improve their scores do so b/c they work on their own outside of the course. Courses basically give you tips on how to tackle different types of questions, how to manage your time, etc. They also have you take tests under real world conditions to practice. And courses can be a great help. However, you need to practice, practice, practice on your own. Years ago before courses were the rage, I dramatically improved my math SAT simply by working the old "Barron's" books. I approached it as another course and worked an hour every night and several hours on WEs for months. It helped.
 
Understood. To clarify, I'm also going to be taking the October/November SAT's as well.

...and obviously the USNA wants to see solid sat scores, but would you venture to say that your personal GPA is slightly more important considering I'm going to be applying as a college student? I'm not denigrating or belittling the SAT's, it's just that in the reapplication thread - usna1985 alludes to the fact that your GPA is essentially the most important aspect of your application.

How the candidate score is calculated is closely guarded secret or least no one told me what the formula is. I am a FFR, so a BGO wants to add anything please do.

But I would think Navy is similar to West Point - academic, leadership, and physical. I don't think any SA will have different grading system for different candidates. I think SAT counts for X% of your candidate score regardless if you are applying from highschool or college. I think at best your college GPA will subsitute your high school GPA. For me this is unfair as to substituting 4 years of work with just one semester.

You might get some extra point in another area because you are a reapplicant, as being a reapplicant has little connection to your academic potential.

I understand why you are asking all those questions. More than likely being a reapplicant and if you get good grades in college, it will improve your chances. We don't know how much. So rather than assuming, you need to improve everything you can.
 
To be clear to all readers, for h.s. students, GPA isn't the critical thing -- it's your class rank. Also important are the courses one is taking. Taking "solid" courses such as Engligh, calculus, chem, physics, history and advanced language -- especially at the honors or AP level -- will serve one better for USNA purposes than psychology, history of art, entry level language, music theory, etc.

For college candidates, it's how well you do in the plebe courses -- not really class rank or GPA. So, if you gets As in calc and chem and English and history, you have improved your chances.

There is no per se mininum SAT. However, in the end, you must be competitive for an appointment. Realistically, you should shoot for AT LEAST 600/650. That said, I've had candidates with <1200 get in and more than a few candidates with >1500 (including one 800/800) get turndowns.

As a general rule, if you are reapplying and were an official candidate last year, you'll be one this year.

As for your SAT prep . . . your college grades are more important but if you had <600/600, you should retake the SAT. USNA will not consider your packet until after your first semester grades are in so there is no rush.

I can't speak for prep courses but most people I know who improve their scores do so b/c they work on their own outside of the course. Courses basically give you tips on how to tackle different types of questions, how to manage your time, etc. They also have you take tests under real world conditions to practice. And courses can be a great help. However, you need to practice, practice, practice on your own. Years ago before courses were the rage, I dramatically improved my math SAT simply by working the old "Barron's" books. I approached it as another course and worked an hour every night and several hours on WEs for months. It helped.

Ok, thanks for all the help! I really appreciate all the advice.

As I said before, my SAT scores are decent - I wish they were better. I'm a little low on math, whereas I'm at 600 for cr. I'm retaking them in June, as well as October and November (or at least I plan on it). I was a bit worried about not being considered a candidate again, mainly due to some idiot posting on another forum. I apolgize, but is that rule official? If I mark down myself as being an official candidate the year prior, will I definitely be a candidate this year? I apologize if I'm coming off as being stupid.

In regards to College grades/GPA, what does the Academy consider to be ideal? I'm assuming a 3.5 GPA and up, correct?

And in regards to reapplying, is it a big deal? Does the academy truly appreciate it, or is it not that big of a deal? (Again, provided I get a 600/600 SAT, a 3.5 GPA, and I do community service during the Summer).

...and lastly, letters of recommendation. Someone had mentioned to me that you can have active duty sailors write recommendations for you, is that true? I want to become a SEAL, and I know quite a few people in the SpecWar community - would a recommendation letter be beneficial? And does it matter if they are either NCO's or commissioned officers? Thanks again.
 
I was a bit worried about not being considered a candidate again, mainly due to some idiot posting on another forum. I apolgize, but is that rule official? If I mark down myself as being an official candidate the year prior, will I definitely be a candidate this year?

I can only tell you the general approach USNA takes. I can't comment on "some idiotic posting on another forum."

In regards to College grades/GPA, what does the Academy consider to be ideal? I'm assuming a 3.5 GPA and up, correct?

As I have said many times, you need to get As in college level plebe courses. A B might not be a killer. A C will hurt.

And in regards to reapplying, is it a big deal?

Not a big deal. Yes, USNA likes to see maturity but you don't get a lot of extra benefit as compared to a strong h.s. candidate.

Again, provided I get a 600/600 SAT, a 3.5 GPA, and I do community service during the Summer

Your posts seem to suggest that you believe there is some magic "formula" of numbers that will be "good enough" There isn't. There are many candidates with great numbers who don't get in and some with "lesser" numbers who do. Also, if you strive for the minimum . . . well, do not follow the advice of Dr. Hawkeye Pierce on M*A*S*H: "If the minimum weren't good enough it wouldn't be the minimum."

If you do the very best you can do, that's it. You can do no more. Whether it's good enough is beyond your control but you will sleep at night knowing you've given it your all.

Someone had mentioned to me that you can have active duty sailors write recommendations for you, is that true? I want to become a SEAL, and I know quite a few people in the SpecWar community - would a recommendation letter be beneficial? And does it matter if they are either NCO's or commissioned officers? Thanks again.

No, no and no. USNA tells you the LORs they want. For college students, they prefer college profs in math and English. They will accept senior teachers in those subjects if you're in a college lecture course where the prof doesn't know you. They will accept other LORs; however, the only benefit to those (as discussed in my sticky) is if they bring out some element of your life that neither you in the documents you submit nor your other recommenders can speak to. See the sticky for examples.

LORs from people in the military who essentially say you're a great guy/gal and really want to be in the military, etc. will do absolutely nothing for you.
 
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