SAT/ACT Scores

[Superninja1]

Hello,

I was wondering if I could still submit an ROTC application if my scores are lower than the testing score minimums. If so, what areas could I work on more to make my application stand out? Thank you!

 

[WD1]

Hello,

I was wondering if I could still submit an ROTC application if my scores are lower than the testing score minimums. If so, what areas could I work on more to make my application stand out? Thank you!

I believe that any potential cadets/midshipmen must meet minimums to be considered.

I’m not sure which branch’s ROTC program you’re applying for, but Army ROTC minimum is a 1000 SAT or 19 ACT - you also have until February of 2020 to meet AROTC minimums for testing.
NROTC Marine Option minimum is 1000.

 

[NROTCdad]

Navy ROTC is 1150 SAT. 25 ACT

 

[kinnem]

Hello,

I was wondering if I could still submit an ROTC application if my scores are lower than the testing score minimums. If so, what areas could I work on more to make my application stand out? Thank you!

I would suggest you don't. Your application would probably be thrown out of the system, creating an obstacle to unravel if you decide to retake the SAT and resubmit your application. I don't KNOW this, but I do know how, in general , bureaucracies work.

 

[THParent]

You could, but why?

 

[sophloaf0]

Hello,

I was wondering if I could still submit an ROTC application if my scores are lower than the testing score minimums. If so, what areas could I work on more to make my application stand out? Thank you!

Schedule a retake for either the SAT or ACT ASAP. Seems like they don’t even consider application that do not meet the minimum test scores.

 

[BAMA ROTC]

For AROTC your application would list you as disqualified and your record would not be brought before the board.

 

[EDelahanty]

If your SAT scores are abysmal, it would be prudent to work on improving your scores on the tests offered in August (note the July 26 registration deadline), October and November. Although some people can better their scores simply by taking more tests, there are abundant methods to be pro-active, e.g., practice tests, study guides and watching Jeopardy (just kidding about that last one). The likelihood of your being awarded a scholarship by the first AROTC board (which offers the fewest scholarships of the three boards) would seem to be negligible, so better to focus on beefing up your application for the subsequent boards.

 

[AROTC-dad]

My DS was not a good SAT/ACT test taker. Although he did exceed the ROTC minimums, the scores were not high enough to be offered a National HS scholarship or an SA appointment (his MOC did say that he was considered unsuccessfully for NAPS).

He did earn a scholarship by enrolling in Army ROTC as a 'walk-on" (no scholarship) and he worked his rear end off getting good grades, a solid APFT and getting involved in the battalion.

By the end of the first semester he earned a campus based 3 year Army ROTC scholarship (later extended to 3.5 year). So my DS who was a marginal standardized test taker graduated with a bachelors degree with a 3.2 GPA and commissioned last May as an active duty Armor 2LT. He is preparing to report to Armored BOLC in January. Even had he not earned that scholarship, he could still have commissioned by earning a non-scholarship contract with a school year monthly stipend.

So the bottom line is that a low (but not disqualifying) SAT/ACT does not necessarily preclude you from finding a way to serve as an officer.

 

[Theodicious]

I have a separate question: I know the average SAT score of ROTC Scholarship winners is around a 1,320/1,600. Is there an added benefit to having a score many points higher than that average or is it the kind of thing where anything above a certain ceiling (say, 1,400) doesn't count for extra? The reason for my question is that my son has not played a varsity sport and his only sport at school is climbing. I think on the physical test he will probably come in at around the average for applicants. On the other hand, his SAT score will likely be at or very near 1,600 (based on practice test results under test conditions). Many thanks in advance for any opinions.

 

[AROTC-dad]

I have a separate question: I know the average SAT score of ROTC Scholarship winners is around a 1,320/1,600. Is there an added benefit to having a score many points higher than that average or is it the kind of thing where anything above a certain ceiling (say, 1,400) doesn't count for extra? The reason for my question is that my son has not played a varsity sport and his only sport at school is climbing. I think on the physical test he will probably come in at around the average for applicants. On the other hand, his SAT score will likely be at or very near 1,600 (based on practice test results under test conditions). Many thanks in advance for any opinions.

Here is a pretty good thread on what your are asking about by a former Army PMS:
https://www.serviceacademyforums.co...olarship-selection-process.67748/#post-669324

And another from LTC Kirkland:
https://www.serviceacademyforums.co...c-scholarship-board-member.67383/#post-664568

Here is another link to a blog on this topic from the Clarkson University Army Recruiting Operations Officer:
https://goldenknightbattalion.com/2015/10/30/sat-or-act-scores/

 

[Theodicious]

I have a separate question: I know the average SAT score of ROTC Scholarship winners is around a 1,320/1,600. Is there an added benefit to having a score many points higher than that average or is it the kind of thing where anything above a certain ceiling (say, 1,400) doesn't count for extra? The reason for my question is that my son has not played a varsity sport and his only sport at school is climbing. I think on the physical test he will probably come in at around the average for applicants. On the other hand, his SAT score will likely be at or very near 1,600 (based on practice test results under test conditions). Many thanks in advance for any opinions.

Here is a pretty good thread on what your are asking about by a former Army PMS:
https://www.serviceacademyforums.co...olarship-selection-process.67748/#post-669324

And another from LTC Kirkland:
https://www.serviceacademyforums.co...c-scholarship-board-member.67383/#post-664568

Here is another link to a blog on this topic from the Clarkson University Army Recruiting Operations Officer:
https://goldenknightbattalion.com/2015/10/30/sat-or-act-scores/

Many thanks for the kind reply.

 

[MidCakePa]

Is there an added benefit to having a score many points higher than that average or is it the kind of thing where anything above a certain ceiling (say, 1,400) doesn't count for extra?

Remember that this is a competition. A very rigorous competition. One could argue, because decisions are made at
the national level, that it's even more competitive than for an SA. So the more reason you give the selection committee to pick you, the better off you are. Don't give then a reason to say, "But this person only..."

 

[FloridaFirst]

What do the selections groups for NROTC and AFROTC do with really high scores like 1500+ SAT? Are those candidates generally locks for the higher scholarships or do a portion potentially get turned down as well.

 

[kinnem]

What do the selections groups for NROTC and AFROTC do with really high scores like 1500+ SAT? Are those candidates generally locks for the higher scholarships or do a portion potentially get turned down as well.

A very high SAT score alone will not score you a scholarship in any ROTC program. You'll also need to show you have good grades, your athletic (at least), and possess leadership. You also need to be able to write an essay, do well in an interview, and pass a physical. No one is ever a lock, but a great SAT score helps.