Usna / nrotc

I'm going to start out by telling you a little about me. I'm a high school senior in Pennsylvania. I've applied to both the Naval Academy and to NROTC. I have a 1470 / 2130 SAT but my grades don't match. Freshman and Sophomore year I had ~3.00 GPA. Thankfully my Junior year I got a 3.87 GPA. I finished the first quarter of my Senior year with a 4.87 GPA. My class rank is 72/227. The bottom line is, I didn't see how important it was until this year. Now I have a goal, and I'm giving it my all. I am a year round runner participating in Cross Country and Track. I also have volunteer and community service.

What do you guys think about my qualifications? I know that only gives you a small picture, sorry. I would also like to know more about what happens if I get an NROTC scholarship but not an appointment to the Naval Academy. Can I reapply next year? Or the year after that?

Also, does anyone know any way I could increase my chances of getting into NAPS? I know, I know, they look at you automatically when you apply, but if there is any way to increase my chances I want to do it.

Finally, I would appreciate some advice on selecting a major. My goal is to be a Nuclear Submarine Officer, serving as an Engineer Officer. Did I say that right? Do I say Nuclear Submarine Engineer Officer? Anyway. . . I assume the right thing for me to do would be to major in Nuclear Engineering. Should I consider Mechanical Engineering as well? Is there something that would benefit me the most?

O.K. I would like to thank everyone in advance for their guidance and advice. I would appreciate anything anyone has to say, even if it is just to point me to another thread. Good luck to all you other applicants.

At first glance it looks like you are academically competitive. Have you had your DODMERB physical? Done the CFA? As for NROTC, I think that you can re-apply to USNA, but you should be able to ask that question on the ROTC forum and get a more informed answer. There are also weekly real-time electronic question/answer periods on the NROTC website, or at least there were last year. There is someone monitoring the site during that time and answering questions in real-time. I wouldn't worry about major selection at this time unless you are asking for NROTC application purposes. If that's the case, you will have to look for NROTC schools that offer that major and then list your five school preferences.

Thanks for the advice fishbowl. To answer your question about the DODMERB: I had the eye exam today, and all went well. I also did my officer interview for NROTC, and all seemed to go very well. My question about choosing a major was for NROTC purposes. I asked my recruiter, and he basically told me that I would do fine with essentially any engineering major. The Navy is going to teach me what I need to know, the Navy way. I did pick my five schools with a Nuclear Engineering major in mind, thanks. I didn't know about the question and answer time on the NROTC site either so once again, thank you.

My November SAT scores should be out this Wednesday or Thursday, and then my application will be completed. To anyone out there getting ready for their NROTC officer interview, make sure you bring a two copies of your resumé and, if it's something you want to bring attention to, your transcripts as well. They really helped me in my interview. It helped me bring attention to what I wanted too, and I would think it helped my interviewer as well.

Now I just need to get my college applications out. I applied to colleges with a "make them say no" attitude in mind, so hopefully one of my reach schools will say yes.

USNA/NROTC

You should apply to both. It won't hurt you. I would think you are going to hear something soon. My son heard about time three years ago.

RGK

nothing ventured; nothing gained.... your let them say no attitude seems correct. just make sure you also applied to a safety school. it is always smart to have a plan b and c just in case. with regard to gpa - used to work while in college at an admissions office and counselors seemed to get the maturity factor for kids played into grades. kids whose grades went up thru their 4 years of high school like yours always did well - not sure if rotc and academy folks see it the same way though. what are your leadership roles?? CFE? if you are weak in one area you want to make sure you are outstanding in every other way if possible no matter what position you are going for in life. good luck!!

Yes, I have completed the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA). Sorry, Fishbowl, I saw that you asked me about it, but I forgot. Thanks for asking again Supergirl.

How important do you guys think the CFA actually is? In my opinion, I don't think it should be that important. I feel that it is probably worth minimal points in the selection process. I mean, essentially anyone can do pass the CFA with training, which they will give you plebe summer. The only way I see the CFA being important is if you are a D1 athlete. Does anyone disagree with me?

In response to your question Supergirl, here is an abreviated list of my leadership roles: First of all, I'm a captain in both Cross Country and Track. I have served in a Senior Staff position for four years at a Summer Camp for kids ages five to fourteen. I plan activities, make sure the Junior Staff members know where and what it is they are to be doing, and make sure the kids stay safe. I also lead devotions once a week.

I also serve with two other people on a "Senior Executive Council" (doesn't that sound so official?) for a 200+ member ski Club that goes through my school. My responsibilities include calling ski resorts and scheduling trips, getting bids from bus companies to take us to the resorts, getting information out to all the members, and talking to school administration, among other things.

Thanks for the advice about a plan B / C. I have made sure to have some safety schools as well.

CFA, and every other part of your packet, will become very important if you are in a close competition with another candidate. How would you feel if you got snookered by a candidate who only scored a few points more than you? I reiterate my mantra, and one that has been expressed many times on this forum by other BGOs, parents, alums, midshipmen, etc: Your goal should be to make yourself the best candidate you can be! If you are satisfied/comfortable with anything less, so be it. Best wishes.

Isn't that the truth 1964BGO. Thanks

Absent trying, which you are doing, you'd know the answer. However, none knows the answer to your question. My assessment is not much different than what others have noted except for this ...your aptitude and potential far exceed your achievements to date. You are at risk of learning a tough lesson. Maybe not, but there are not many who are not diversity/priority candidates who are appointed with your rank. But you know that if you've looked at the profiles of recent classes. What state/MOC district? That could be disproportionately important for you.

In any case, you're doing what you can at this date. Your aptitude scores and your dramatic improvement are your great pluses. Re: CFA ...you're right. It's important but does not carry the WP score weight that other variables, mostly academics and tests (both notably in math,science areas) do.

One more thought ...IF you fail to get offer of an appointment this year and your devotion persists, ROTC in hand or otherwise, go for it again. You are on the right track, for sure. It's just that you'd have more steam if you'd been on it a year or 2 longer/sooner. But that's history. Take and succeed in the right courses, should that be the case, and ace them. And in the meantime, do same w/ your HS courses.

Cms204 said:

How important do you guys think the CFA actually is? In my opinion, I don't think it should be that important. I feel that it is probably worth minimal points in the selection process. I mean, essentially anyone can do pass the CFA with training, which they will give you plebe summer. The only way I see the CFA being important is if you are a D1 athlete. Does anyone disagree with me?

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As '84 stated, they are very important. True, it is worth minimal points. However, one of the things the board examines thoroughly is to ensure you are physically fit enough to complete Plebe summer, not to get you in shape once you get there. They will expect the max out of you on the run and then look closely at the upper body items. Lower scores there will reflect a lack of commitment to the process. The boards 'gut' feeling surpasses all 'points'.

In regards to CFA, once you take the CFA and submit scores do not stop training. DS stayed fit until I-day, not an easy task since he was only able to start training in February due to a broken collarbone. But, he was in very good shape when he arrived at USNA. He realized that being in top condition helped him get through the most exhausting summer he had ever experienced. Many plebes struggled physicaly during the summer. It's tough enough emotionally, so why not get your body in shape before you get there? Don't get me wrong, DS did not cruise through plebe summer, but being in very good condition helped greatly.

singaporemom is right on the $$, imo. Ours said perhaps THE single most valuable thing he did to help get thru Plebe summer was be in shape and good health going in. Those who can perform on the exercise field receive less attention off of it. So physical fitness can contribute to emotional condition. There is little else that can be controlled. This can, most often.

Whistle Pig said:

. Maybe not, but there are not many who are not diversity/priority candidates who are appointed with your rank.

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We all get your agenda. If you believe that you are correct in your legal analysis, then get yourself lawyered up and go after USNA. Until then, your flawed POV paints with a broad brush and is damaging to many fine upstanding Midshipmen. Your attacks on these Midshipmen is cowardly.

MODS: We are tired of this BS on this board and not in Off Topic. Assist.

I'm not really trying to cause an argument MakeItHappen but I really don't think Whistlepig said anything wrong. Are you saying "diversity" candidates don't have any advantage over a "non-diversity" candidate? I read on the USNA specifically that they were trying to diversify. I'll edit my post as soon as I find it. EDIT:https://www.usna.com/SSLPage.aspx?referrer=NewsServicesOP&pid=8301

And also, looking through your post history, I think your posting habits before criticizing others.

Either or

Hello everyone!
During my sons interview with the NROTC recruiter my ds was told that USNA and NROTC are doing things a little differently this year. This year you won't get an offer from NROTC and USNA. He was told that they are talking to each other(NROTC/USNA) and will only offer one. I don't know how true this is but it does make sense. Can anyone confirm or deny this fact?

I would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and I'm sure most will hear something soon. Oh and our Mid will be home in two days.

That's a new one. Were I a betting man, I'd be going short on this one.

Whistle Pig said:

Were I a betting man, I'd be going short on this one.

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X2

Cms204 said:

I'm not really trying to cause an argument MakeItHappen but I really don't think Whistlepig said anything wrong. Are you saying "diversity" candidates don't have any advantage over a "non-diversity" candidate? I read on the USNA specifically that they were trying to diversify. I'll edit my post as soon as I find it. EDIT:https://www.usna.com/SSLPage.aspx?referrer=NewsServicesOP&pid=8301

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Cms, don't believe everything you read:

A Naval Academy spokesman responded that the academy does not have separate admissions procedures for minority applicants. “Every candidate competes equally in a single highly selective and competitive admissions process,” Cmdr. Joe Carpenter wrote in a statement, adding that 85 percent of the minority students in the class of 2014 received their appointments from sources other than the secretary of the Navy.

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http://www.navytimes.com/news/2010/11/navy-academy-diversity-111710w/

LadderdaddyO said:

Hello everyone!
During my sons interview with the NROTC recruiter my ds was told that USNA and NROTC are doing things a little differently this year. This year you won't get an offer from NROTC and USNA. He was told that they are talking to each other(NROTC/USNA) and will only offer one. I don't know how true this is but it does make sense. Can anyone confirm or deny this fact?

I would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and I'm sure most will hear something soon. Oh and our Mid will be home in two days.

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I hope you're right! And Happy Thanksgiving to you as well! Enjoy the time with your family.

MakeItHappen said:

We all get your agenda. If you believe that you are correct in your legal analysis, then get yourself lawyered up and go after USNA. Until then, your flawed POV paints with a broad brush and is damaging to many fine upstanding Midshipmen. Your attacks on these Midshipmen is cowardly.

MODS: We are tired of this BS on this board and not in Off Topic. Assist.

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Hear, hear!!!
I agree - a Moderator should step in here, pronto.