I'm trying to get a sense of the SAT or ACT score range for gaining admission to the Naval Academy. Does anyone know what scores are considered competitive or typical for applicants?
While the United States Naval Academy does not publish minimum SAT/ACT scores for admission, they do provide range information for accepted students. For the SAT, the middle 50% score range is typically around 620-750 for the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section and 620-760 for the Math section. For the ACT, the middle 50% score range is usually around 26-32 for English, 27-33 for Math, 27-33 for Reading, and 26-32 for Science.
However, it's crucial to note that these ranges refer to the middle 50% of admitted students, meaning 25% of admitted students scored below these ranges and 25% scored above. It's also worth underlining that high scores alone don’t guarantee acceptance — USNA takes a highly holistic approach to admissions, considering leadership qualities, physical aptitude, and character, among other factors.
Also, keep in mind that candidates must secure a nomination, typically from a U.S. Senator or Representative or the Vice President of the U.S., as part of the admission process. This is unique to service academies like the United States Naval Academy.
So, while aiming for strong test scores is important, also concentrate on showcasing your leadership experience, physical fitness, and community service involvement, as these aspects will also be significant in the academy’s decision about your application.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.