Questions!

Hey everyone,

I did not make the cut for the class of 2015. I wasn't a super star applicant (620R 580M SAT). Ultimately, I didn't make it in anywhere ( USNA, USMA, USAFA, USCGA) even though I had the nominations.

But I'm back! I am going to apply to the academy's again. At this point I am going to my state school and taking ROTC. I gave up the opportunity to go to MMI for a year of self prep.

My questions are:
I don't believe my high school teachers would be interested in writing letters of recommendations a second time for a student they haven't seen in a year. I am not taking math or English my first semester at school so how can I expect professors, which I barely know, to write LOR on my behalf? Can the academy's look back into their 'files' and reuse my old LOR?

Also,
Last year my motto was to finish the applications ASAP. However if I went ahead and completed them now I won't have anything new to put on them. I anticipate having many of college activities to add. Do I wait?

In addition,
Who do I send my forums to? My new college guidance counselor? or my old high school counselor?

Finally,
Do I retake my SAT's? and do the academies consider college ROTC?


Thanks everybody!

So, you listed the academies, but left out the US Merchant Marine Academy.

It is no less difficult to get in, but is another option for you to pursue. Check out the website at www.usmma.edu. You might be happy with what you see and think about that option as well. Contact a local field admissions rep for the Merchant marine Academy and set up a meeting. There should be one in your area.

Don't limit your opportunities by missing out on one of the options for an academy education.

580M puts you below 75% or more of the students selected for the Class of 2014. 620R puts you below 50% of the studnets accepted for the Class of 2014 (sitting close to below 75%). Definitely retake and retake often, especially since USNA superscores. Since Math and Science are important, I would consider signing up for calculus and chemistry at your college (Physics wouldn't hurt either). Calculus and Physics are required for ROTC too so you wouldn't be wasting your time.

My questions are:
I don't believe my high school teachers would be interested in writing letters of recommendations a second time for a student they haven't seen in a year. I am not taking math or English my first semester at school so how can I expect professors, which I barely know, to write LOR on my behalf? Can the academy's look back into their 'files' and reuse my old LOR?

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Few notes:
1. You should be taking a math and english (or some type of humanities) course during your first semester, unless there are extenuating circumstance (i.e. college curriculum is dictated first semester) -- if so, make sure your BGO is aware.
2. If you cannot have a college professor write a recommendation, then you need to have your senior year HS teachers write it. If you took a math/english course during your spring semester (senior year), get that teacher to write it, as it provides a different prespective of you. However, your fall semester would still work. USNA doesn't deviate from the math/english professors except in VERY unusual circumstances.
3. USNA does not carry over letters of recommendation.

Also, Last year my motto was to finish the applications ASAP. However if I went ahead and completed them now I won't have anything new to put on them. I anticipate having many of college activities to add. Do I wait?

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It doesn't matter one way or the other -- you will not be evaluated until your first semester transcripts are received by USNA. However, you can always finish your application and then email your Regional Director and have your activities added to your file.
Getting involved in community service activities, student government, club/varsity sports is considered positive.

In addition, Who do I send my forums to? My new college guidance counselor? or my old high school counselor?

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I believe the forms you are talking about (candidate activities record, candidate academic information, high school transcript) are still required. You will need to have your school officials re-submit. Make sure your transcript reflects grades through graduation. The only thing needed from college (other than recommendations -- if you go that route) is the 1st semester college transcript.

Finally, Do I retake my SAT's? and do the academies consider college ROTC?

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Taking the SAT's again will not hurt you, but the primary focus is on your 1st semester college grades.
Yes, USNA will consider this an activity (icing on the cake would be a leadership position within the unit, but that may/may not be available to you) -- but it is better than sitting around doing nothing!

jadler03 said:

Taking the SAT's again will not hurt you, but the primary focus is on your 1st semester college grades.

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If you are below 600/600, retake them.

birdboybird,

Would also suggest contacting your RD to find out what will make you more competitive. They might be able to give you advice on retaking SATs based on your current scores and HS academic background.

jadler03 said:

birdboybird,

Would also suggest contacting your RD to find out what will make you more competitive. They might be able to give you advice on retaking SATs based on your current scores and HS academic background.

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Aye, my BGO's DS applied three times (ended up class of 2008 or 2009 I believe). He tried to figure out his problems himself the first time, asked his RD the second. Turned out he had the totally wrong idea of what he needed to improve upon.