Does this happen a lot ?

Jen4lyfe

5-Year Member
Joined
Mar 3, 2013
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9
Just got an email saying I was turned down for summer STEM, although I can't understand why . In the email it said my application was certainly impressive but they had to turn down many fine applicants such as myself. I know it's just an outreach program and in no way grants me admission into USNA but it kinda sucks that I didn't get in because I was 'too' qualified. Do a lot of kids who apply and are very qualified get turned down ?
 
Just got an email saying I was turned down for summer STEM, although I can't understand why . In the email it said my application was certainly impressive but they had to turn down many fine applicants such as myself. I know it's just an outreach program and in no way grants me admission into USNA but it kinda sucks that I didn't get in because I was 'too' qualified. Do a lot of kids who apply and are very qualified get turned down ?

That's just a form letter, I literally just read my rejection a minute ago before logging on here, and it said my application was impressive too. They said they received over 7,000 applications for 600-some spaces. Hate to break it too you, but I don't think you were over-qualified, otherwise you would've gotten in.

Better luck again, or with NASS! :thumb:
 
I think it is a numbers game. As STEM has gotten more popular, it is harder to get in. I think STEM and NASS are recruiting tools as well so your resume may not be the only factor in the equation. We told friends about STEM and most of their kids have not gotten in even though they had great resumes.

Several years ago our family did a Spring Break trip to DC and visited USNA. Last year DS and I went to USAFA for a couple of days over Spring Break. Both were great trips where we learned a lot about the SAs. Also, if you are an athlete, consider one of the summer camps at the SAs. I know that this may not be possible, but there are many ways to visit USNA. If you are really interested in an USNA or another SA, try to plan a trip.

Good luck and if you really want to go, don't give up!

bandad
 
Happens A Lot, I Think

If it is any consolation, our oldest got rejected from STEM 2 years in a row...but did get into NASS this summer.

A lot of folks get rejected. They can only take so many people. Just keep plugging away.

Just as a NASS rejection has no impact on USNA admissions likelihood, STEM rejection has no impact or relationship to NASS or Academy admissions down the road. Keep it in perspective....which I know is easier said than done.

Also, there are a TON of great summer engineering programs at Purdue, NC State and other strong engineering institutions. Our kid opted to do one of those.

S
 
STEM

I know kids that got rejected from both but got an Appointment.
 
Just as a reminder that entrance into the summer program doesn't mean a whole lot:

Son made it into NASS, but did not receive an appointment to USNA.

He didn't make it into the USAFA's summer program, but was given an appointment to the class of 2017.

It might sting right now, but it means absolutely nothing in the bigger picture.
 
I know it's just an outreach program and in no way grants me admission into USNA but it kinda sucks that I didn't get in because I was 'too' qualified. Do a lot of kids who apply and are very qualified get turned down ?

I doubt the letter says you were "too qualified" - does it?

I wouldn't let it discourage you, however. There are only so many slots and they can't select everybody.

One of my sons (soon to graduate) was heavily involved with the STEM program every summer at the academy. Although the program comes under the Office of Admissions, it is not really that big of a deal as far as ultimate appointments are concerned.

The vast majority of those who have received appointments probably never even applied to STEM, I'm guessing.
 
I doubt the letter says you were "too qualified" - does it?

I'm guessing the OP read too much into the rejection letter; this is exactly what it said:

Dear XXXXXXX,

Thank you for applying to the United States Naval Academy Summer Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Program. Your application was certainly impressive. However, we are unable to offer you an invitation to participate in Summer STEM this year. We received over 7,000 applications for 640 available spots. As a result of this competition we had to turn away many fine applicants, such as you, who would have been an excellent addition to our summer program.

We strongly encourage you to continue your efforts to attend Summer STEM in the future. If you are entering the 11th grade this fall, next summer you will be eligible for the Naval Academy Summer Seminar (NASS). It is important to note that these programs are not prerequisites for admission to the United States Naval Academy (USNA). Another opportunity to experience USNA is through sports camps. Please find more information at www.navysports.com.

Given your strong academic performance thus far, you are on the right path for future success in high school and college. Please continue taking academically challenging courses within the subject areas of advanced English, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Additionally, we encourage you to stay active in athletics and extracurricular activities. These types of activities will continue to ensure your path of success for not only STEM or NASS next year, but in life!

Your significant accomplishments would make you an asset to USNA or any other academic institution. Please visit our website and follow us on Facebook to learn more about the exciting education and career opportunities at USNA. We look forward to communicating with you in the future.
 
Mark it up to learning early an important insight about applying to any of the SA's or more desirable schools - there are more applicants than seats available, and the competition is very rigorous! You really do have to pursue them with your A game, and even then you will discover it isn't a cakewalk. Read some of the current posts to get a better picture of what you will encounter and proceed accordingly. Best wishes; it can be done, and it is worth the effort!
 
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