What if I have a bad ACT score?

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Wendolyn.89

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Mar 6, 2023
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Hello everyone, I am currently a junior in high-school and applying to several service academies. I am dyslexic and ADHD, so I process everything, especially mathematics, at a slower rate than normal. However, I love STEM, and am in the top percentage of my Algebra 2 class, and at the very top in Chemistry. My problem is always time. I received accommodations for the ACT, and my first score was a 28. I do much better with critical analysis, so I scored a 34 and 35 on English and Reading, respectively. Unfortunately I only scored a 19 and 27 on Math and Science, so I'm scared that because UNSA doesn't accept tests with accommodations, my scores will be awful. Do I have any chance of attaining an appointment even though my new test scores might be below or right at average?
Thank you for reading:)
 
Test accommodations have been addressed on this forum so search for them. If I remember correctly, tests done with accommodations are not accepted but you should do your own research to confirm this. The good news is you have time and the opportunity to practice in standard time. You also should take the SAT. Also, there are different paths to commissioning other than USNA like ROTC or OCS that have different standardized test scores. Do you just want a free education from USNA or is your goal to be a naval (or other service) officer? Remember, many different paths can lead to victory. Keep at it and you will find your way which hopefully will be USNA but might be something different but the end result will be the same.
 
Wendolyn.89 said:
Hello everyone, I am currently a junior in high-school and applying to several service academies. I am dyslexic and ADHD, so I process everything, especially mathematics, at a slower rate than normal. However, I love STEM, and am in the top percentage of my Algebra 2 class, and at the very top in Chemistry. My problem is always time. I received accommodations for the ACT, and my first score was a 28. I do much better with critical analysis, so I scored a 34 and 35 on English and Reading, respectively. Unfortunately I only scored a 19 and 27 on Math and Science, so I'm scared that because UNSA doesn't accept tests with accommodations, my scores will be awful. Do I have any chance of attaining an appointment even though my new test scores might be below or right at average?
Thank you for reading:)
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First of all you seem to be really organized and it’s great to be thinking these things all through now when you have time to plan. Congrats on the top Chem and algebra rankings too!

Given some of the challenges you are describing wanting to overcome, I would recommend reaching out to your BGO — that’s Blue and Gold Officer (your high school guidance office will know who they are if you haven’t met them yet and can put you in touch). And of course attend the USNA admissions briefings / webinars they do. Your BGO (and admissions too for that matter) can talk to you more about the process for applying to USNA and some of the things they’d be looking for including scores but also medical requirements.

Good luck in your STEM path!
 
BGO’s won’t be able to assist with medical. In fact, trainings state to not opine at all. Medical is handled only via DODMERB and the candidate.

They can answer questions about USNA, and the application process, if you have them.
 
justdoit19 said:
BGO’s won’t be able to assist with medical. In fact, trainings state to not opine at all. Medical is handled only via DODMERB and the candidate.

They can answer questions about USNA, and the application process, if you have them.
Click to expand...

My son had the best BGO.

First time we met him was at Senator Gillibrand’s information meeting for the academies in Syracuse. He was intimidating. Probably didn’t like my humor. ;)

He communicated well, knew what he was talking about. He didn’t discuss medical with my son at all - and he had a known dq.
 
Yes I should have been more clear. I was referring to the BGO being able to discuss coursework and workload at the academy, and the BGO should also be able to talk about the ACT and SAT. My son’s did! “Take it early and don’t stop til you get to 800”. 😄
 
Wendolyn.89 said:
Hello everyone, I am currently a junior in high-school and applying to several service academies. I am dyslexic and ADHD, so I process everything, especially mathematics, at a slower rate than normal. However, I love STEM, and am in the top percentage of my Algebra 2 class, and at the very top in Chemistry. My problem is always time. I received accommodations for the ACT, and my first score was a 28. I do much better with critical analysis, so I scored a 34 and 35 on English and Reading, respectively. Unfortunately I only scored a 19 and 27 on Math and Science, so I'm scared that because UNSA doesn't accept tests with accommodations, my scores will be awful. Do I have any chance of attaining an appointment even though my new test scores might be below or right at average?
Thank you for reading I’m no dodmerb nor qualified but as far as I know ADHD and dyslexia might be a medically disqualifying reason based on what I’ve seen in the past.
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I’m not dodmerb or qualified to make a judgement but adhd and dyslexia might be a reason for medical disqualification
 
The reason you were offered accommodations for tests is the greater issue. Could be a medically disqualifying issue. Could require a waiver. It could also be a DQ.

I cannot speak to specific medical details. No BGO will or should. We are not afforded any details of candidate medical details.

Your ACT English score is awesome.

Does your transcript demonstrate fluency and strength in math and science?
 
@Wendolyn.89

Some primary source material for you to review:


And, this is the military medical accession standard, see page 50:

And, gaining an appointment to a SA requires you to be medically, physically (CFA) and scholastically qualified. The medical qualification is the DoDMERB process, which evaluates candidates against the accession standard above.
Go to the DoDMERB home page and read everything, including Contacts, in the left-side menu:

If you are still using accommodations or have an IEP or are taking medication, you have a steep hill ahead of you. The military must know you can take standardized tests and perform well academically without these things. They are not offered at USNA or the other SAs.

The long pole in the tent here is for you to do those things that will help you best succeed in life. Clearly you have a good mind which works a little differently. Be prepared to be flexible in your goals and develop alternate plans for college and career, which is the same advice every aspiring candidate gets here. This specific accession standard isn’t meant personally but is a utilitarian approach to safeguard all in the operating unit in high-pressure situations where lightning-fast problem-solving skills might be required.

Something for you to explore, if the idea of serving your country is a top goal for you, is the federal civil service. Good brains are in high demand! This does not put you through the DoDMERB process:
www.dodstem.us

Opportunities | DoD STEM

DoD STEM seeks to attract, inspire, and develop exceptional STEM talent across the education continuum and advance the current DoD STEM workforce to meet future defense technological challenges.
www.dodstem.us www.dodstem.us

And, all of the big federal departments and agencies have student programs. Just create a search string with: [govt agency] student programs
Samples:

Student Programs - CIA

The internship and co-op programs at CIA offer highly unique and rewarding student experiences as you help keep our Nation safe. Work alongside experts in your field as you gain real-world experience within the intelligence community.
www.cia.gov www.cia.gov

Students | Homeland Security

Student Hiring Programs: Acquisition and Procurement, Cybersecurity, Pathways, Health and Science, I&A Internship, Law Enforcement, Legal, Public Affairs.
www.dhs.gov www.dhs.gov

fbijobs.gov

Students and Interns | FBIJOBS

Protect the American people and uphold the Constitution by joining the FBI as a special agent, intelligence analyst, or professional in over 200 career trajectories.
fbijobs.gov fbijobs.gov

Intelligence Community student and internship programs

We offer a wide variety of programs to jumpstart your career.
www.intelligencecareers.gov www.intelligencecareers.gov

Students And Recent Graduates 3 | DOD CIVILIAN CAREERS

www.dodciviliancareers.com www.dodciviliancareers.com

There are dozens more across other govt agencies and departments.
 
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Capt MJ said:
This specific accession standard isn’t meant personally but is a utilitarian approach to safeguard all in the operating unit in high-pressure situations where lightning-fast problem-solving skills might be required.
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Just to echo what Capt MJ said here, I can't speak specifics for land forces but if you talk to an Aviator, Surface Warfare Officer or Submariner and ask if they ever experienced a high pressure situation where the lightning fast problem-solving skill was needed, I'm pretty sure that they'd all say that they had. Often (very), these are things that could cause harm to people and/or property and it is just part and parcel of those roles which are where just about all USNA grads go.
 
Heatherg21 said:
The reason you were offered accommodations for tests is the greater issue. Could be a medically disqualifying issue. Could require a waiver. It could also be a DQ.

I cannot speak to specific medical details. No BGO will or should. We are not afforded any details of candidate medical details.

Your ACT English score is awesome.

Does your transcript demonstrate fluency and strength in math and science?
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Although I have more activities and achievements pertaining to literature, philosophy, and the arts listed on my transcript and resume, I am going to Governor School for Science and Engineering with a full scholarship this summer.
 
Wendolyn.89 said:
Hello everyone, I am currently a junior in high-school and applying to several service academies. I am dyslexic and ADHD, so I process everything, especially mathematics, at a slower rate than normal. However, I love STEM, and am in the top percentage of my Algebra 2 class, and at the very top in Chemistry. My problem is always time. I received accommodations for the ACT, and my first score was a 28. I do much better with critical analysis, so I scored a 34 and 35 on English and Reading, respectively. Unfortunately I only scored a 19 and 27 on Math and Science, so I'm scared that because UNSA doesn't accept tests with accommodations, my scores will be awful. Do I have any chance of attaining an appointment even though my new test scores might be below or right at average?
Thank you for reading:)
Click to expand...
I did not make any of the usna standards for ACT or SAT and they still accepted me. If they see you are hardworking and serious, then you will be fine.
 
_farmerMIDN_ said:
I did not make any of the usna standards for ACT or SAT and they still accepted me. If they see you are hardworking and serious, then you will be fine.
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I presume you are referring to the Class profile, which lists stats for middle 50 percentiles. By definition, 25% are below the listed levels.

"Hardworking and Serious" alone is not enough to gain admission to USNA. The Admissions Board is looking to ensure that a Candidate can get through the tough academic environment. USNA doesn't report the cutoff standard, but at some point an ACT/SAT will be low enough that Admissions doesn't think a candidate is academically qualified. (BTW-- math score is particularly important; it gets weighted heavier than English).
 
Old Navy BGO said:
I presume you are referring to the Class profile, which lists stats for middle 50 percentiles. By definition, 25% are below the listed levels.

"Hardworking and Serious" alone is not enough to gain admission to USNA. The Admissions Board is looking to ensure that a Candidate can get through the tough academic environment. USNA doesn't report the cutoff standard, but at some point an ACT/SAT will be low enough that Admissions doesn't think a candidate is academically qualified. (BTW-- math score is particularly important; it gets weighted heavier than English).
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From my reading on these forums, it’s obvious that the only people that know are those engaged in the selection process. I talked to a couple of plebes at summer seminar, and they emphasized nothing as to what you know or have learned means anything once you are there. Also on a tour a female tour guide went out of her way to point out that our son essentially need not apply….based on his race and sex. The next tour guide we had was the polar opposite of that old nag….and after observing his tour with my wife and youngest son….who wouldn’t want their child to go to USNA?
 
Kentucky9 said:
From my reading on these forums, it’s obvious that the only people that know are those engaged in the selection process. I talked to a couple of plebes at summer seminar, and they emphasized nothing as to what you know or have learned means anything once you are there. Also on a tour a female tour guide went out of her way to point out that our son essentially need not apply….based on his race and sex. The next tour guide we had was the polar opposite of that old nag….and after observing his tour with my wife and youngest son….who wouldn’t want their child to go to USNA?
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on the race and sex, yes that is true. my poc brother’s (grad of usna) chances of getting in decreased, and as a poc woman your chances are even less. from what i have learned your academics and eca’s have to overcompensate compared to nonpoc men. my brothers grades and eca’s were extremely high to get in … i would say to retake act and maybe take sat multiple times to get good scores.
 
Kentucky9 said:
From my reading on these forums, it’s obvious that the only people that know are those engaged in the selection process. I talked to a couple of plebes at summer seminar, and they emphasized nothing as to what you know or have learned means anything once you are there. Also on a tour a female tour guide went out of her way to point out that our son essentially need not apply….based on his race and sex. The next tour guide we had was the polar opposite of that old nag….and after observing his tour with my wife and youngest son….who wouldn’t want their child to go to USNA?
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Those plebes are wrong. A strong understanding of calculus and physics (not just gpas) means a lot.
 
Kentucky9 said:
I talked to a couple of plebes at summer seminar, and they emphasized nothing as to what you know or have learned means anything once you are there.
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Kentucky9 said:
Plebe is wrong? Well I respected their perspective and the time they took.
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Keep in mind, a Plebe has a very narrow perspective....back in the day it was more about survival than seeing and understanding the big picture. Perspective comes with experience, and Plebes don't have much. (Kind of reminds me of the old joke about the scariest thing in the Navy, ie. the Ensign telling the Chief something "based on his experience."

Kentucky mentioned these Tour Guides before -- were they the public tour guides from the Visitor Center, or were they part of an Admissions Tour. I would think that an Admissions representative would ever make comments about chances of Admission. There is only one certainty in the Admissions process...100% of those that don't apply will not get in.
 
The tour guides both left the visitors center. I wish I could forget the woman totally, and remember the man’s name. The man was top shelf. The woman just didn’t meet my level of servant leadership.
 
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