Graduated High School Already- Still Want to Apply

Plebehopeful

5-Year Member
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Jun 9, 2010
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I have just finished my senior year of high school, and I have wanted to join the military for a very long time now. However, my parents wanted me to finish college first, which I understand, and was complying with. However, in the middle of my senior year, I found out about the military academies (I know that sounds weird, but it never occured to me that those would exist, ha!) but by the time I had looked into it all, it was too late for me to apply for nominations.

My main question is can I still apply after graduating high school? I've been on their website, and I know they accept up to the age of 23, but they seem to mainly be targeting high school juniors/seniors. So can I apply, and if so, what are my chances of being accepted?

Thanks to anyone who can help me, this worries me greatly!
 
You can definitely still apply. I think around 25% or more of each class doesn't come directly from high school. I don't know your chances but take college classes that mimic the plebe year schedule and show that you can handle college classes where ever you go. I'll let anybody else who has applied from college add their own advice.
 
Thanks so much for that, 25%, I like those odds :biggrin:! Would you be able to tell me what the plebe year schedule looks like? I was planning on taking all of the req's, maybe klepping out some courses, but I guess that would be a bad idea, huh?

Now again, I don't don't know if anyone would be able to help me with this either, but I want to know what are my chances of being accepted? In high school I had a high GPA (Not sure I should put it here) but not a 4.0. I played Lacrosse for two years, Varsity lettered in swimming for one year, Varsity lettered in water polo for one year, and was on the weight lifting team for one year. In my junior year I was Life Editor of my yearbook, and in my senior year I was Senior Editor of the yearbook, and at the end of the year was awarded a plaque for my achievements in yearbook. I also graduated with honors from my high school.
 
Thanks so much for that, 25%, I like those odds :biggrin:! Would you be able to tell me what the plebe year schedule looks like? I was planning on taking all of the req's, maybe klepping out some courses, but I guess that would be a bad idea, huh?

Now again, I don't don't know if anyone would be able to help me with this either, but I want to know what are my chances of being accepted? In high school I had a high GPA (Not sure I should put it here) but not a 4.0. I played Lacrosse for two years, Varsity lettered in swimming for one year, Varsity lettered in water polo for one year, and was on the weight lifting team for one year. In my junior year I was Life Editor of my yearbook, and in my senior year I was Senior Editor of the yearbook, and at the end of the year was awarded a plaque for my achievements in yearbook. I also graduated with honors from my high school.

Here are the courses I took to prep for Plebe Year, while in the Foundation program at a Military College:
Calc I and II
Chem I and II
Physics I
Vietnam War History
and 2 english courses.

Hope this helps.
 
It does help a lot, thanks lebelgedu91! Though I cringe at the idea of Calc, Chem, AND Physics all in one year!
 
It does help a lot, thanks lebelgedu91! Though I cringe at the idea of Calc, Chem, AND Physics all in one year!

Take life one semester at a time.
I had Calc I, Chem I and Physics I first semester, it wasn't easy.
My lowest average throughout the year I think was a C+ in Calc II.
Make sure you get a strong foundation in Calculus.
Mine isn't strong right now, so I won't validate during Plebe Summer.
I will redo these courses, get good grades, have a good GPA, wich will undoubtedly help my Order of Merit (ranking), and help towards Service Selection.
Make sure you get an english course, and if offered a military history course won't hurt.

Good luck to you.
 
What does validating mean? Is Order of Merit important?

Thanks again! I'm not worried about english, or history, those are my strong suits. I will definitely look into taking a military history course, thanks for the tip!
 
Validating - during Plebe summer you take placement exams in certain courses and if you do well, you "validate" the course and don't have to take it plebe year. You are put in the next course up from how you did on the test.

Good luck to you.

GoNavyMom
 
You don't need to take Calc and Chem and Physics at the same time. Even plebes don't do that! They take Physics as youngsters (sophomores). You do need Calculus and you need to get an A or B. You should take Chem or Physics as well. Add English and a "real" history course (i.e., World History, European History, Asian History). You don't need a military history course but try to avoid courses such as Women's History (and I say this as a female), History of Nomadic Tribes from 787-788 AD, etc. And then take a course of your choosing, if you need one extra.
 
Thanks so much to GoNavyMom and usna1985!

Okay, Validating is something I'm familiar with, it's the same concept as with AP exams.

You do need Calculus and you need to get an A or B.

Egads. That might be a toughie, but I'll just buckle down, work hard, and most likely pull a low B.

All of your other advice definitely helped in regards to class schedule. I'll definitely be applying next year, and in the meantime I will go to college here, and try to get my AA as soon as possible.

I'm truly nervous about the Academy, but I know that it's something I want so bad I can almost taste it! Thanks everyone for your help, and if anyone has any other advice, I would be welcome to it as well!
 
You don't need the Associate's degree to apply. You'll be at the Academy for four years anyway. You can apply for the Class of 2015.:smile:

Right now, go to www.usna.edu/admissions and get started with a preliminary application. Get a candidate ID number. Identify who your US Senators and Representative are. Find out when they begin the application process for nominations (probably now!).

Good luck.:thumb:
 
Oh, I know I don't need my AA, but while I'm waiting until next year, my parents would prefer me to take at least some college courses. That's why I'm trying to get my AA in one year, because while they want me to get some college credits, they would ultimately prefer me to get a degree not associated with the military.

It's this long drawn out issue between my parents and I that pretty much results in the fact that I cannot just stay in my parents house for a year doing nothing while applying for the Academy. I have to take at least some college courses.

I'm debating whether or not I should apply this year or next, whether I should just get SOME college courses, or go all two years/ one and a half years and get my AA.
 
Wanting it Badly

You mentioned that you are sort of "hanging out" at your parents house while you apply. This is not the attitude to display in any way.

The Naval Academy (of which I graduated from in 1991) wants you to pursue it with 110% gusto and remarkable enthusiasm -- it has to be your ONLY quest.

Find out ALL there is to know about getting in. Pre-candidate, candidate, etc.

Have you spoken with your 2 Senators' and your Rep's offices yet? You need a nomination just to be considered for an appointment to the Academy.

Do you have a Blue and Gold Officer? If not, why not.

What are you doing to better yourself? How are you pursuing academics that can help you get in? How are you bettering yourself physically? Volunteering at local schools / churches / Boy Scouts?

You need to pursue excellence in all that you do -- to document for your Senators / Congressman / and ultimately the Admissions Board who will decide if you beat the competition AND if you are good candidate who will make it at the Academy.

Questions?
 
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Apply THIS year

Oh, one more thing. Apply EVERY year that you are eligible. You want your name in that Admissions office AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE (in a good way, of course).

You only have so much time. If you apply and fail to get in (like I did my first time), you learn what to do next time. If you don't apply, you have no idea where you stand.
 
You mentioned that you are sort of "hanging out" at your parents house while you apply. This is not the attitude to display in any way.

Oh, I didn't mean lazing around eating bon bons all day! I simply meant that it is a long process, and I believe I said I COULDN'T hang around their house, they, and myself would not allow that.

The Naval Academy (of which I graduated from in 1991) wants you to pursue it with 110% gusto and remarkable enthusiasm -- it has to be your ONLY quest.

Oh, I am/will, with that there is no doubt. When there is something I truly want, I go for it!

Find out ALL there is to know about getting in. Pre-candidate, candidate, etc.

I am, I've looked up the history, the traditions, I've read the catalog, and gone through the website with a fine tooth comb. I've read through the step by step process on admissions as offered by the website, and already completed my prelim app, as well as my sports questionnaire. I've been reading through these forums for other tips and advice offered, especially on the BGO interview.

Have you spoken with your 2 Senators' and your Rep's offices yet? You need a nomination just to be considered for an appointment to the Academy.

I am aware you need a nomination for an appointment. I am new to this process, and it is very different from applying to a civilian college, but I at least know that much. I have gone to all of their websites, and looked up their deadlines. I am even considering applying for a VP nom, as reccommended by the USNA website, though I know those are extremely hard to come by. I will be working on those forms over the next couple of days. Most deadlines aren't until December, but all information I've read states that it is best to get everything in as early as possible.

Do you have a Blue and Gold Officer? If not, why not.

No. I am unsure how you go about getting one. Remember, I just sent in the prelim app today.

What are you doing to better yourself? How are you pursuing academics that can help you get in? How are you bettering yourself physically? Volunteering at local schools / churches / Boy Scouts?

I, as stated earlier in the forum, am planning on taking college courses that mimic the plebe year course load. I run everyday, and swim everyday as well. I volunteer at my local church as much as possible. I am female, so it would be rather hard for me to join the Boy Scouts. As I am 18, it is equally difficult for me to join the Girl Scouts.

You need to pursue excellence in all that you do -- to document for your Senators / Congressman / and ultimately the Admissions Board who will decide if you beat the competition AND if you are good candidate who will make it at the Academy.

Questions?

I understand that, I already pursue excellence in all that I do, that has been taught to me since I was a child.

The only question I have is one I stated earlier in this post: How do I go about getting a BGO? Thanks for your time!
 
Great

Quick aside -- I'm meant helping the Boy/Girl Scouts.

BGO -- You will be assigned one from the Admissions Office when you receive your Candidate Number. You need to be "tuned" to the "frequency" of the Admissions Office until one day (hopefully) your receive an appointment letter.

Great to see you engaged.

I wish you the best.

One more recommendation -- READ!!! Read military subjects. Follow the military around the world. Keep up to date on current events. Attempt to learn some basic Navy/military strategy/policy/doctrine.

During interviews, you will be asked about what you read. You will be asked about how you would handle the use of force (weapons use) against enemies.

Good luck!
 
Ha ha, I can look into helping them!

"Tuned" to the "frequency"? What does that mean? Just stay in contact with admissions? I just sent in my prelim app today, so the ball hasn't really begun to roll yet!

Thanks again!
 
Tuned

What I mean is -- you need to know the Admissions process the best that you possibly can.

Have you ever visited the Naval Academy? If not, I recommend it HIGHLY. If you live far away then beg, borrow, and steal (kidding on the stealing part) to get a ticket and a hotel for a night or two. Then, you can visit the Admissions Office after your tour of the greatest university in the land (yes, I'm biased). Speak with an Admissions Officer directly.

Now, after your visit, you have some more Intel (intelligence) on what it takes to be a Midshipman and utimately, a Naval Officer.

Talk to folks like me -- Academy grads. Again, it gives you more Intel.

Information is power.

What you want is to get inside the heads of the Admissions Board. You want to look like a red rose in a sea of brown. All of this is on paper. You will be presenting yourself on paper at every turn. You should make that paper be the BEST among your peers.

Does this help?
 
As a Girl Scout leader, I can tell you that there is a troop of older girls (junior high and up) that would love to have you work with them. Call your local office and tell them you about your expertise in journalism (?--yearbook stuff), etc.

Also, you are NOT too old for Venturing (a coed part of Boy Scouts). Venture crews are frequently centered on high-adventure activities like canoeing, rock climbing, etc. This is a great program and can push you to keep in shape. Also, this is another way to develop leadership qualities. You can be a Youth member of Venture until you are 21.

Work on your math! You have some great characteristics but realize that everyone at the Academy is getting a minor in engineering! (My view as an engineer!)
 
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