What can I do to improve my resume for Junior Year (next year)

Talisman2

5-Year Member
Joined
Jun 20, 2010
Messages
17
What can I improve on my application in order to have a chance of getting into USNA?
I'm going into my junior year in high school.

Here is my academic info up until now and going into next year:
GPA: 3.61 (I plan to bring this up to a 3.75 by the end of junior year)
*My GPA listed above is an Unweighted GPA. My weighted GPA is 4.21.
*Note: My School Does not rank
SAT: 650 writing, 750 math, 700 verbal (2100 total- I took this with little preparation during my
sophomore year)
SAT Subject Tests: Biology-730
All Honors Classes (will be taking 3 AP's next year)
Will Most likely be accepted into the National Honor Society
Accepted into the Math Honor Society


Here is my Athletic information:
Junior Varsity Cross Country and Track
(will most likely make varsity in both sports in Junior Year)
Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do
(I have won two first place trophies in '08 and 2nd and third place in '07 at the same event)

I also swim on my own as if I was training for the swim team. However, I am not actually on the team


Extra-Curriculars:
Swimming Instructor/Lifeguard for YWCA Aquatics
Life Scout (working on Eagle)
Staff Member of the National Youth Leadership Training Course
Future Problem Solvers Club
Red Cross Club
Senior Patrol Leader of my Boy Scout Troop

What do you guys think? What can I improve?

And above all, what should I do come the time for nominations in order to increase my chances?

Thanks
 
Suggestions only

Great scores first.

Suggestions based on what I have read on this forum.
1. Study
2. Challenge yourself with leadership positions - student council officer, team captain, etc.
3. Study some more.
4. Varsity sport or preferrably sports!
5. Study even more.
6. Take both SAT and ACT multiple times.
7. Keep studying!

Talk to a Blue and Gold officer or counselor with experience on SA nominations.

Semper Fi
 
The courses you will be taking during the next two years will be very important to you, especially your AP selections. Ensure that you take and score high in Chemistry, Calculus, Physics, Grammar/Composition, trigonometry, etc. They will be important to your candidacy and critical to your survival of plebe and youngster years. Keep your focus on your objective and work towards it. You have an excellent start, so keep it up. Best wishes in your pursuit of an appointment.
 
First of all, thanks for the advice you guys. I just wanted to know, how hard is it to get a Nomination in NJ? Also, are the any tips or guidelines to follow if I want to increase my chances of being nominated?
 
Suggestions based on what I have read on this forum.
1. Study
2. Challenge yourself with leadership positions - student council officer, team captain, etc.
3. Study some more.
4. Varsity sport or preferrably sports!
5. Study even more.
6. Take both SAT and ACT multiple times.
7. Keep studying!

Suggestion based on what I have read ...

8. Check a "minority" box on the application. Change your name to "Running Cloud."

Oh, wait, I forgot - they have a new superintendent.

Hey - somebody has to be politically incorrect in this forum. :smile:
 
What can I improve on my application in order to have a chance of getting into USNA?
I'm going into my junior year in high school.

Here is my academic info up until now and going into next year:
GPA: 3.61 (I plan to bring this up to a 3.75 by the end of junior year)
*My GPA listed above is an Unweighted GPA. My weighted GPA is 4.21.
*Note: My School Does not rank
SAT: 650 writing, 750 math, 700 verbal (2100 total- I took this with little preparation during my
sophomore year)
SAT Subject Tests: Biology-730
All Honors Classes (will be taking 3 AP's next year)
Will Most likely be accepted into the National Honor Society
Accepted into the Math Honor Society


Here is my Athletic information:
Junior Varsity Cross Country and Track
(will most likely make varsity in both sports in Junior Year)
Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do
(I have won two first place trophies in '08 and 2nd and third place in '07 at the same event)

I also swim on my own as if I was training for the swim team. However, I am not actually on the team


Extra-Curriculars:
Swimming Instructor/Lifeguard for YWCA Aquatics
Life Scout (working on Eagle)
Staff Member of the National Youth Leadership Training Course
Future Problem Solvers Club
Red Cross Club
Senior Patrol Leader of my Boy Scout Troop

What do you guys think? What can I improve?

And above all, what should I do come the time for nominations in order to increase my chances?

Thanks

Based on my son's background and my Monday morning quarterback's view, in addition to the attention to academics, leadership is equally important. My DS had average SAT and ACT scores, 3.5 GPA, 2 AP classes, strong math and science grades. Academically you blow him away as did many who posted on this site and did not receive a nomination or appointment. IMHO what secured an appointment for him was his leadership positions at his school and his ability to close the interview.
The MOC who gave him a primary/principal nomination has an extensive interviewing process. He met or spoke with 10 members of the MOC's panel individually and then stood in front of the entire panel for a final 30 minute interview. The panel was made up of former SA, military and business people from the community. Each time he communicated with conviction and confidence why he was an excellent candidate to attend the USNA. Each time he asked that person for their support in securing a nomination. He knew none of them prior to the his interview process. Post MOC nomination I was contacted by 3 of them and they expressed how well my DS presented himself and that they were impressed with his maturity and level of confidence.

Remember that in addition to highly intelligent candidates the USNA is also looking for individuals with strong leadership qualities.

Find out the process for each of your potential nominating sources. Practice the interview with someone familiar with the process. And in the end ask the person for their support in you securing a nomination.

Best of luck!

BTW he was not able to check the "minority" box on the application.:shake:
 
BTW he was not able to check the "minority" box on the application.:shake:

Perhaps not - but I'll bet it wouldn't have hurt his chances one bit.

There are always going to be those who are so superb, like your son, who transcend all areas of evaluation. But there are always some who are going to be on "the bubble." Having a last name that ends in a "z", a vowel, or is in anyway hyphenated cannot possibly hurt. :smile:

Wow, that is some interview! I think my sons got asked, "If you receive a nomination from this office and are eventually appointed, is it your intention to actually attend the Naval Academy?"

"Yes."

"Thank you. Have a nice day."

It was not very extensive.
 
I think my sons got asked, "If you receive a nomination from this office and are eventually appointed, is it your intention to actually attend the Naval Academy?"

"Yes."

"Thank you. Have a nice day."

It was not very extensive.

In less competitive states the MOC's must use a simplified interviewing process.
 
It is not necessarily that Memphis is from a "less competitive" state......some MOC's use a very extensive application and do not interview at all.......in very competitive states. Others use the interview process to verify what they concluded from the app, while some rely upon the interview heavily to make their selections. Memphis' boys must have done something right......I believe he has twins in the class of 2013.
 
Talisman I think you sound more than qualified at the rate you are going, the only thing that I see as a potential problem is the WILL MOST LIKELY BE accepted into National Honor Society and make the varsity teams, but that is really the only issue, a "don't count your chickens before they hatch" kind of thing. But from reading your mini bio I have no doubt that in a few short years your name will be on the back of the shirts of the Class of 2016. :biggrin: Best of luck to you.
 
As stated previously, great test scores, keep studying, etc.
Get the varsity letters, get Eagle, get Eagles palms, try SPL for NYLT next time instead of staff, etc. Why? Continue to push yourself to improve. Not only will it assist you in getting in but it will as importantly help you to do well if and when you do get in. Another thing you have to figure out in the next 12-18 months is why do you really want to be a Naval/Marine officer until you are pushing 30 years old? That's a tough question for anyone with a whopping two years of high school under your belt to answer. You are working hard and will have to continue doing so. You might as well stop and figure out if you are headed in the right direction and why. Congrats so far.
 
Thanks for all you're advice and comments people. Just to clear things up a bit, I am from Mercer Area in Jew Jersey (Representative Rush Holt). Also, I am Asian. How are the nominations there?
 
Also, I plan to become a Naval Aviator (and if I don't make it there, a Marine Aviator).
 
Hi i am currently a junior in high school. I was wondering what my chances are of receiving an appointment to either the USNA or USAFA. I have taken honors science classes since my freshman year and have gotten A's both years, including an A in chemistry. I am currently enrolled in physics honors and biology honors with plans to take physics 2AP and biology 2AP next year (my senior year). I am not entirely sure what my GPA is but it is somewhere around 3.8 or 3.85. Math courses that Ive taken in high school are geometry and algebra 2, and received A's in both. This year I'm taking pre-calc and have plans to take calculus and statistics next year. I am on the varsity baseball team and started when i was a sophomore. I also received MVP as a sophomore and a 1st team all conference award. I will probably receive two more all conference awards for my two remaining seasons along with possibly an all south jersey award. In the future i will probably be captain. I also will join the winter track team where i will probably be on varsity. My freshman and sophomore year i was Governor of my class (class of 2012) which is the highest position possible. I also have plans to join SGO which does a lot of community service projects and plan to run for president of SGO my senior year.

I would like to know what my chances are of receiving an appointment, any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
 
usna70: Sounds like you are on the right track. You might read through the threads at the top of this page. You also might want to search "what are my chances" as tons of advice has been offered in the past.

Do all you can do on SAT/ACT, grades, etc. And be prepared to articulate WHY you want to attend, serve.

Good luck!:thumb:
 
USNA70

One mistake that a prospective candidate from my school made was that he decided to screw of the second half of senior year. Be sure to stay focused through out high school.

Apply for nominations and your candidate profile this Spring (no sooner: they won't look at it)
 
USNA70

One mistake that a prospective candidate from my school made was that he decided to screw of the second half of senior year. Be sure to stay focused through out high school.

Apply for nominations and your candidate profile this Spring (no sooner: they won't look at it)

Agreed. You'll be near the exit, and it will take a lot out of you to push that extra lap and get everything in tip top shape for the academy.
Last year, there were three candidates, all for USNA in my senior class when I was a junior. One got in, because the other two let themselves go after NASS and didnt complete the applications in a motivated way.
I'd say gather your PSAT (take the SAT too) scores, and any other relevant information, and SIGN UP FOR NASS!
Really, the day it comes out. Last year it was Feb. 15. The experience will push you one way or the other.
Then, come back home, and complete your application the next day you're at your house. Accordingly, before you leave school, ask your teachers, tell them that they'll need to fill out evaluations as soon as possible, and they'll understand.
My entire file and DODMERB was done by July 15. BGO interview submitted Aug 1. LOA Oct 4; interviews coming up, and then smooth sailing and waiting for the big blue folder from there.:thumb:
 
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