Homeschool applicant

Hello,
This is not where I thought I would be, but my son has his heart set on the Naval Academy or NROTC if that doesn't work out. My question is: Are there any homeschooled midshipman or their families out there? I know he is working against the normal challenges and I would appreciate any and all advice. He is a bright, athletic (nonvarsity of course) Eagle Scout who is currently taking classes at a Community College ( his German & Swimming grades are A's)

I'd advise sending your son to some type of leadership seminar, or if possible, try to be captain of a sports team. Leadership experience is a major part of the selection process.

How exciting! Get ready for a "wild" ride, Mom (or Dad)! There was a homeschool candidate among the Class of 2014 kids who gathered for the USMA Hale and Farewell in my state.

As far as leadership, you can't get better than Boy Scouts! Encourage him to seek out as many leadership roles in Scouting as he can. Excellent SAT/ACT scores will help too.

I think the Service Academies do a great job of considering what each candidate brings to the table and I think he will stand out. Good luck!

A friend of my daughter from swim team graduated from USAFA a few years back and was 100% home schooled. I think she put a lot of effort into documenting her accomplishments in leadership, athletics, and academics because they were not as easy to demonstrate as if she had been in a traditional school.

For example, she was a high level athlete in club swimming and could point to her years on the team and accomplishments. She was the swimmer rep to the club board, attended regularly, and took leadership roles in club projects. The coach and club president wrote letters for her to that effect. I am guessing her academics were proven through her test scores and other documentation. She most likely had similar letters and leadership experiences through her church. I am sure it would be helpful to talk to admissions and later the BGO for some guidance. good luck!

luv2swim said:

I think she put a lot of effort into documenting her accomplishments in leadership, athletics, and academics because they were not as easy to demonstrate as if she had been in a traditional school.

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I'm with luv2swim, this part will be crucial so your son will stand out on paper.

Once he opens a file with USNA, I would imagine he could schedule a visit (I'm not 100% sure since I'm a USMA parent). Be sure to go with him because the parents' program can help you understand and accept what your son wants to do.

I am a homeschooler currently at USAFA, different academy, but if you have any questions feel free to ask and I will do my best to answer them.

Later,

Brian

leadership

My son is a Sophmore in high school and interested in going into nrotc or usna. He is involved in sports but not so much in leadership roles in school. He is a good student with a gpa of 3.22. he dosen't have any interest in clubs and I don't see him as a captain of any of his teams. Do you have any suggestions for us to get him more involved. He does want to serve our country.

bonsi21 said:

My son is a Sophmore in high school and interested in going into nrotc or usna. He is involved in sports but not so much in leadership roles in school. He is a good student with a gpa of 3.22. he dosen't have any interest in clubs and I don't see him as a captain of any of his teams. Do you have any suggestions for us to get him more involved. He does want to serve our country.

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I would try to get him interested in some clubs! Civil Air Patrol is great, as are scouts, and both of these organizations provide you with some leadership experience whether that is your goal or not. Also, make sure that he joins a club that does activities he likes. It doesn't need to meet once a week, or any set amount, but he needs some extra-curriculars, and clubs are the best way to get them.
Suggestions to get him more involved: there must be something he is interested in, and from Japanese to rock-climbing, there are clubs available (although not everywhere, such as my little town). Get him to browse online for activities he likes. Make sure he knows that he HAS to have extra-curriculars and leadership to go to USNA or do NROTC. Have him look at some of the 'what are my chances?' posts on here, they will help him know wha the is up against, and what he needs.