MSU to USNA

J

JJaeger

5-Year Member
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Aug 7, 2011
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I'm a previous candidate to USNA. I did well, got my nominations, but was turned down at the last step (I suspect medical, but no specific reason was given). Either way, I'm now a political science major at Michigan State and an Army cadet there. I'm originally from CA-44th district, though, and I have a few questions.
1. If my intended USNA major is polisci, does it make sense to change to a "technical"major to get in to USNA this time around?
2. What representative and admissions officer should I use- the MI or CA ones?
3. How do college students generally fare their second/third time around (especially those in the non-technical fields)?
4. Will my AROTC work help at all?
5. Does an IB diploma mean anything at USNA (some universities yes, others no- I can't figure out which the USNA is)?

Basically, I need help and guidance. I don't know if I even should attempt the application again, but here I am. Looks like another go. Please, if you have any knowledge that might help my situation, I would be most indebted and grateful.
 
JJ, if you'd been turned down for medical, your DoDMRB exams would have told you that. Great that you got a nom, though.

1. Tech major might help, but more important is trying to mimic the plebe schedule your freshman year - calculus, chemistry, etc.

2. Use nom sources from your home of record -- CA.

3. Check the "reapplying" sticky above. Rumor has it that USNA likes return applicants, as they demonstrate tenacity and commitment, but how to really know? Just recognize that a big portion of every incoming class -- 40%? I forget -- is NOT coming directly out of h.s.

4. AROTC will probably help some -- shows you are serious re: serving. But again, no real way to measure that.

5. USNA likes to see h.s. students take the most challenging classes available @ their school. If IB fit that score @ your school, you're good. College grades will matter more. Get to know a couple professors/instuctors, as they'll need to submit rec's. And get stellar grades.

Do read that sticky, and best of luck to you!
 
JJaeger said:
I'm a previous candidate to USNA. I did well, got my nominations, but was turned down at the last step (I suspect medical, but no specific reason was given). Either way, I'm now a political science major at Michigan State and an Army cadet there. I'm originally from CA-44th district, though, and I have a few questions.
1. If my intended USNA major is polisci, does it make sense to change to a "technical"major to get in to USNA this time around?

No matter what you project, you won't select a major until just before spring break, plebe year.

2. What representative and admissions officer should I use- the MI or CA ones?

CA. Your HOME base.

3. How do college students generally fare their second/third time around (especially those in the non-technical fields)?

While there is no "general" there, USNA values persistance. I'm not aware you'll get any "bonus points" in your whole person score though. As long as you've taken the general plebe courses ... calc, chem, writing ... your current MSU major will not matter much.

4. Will my AROTC work help at all?

Sure. But if you get in, be prepared for heat if/when your plebe detailers discover such.

5. Does an IB diploma mean anything at USNA (some universities yes, others no- I can't figure out which the USNA is)?

Admissions recognizes IB like they do AP, college courses. Good stuff, not any magic bullet.

Basically, I need help and guidance. I don't know if I even should attempt the application again, but here I am. Looks like another go. Please, if you have any knowledge that might help my situation, I would be most indebted and grateful.
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My counsel, and worth every cent it costs you, is work at getting positively committed to the process. In most activities in life, lack of enthusiasm becomes apparent. IF you determine this is what you'd dream of, go for it with all of your best effort. While another "no" might be painful, you will forever know you gave it your very best shot. If that "no" comes after a half-hearted attempt, you'll forever wonder. Conversely, if you might discern that your feelings reflect uncertainty or that you're considering this for reasons other than what you deem honorable and pertinent, then that too is progress. And may lead you to determination that MSU is the better option for you now.

Good luck, but this really is not about "luck" imo.:thumb:
 
JJaeger said:
I'm a previous candidate to USNA. I did well, got my nominations, but was turned down at the last step (I suspect medical, but no specific reason was given).
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If it was medical, you would have been told. If it was indeed medical, you need to find out b/c it's very unlikely that, if you didn't get a waiver last year, you'd get one this year. So, you might be wasting your time. Your Regional Director can tell you whether or not it was medical.

1. If my intended USNA major is polisci, does it make sense to change to a "technical"major to get in to USNA this time around?
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It's important that you take the plebe courses -- especially calc and chem. Your major is not as important as how well you do in those classes. If your major doesn't allow you to take those classes as a freshman then, yes, I would change it.

2. What representative and admissions officer should I use- the MI or CA ones?
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As a general rule, college students remain a resident of the state where they lived prior to college. Thus, for you, CA. If you believe your residency has changed (i.e., you're no longer a dependent of your parent(s) and you vote in the new state, have a driver's license there, etc.), check with your RD.

3. How do college students generally fare their second/third time around (especially those in the non-technical fields)?
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There is no "general" rule. Some are admitted; some are not. If you had a very strong record on your first try and do very well in your "plebe courses" first semester, you have a good shot.

4. Will my AROTC work help at all?
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You may be eligible for an ROTC nom. Other than that, not really.

5. Does an IB diploma mean anything at USNA (some universities yes, others no- I can't figure out which the USNA is)?
Click to expand...

Overtaken by events, now as it's your college courses that count. Based on my experience, it's a tiny bit of a help but not a huge deal to USNA.

Basically, I need help and guidance.
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If you've not already done so, please read the "Reapplying" sticky above. Lots of help and guidance there.
 
Priority #1 needs to be resolving the DODMERB question. If you were originally denied an academy appointment for a medical condition that can't be waived, then the answer to the rest of your questions won't matter.
 
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