School doesn't have class ranks-could it be a problem?

usafa2022

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My school doesn't have an actual class rank system like most do. It was eliminated a couple years before I got to HS (I seriously have no clue why on earth a school administration would do that, but I digress). Students who have a GPA above a certain cutoff are considered to be in the top 10 of their class. Could the lack of a real ranking system have any affect on my USAFA application?

Also, on a related note, I'm not sure if I really understand the "school profile" the Academy admissions folks use. I know it relates to how many AP classes are offered, average GPA, etc., but is it a quantifiable number or just a general idea of what the school is like?

Oh, and finally, what does USAFA consider regarding unweighted vs. weighted GPAs? Apparently my weighted GPA is 4.5 since I'm in five honors classes, but I had B's in three of them last semester, so my unweighted GPA is about 3.6(?). That's a pretty large spread....
 
I believe USAFA uses unweighted GPA. Class rank or lack of it doesn't really affect your application in a big way. Basically they want to see you take and excel at the most challenging courses your school offers - if no APs, did you take Honors or dual-enrollment, etc.
 
I believe USAFA uses unweighted GPA. Class rank or lack of it doesn't really affect your application in a big way. Basically they want to see you take and excel at the most challenging courses your school offers - if no APs, did you take Honors or dual-enrollment, etc.

Oh, well in that case that could possibly be a problem...3.6 doesn't sound like Academy material to me...
 
Oh, well in that case that could possibly be a problem...3.6 doesn't sound like Academy material to me...
Don't rule yourself out. You also look like you have 2 years to bring that up. And that's just my belief, I need to look that up to be sure. But either way keep challenging yourself. If anybody on this forum understood the entire process and knew all the nuances, they would be a god.

EDIT: check this out for definites: http://www.academyadmissions.com/admissions/the-application-process/academic-performance/
 
Not to worry. USAFA has their own formula to figuring out your GPA in your situation. It will be between 3.6 and 4.5. Besides 3.6 qualifies anyway.
 
I'm a sophomore so I haven't taken either yet, but I did take the PSAT last fall and got a 1260 composite (191 on the NMS index).
 
Take ACT/SAT a few times to figure out your stronger test. Then take that several times, preparing more each time. USAFA super-scores so you can focus on certain sections.
 
Take ACT/SAT a few times to figure out your stronger test. Then take that several times, preparing more each time. USAFA super-scores so you can focus on certain sections.

What does "super-score" mean? Probably a stupid question, lol.
 
What does "super-score" mean? Probably a stupid question, lol.
Spaatz is dead on. Super score means they take the best score each time you take it, and ignore the weaker. So you take your best math, best reading, etc. and average those.
 
If you take the SAT the first time, and get a 600 in math, and 680 in critical reading (CR), then take it again and get 670 in math and 650 in CR, your super score is 670 in math and 680 for CR.

Work on your gpa, but prepare for the SAT and ACT. Good advice to take both to see which one you prefer. Don't have to submit both to the SA. Submit the one where you do best.
 
Your GPA is awesome! USAFA will see your honors and AP classes and make the adjustments. SAT, do well yes. But build your resume with leadership activities. The SA will look at your whole package.
I highly recommend applying for the summer seminar next year. Best of luck, you are on the right track.
 
Lots of schools don't rank and there are some good reasons for it. Homeschoolers, of course, have no "class rank" and neither do many kids in cyber charter schools.

It's a non issue. If the academies want to know about your school, chances are they already do know, and if not, they'll find out what they need to know soon enough.

Get busy on your practice ACT/SATs
 
My school doesn't have an actual class rank system like most do. It was eliminated a couple years before I got to HS (I seriously have no clue why on earth a school administration would do that, but I digress). Students who have a GPA above a certain cutoff are considered to be in the top 10 of their class. Could the lack of a real ranking system have any affect on my USAFA application?

Also, on a related note, I'm not sure if I really understand the "school profile" the Academy admissions folks use. I know it relates to how many AP classes are offered, average GPA, etc., but is it a quantifiable number or just a general idea of what the school is like?

Oh, and finally, what does USAFA consider regarding unweighted vs. weighted GPAs? Apparently my weighted GPA is 4.5 since I'm in five honors classes, but I had B's in three of them last semester, so my unweighted GPA is about 3.6(?). That's a pretty large spread....

My DD's school didn't rank, so no, it won't hurt you. Here's the real secret, even though they don't rank, they CAN rank and USAFA asks them for it.
Her weighted GPA was a 4.8 (Her unweighted was 3.97) & USAFA adjusted that to a 4.0 unweighted. They have a formula they use to level the playing field where they can compare apples-to-apple.

In short - you're worrying too much. :)
 
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