Risk Review
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It means your score is below the minimum. It does not necessarily eliminate you, but the English department will review your writing and make a determination if you write well enough to be cadet.
You do not want that to happen. The English department doesn't think Hemingway wrote well enough to be a cadet. Retake the test and get your score up!!
You do not want that to happen. The English department doesn't think Hemingway wrote well enough to be a cadet. Retake the test and get your score up!!
mom3boys
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A quick search found this on a field force rep booklet: Risk. This term is used for candidates who are a risk for qualification in any area as defined by our Academic Board directive. This risk could be in academic, leadership, physical, or overall WCS. Depending upon the level of the risk, these candidates will receive one of two letters. Those with single risks that are not too deep may still receive a Non-Committal Letter acknowledging receipt of the application and scheduling instructions. However, those with deep risks will likely receive a letter acknowledging receipt of the application and will be informed that their file will not be opened until some improvement occurs in the area of risk.
Although it can sound scary to have your file closed until scores improve, it is still, possible to get accepted. My file was closed originally, and stayed closed for a while. I got my reading score up and now I'm here. Just worry about improving the score.
MidwestDad
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My plebe has 'A's across the board [including Jedi math and advanced physics] but struggling in English / essay scores - this made me laugh.
FWIW he did not do well on ACT essay but very well on SAT writing. Differences in test structure / format etc.
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Following on MidwestDad's post, have you taken the ACT? The test is differs from the SAT & may work well for you.
Standardized test essay scores can be misleading and frustrating for both candidates and admissions. The tests are very formulaic. For many they measure whether someone knows the structure rather than how well they write. The tests have changed, so this might not be current, but in the past just knowing what structure ACT wanted would get a decent score (intro with thesis statement, 2 supporting points, address counter-point, conclusion).
A few years ago SAT/ACT visited USMA. Reps from English department took the opportunity to haze them over inadequacy of essay test.
A few years ago SAT/ACT visited USMA. Reps from English department took the opportunity to haze them over inadequacy of essay test.
Basically the admissions's representatives have concerns over your english/writing scores and will seek an opinion from the English department to see if they think you can handle the West Point course load.
What no one has really said is that you may pass the "risk review" but unless you are a "blue chip" athlete or cover a VERY unique diversity category, your chances of winning a slate are very low. You will be competing against individuals that have much higher test scores.
Look at taking the ACT and doing prep work for both test. You need to get your scores to the published averages and possibly higher to ensure that you are competitive.
What no one has really said is that you may pass the "risk review" but unless you are a "blue chip" athlete or cover a VERY unique diversity category, your chances of winning a slate are very low. You will be competing against individuals that have much higher test scores.
Look at taking the ACT and doing prep work for both test. You need to get your scores to the published averages and possibly higher to ensure that you are competitive.