Submitting Application

[2024srv]

Hello !
I wanted to get some advice and ask is it better to submit my application now or wait a month until I have higher CFA scores? I want to submit the best scores possible. I also wanted to ask how my general chances seem based off my stats and if submitting it in mid November will poorly impact me at all.
-Female
-3.3 GPA, I know this could be better but my high school is highly competitive and I want to know if admissions takes this into account in addition I’ve taken rigorous courses to include multiple AP classes
-SAT: 570 math, 570 English
- I am taking the ACT soon but on a practice test I received a 23 hoping to improve
-Leadership in JROTC as the unit commander this year, 4 years in the program
-Drill team award winning team, Varsity letter, 4 years of participation and color guard commander
-Track and Field for 3 years
- President of a Campus Club For two years (basically a community service group helping homeless etc)
- multiple leadership awards in JROTC and one from Headquarters
I know my stats may not be the best but it never hurts to try

 

[dah19]

It's always better to submit the best application possible. If you can train and practice the events and improve then that should be your goal. Definitely study for the ACT and have you taken the SAT more than once? You have some good leadership activities and extracurriculars.

 

[2024srv]

I have taken the SAT 3 times and have improved every time however I unfortunately can not afford another one. I have a few waiver for an ACT so I’m taking the ACT soon.

 

[shadow18]

Hey, I am basically in the same boat as you except I am applying to USMA and USAFA. I am waiting to improve my CFA scores because as of right now they are not competitive enough so I am practicing for that. I am also very similar in terms of SAT and ACT scores scoring 580 in both math and English and 24 on the ACT. I am waiting a bit to improve because I am taking the ACT tomorrow in hopes to improve my score. Also, I am very involved with my JROTC unit so that gives me a few leadership points. Good luck to you!

 

[18Hopeful]

I have taken the SAT 3 times and have improved every time however I unfortunately can not afford another one. I have a few waiver for an ACT so I’m taking the ACT soon.

Try using Khan Academy online to study and take practice tests. It's free and my DS said it's a great tool to use to prep.

 

[Aldo.dector]

It's always better to submit the best application possible. If you can train and practice the events and improve then that should be your goal. Definitely study for the ACT and have you taken the SAT more than once? You have some good leadership activities and extracurriculars.

Hey, I am basically in the same boat as you except I am applying to USMA and USAFA. I am waiting to improve my CFA scores because as of right now they are not competitive enough so I am practicing for that. I am also very similar in terms of SAT and ACT scores scoring 580 in both math and English and 24 on the ACT. I am waiting a bit to improve because I am taking the ACT tomorrow in hopes to improve my score. Also, I am very involved with my JROTC unit so that gives me a few leadership points. Good luck to you!

I am also in the same boat as you guys. Except I’m a reapplicant with a 1220 sat. I recommend you guys use khan academy. I took it 4 times before I got that. I used to have an 1100. Also, good luck tomorrow on the ACT guys I take it tomorrow too!

 

[shadow18]

I am also in the same boat as you guys. Except I’m a reapplicant with a 1220 sat. I recommend you guys use khan academy. I took it 4 times before I got that. I used to have an 1100. Also, good luck tomorrow on the ACT guys I take it tomorrow too!

Thank You! This is my second time taking the ACT and I hope to super score because I got a 21 in math which was not good at all. Best of luck to you!

 

[2024candidate]

Hello !
I wanted to get some advice and ask is it better to submit my application now or wait a month until I have higher CFA scores? I want to submit the best scores possible. I also wanted to ask how my general chances seem based off my stats and if submitting it in mid November will poorly impact me at all.
-Female
-3.3 GPA, I know this could be better but my high school is highly competitive and I want to know if admissions takes this into account in addition I’ve taken rigorous courses to include multiple AP classes
-SAT: 570 math, 570 English
- I am taking the ACT soon but on a practice test I received a 23 hoping to improve
-Leadership in JROTC as the unit commander this year, 4 years in the program
-Drill team award winning team, Varsity letter, 4 years of participation and color guard commander
-Track and Field for 3 years
- President of a Campus Club For two years (basically a community service group helping homeless etc)
- multiple leadership awards in JROTC and one from Headquarters
I know my stats may not be the best but it never hurts to try

Unless you plan to be recruited (or even if you are to be honest), those SATs and grades will probably not be good enough.

 

[Hopeful Plebe Mom]

All you can do is submit your best application and then wait! It is too late (senior year) to change your cumulative GPA, add any Extra-Curricular activities or keep taking the ACT/SAT to be submitted in time (plus don't forget getting a Nomination from your MOC!) as the deadline for Class of 2024 is January 31st.

THAT being said, you have to play to win! All kinds of people with different strengths and weaknesses will be in the Class of 2024. If you do not get in this time, you have until you are 23. The answer will come from USNA: Yes, No, or Waitlist

Best of luck to you! Keep on working!

 

[Old Navy BGO]

I just posted comments about the CFA on another thread... A stellar CFA isn't going to make or break your application.

For those taking the SAT /ACT multiple times, it is oft said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing time after time and expecting a different result.

By all means, everyone should take the SAT/ACT at least twice --the first time is kind of a warm up, getting to know the routine, etc. I told my daughters that one was really no pressure --just get out there, do it, and don't expect much. The second one is the one that creates pressure, because you expect to do better. Some will take a third time for various reasons.

The SAT/ACT tests are designed by persons a whole lot smarter than me to provide an assessment of academic aptitude, and the tests are designed to give a consistent result. Unless you take a prep program, or have a good self-study plan, taking the standardized tests beyond three time is often a waste of time and resources. Sure , I've heard of candidates who mysteriously jump 50 points on the 8th attempt, but that is the exception.

 

[2024srv]

Unless you plan to be recruited (or even if you are to be honest), those SATs and grades will probably not be good enough.

I mean like I said never hurts to try though so I’m not letting anything discourage me. I’m submitting my best application, best essays and such and just giving it my all, I’d be happy with a NAPS offer too

 

[2024candidate]

I mean like I said never hurts to try though so I’m not letting anything discourage me. I’m submitting my best application, best essays and such and just giving it my all, I’d be happy with a NAPS offer too

Definitely go for it if it's what you want. I don't mean to discourage you, but it's a long and stressful application process.

 

[2024candidate]

I just posted comments about the CFA on another thread... A stellar CFA isn't going to make or break your application.

For those taking the SAT /ACT multiple times, it is oft said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing time after time and expecting a different result.

By all means, everyone should take the SAT/ACT at least twice --the first time is kind of a warm up, getting to know the routine, etc. I told my daughters that one was really no pressure --just get out there, do it, and don't expect much. The second one is the one that creates pressure, because you expect to do better. Some will take a third time for various reasons.

The SAT/ACT tests are designed by persons a whole lot smarter than me to provide an assessment of academic aptitude, and the tests are designed to give a consistent result. Unless you take a prep program, or have a good self-study plan, taking the standardized tests beyond three time is often a waste of time and resources. Sure , I've heard of candidates who mysteriously jump 50 points on the 8th attempt, but that is the exception.

Also, some tests just have more questions which work for your strengths. This was the case for the reading/writing of my SAT. I studied for 6 months, took the SAT, and got pretty mediocre scores. They were good enough, so I grinded math for the next test 3 or 4 months later. Ended up gaining almost 100 points on both after not even glancing at a reading/writing test.

 

[glj104]

Honestly your GPA and SAT scores are not where they need to be.

 

[Old Navy BGO]

Honestly your GPA and SAT scores are not where they need to be.

That really wasn't the question raised. OP's last sentence acknowledges this, but is 100% in the statement "it never hurts to try." There is only one certainty in the application process -- 100% of those that don't try won't get in. Nobody here has the ability to predict any candidate's success, and I never try. You never know ..something in the application/personal statement may strike a chord with Admissions, and they get an appointment (or probably better, a shot at NAPS).

 

[Hopeful Plebe Mom]

I just posted comments about the CFA on another thread... A stellar CFA isn't going to make or break your application.

For those taking the SAT /ACT multiple times, it is oft said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing time after time and expecting a different result.

By all means, everyone should take the SAT/ACT at least twice --the first time is kind of a warm up, getting to know the routine, etc. I told my daughters that one was really no pressure --just get out there, do it, and don't expect much. The second one is the one that creates pressure, because you expect to do better. Some will take a third time for various reasons.

The SAT/ACT tests are designed by persons a whole lot smarter than me to provide an assessment of academic aptitude, and the tests are designed to give a consistent result. Unless you take a prep program, or have a good self-study plan, taking the standardized tests beyond three time is often a waste of time and resources. Sure , I've heard of candidates who mysteriously jump 50 points on the 8th attempt, but that is the exception.

I think with the SAT scores, ALL of your results are sent each time, you cannot cherry pick one test date. That is fine for super-scoring, but they will see you have taken it 8 times (heh) I am going to jump out on a limb and say that too many attempts would look like you have too much time on your hands and/or your 'test prep' is ineffective???

 

[OldRetSWO]

I think with the SAT scores, ALL of your results are sent each time, you cannot cherry pick one test date. That is fine for super-scoring, but they will see you have taken it 8 times (heh) I am going to jump out on a limb and say that too many attempts would look like you have too much time on your hands and/or your 'test prep' is ineffective???

Actually, we've been briefed that the Admissions view is that it shows motivation and effort.

 

[AROTC-dad]

Actually, we've been briefed that the Admissions view is that it shows motivation and effort.

Yes, it does.

However for some families, it is cost prohibitive to pay eight testing fees, and they don't always qualify for a test fee waiver. And those who qualify for an SAT fee waiver are only granted two such freebies.

I certainly hope that the multiple tests factor is not granted too much of an edge by admissions.

Of course I hope the WCS would even everything out.

 

[seb.g.b]

Is your GPA UW or W?

 

[A1Janitor]

Yes, it does.

However for some families, it is cost prohibitive to pay eight testing fees, and they don't always qualify for a test fee waiver. And those who qualify for an SAT fee waiver are only granted two such freebies.

I certainly hope that the multiple tests factor is not granted too much of an edge by admissions.

Of course I hope the WCS would even everything out.

My son took the SATs once and is in his plebe year at USNA.

Everyone is different. I am just guessing here - ultimately they look at the scores. As part of the overall academic package.