USNA Recommendations

Prepswimmom

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So as I wait for my DS's decision to arrive and over-analyze every aspect of USNA admissions I wonder - how much do recommendations weigh in the process and does having attended NASS matter or not? My DS has some amazing recs and attended SS second session last year. He is I assume 3Q with a nomination. The wait goes on....:confused:
 
Prepswimmon, isn't it the truth about over analyzing everything! My husband and I are making ourselves crazy while the DS is taking it all in stride. Thanks for commiserating. Good luck to you and hope we get the chance to meet on I Day!
 
So as I wait for my DS's decision to arrive and over-analyze every aspect of USNA admissions I wonder - how much do recommendations weigh in the process and does having attended NASS matter or not? My DS has some amazing recs and attended SS second session last year. He is I assume 3Q with a nomination. The wait goes on....:confused:

My DS is in the same situation. His LORs were the same for two SAs, he didn't attend NASS but attended SLE, and has an appointment to USMA. So many variables in the process. Hang in there -- a lot of us waiting along side you.
 
I love this forum for its support through this whole arduous process. Thank you everyone. I do hope we all meet on I-Day. It is all my son wants.


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So many variables in the process. Hang in there -- a lot of us waiting along side you.

You said it! This is so much more than just great grades and test scores, class rank and ECs. Geography and diversity and politics play a very large role in the process...

I'm hanging right there with you all...
 
So as I wait for my DS's decision to arrive and over-analyze every aspect of USNA admissions I wonder - how much do recommendations weigh in the process and does having attended NASS matter or not? My DS has some amazing recs and attended SS second session last year. He is I assume 3Q with a nomination. The wait goes on....:confused:

Attending NASS makes no difference one way or the other. That would "penalize" folks who were unable to attend such a small, select group.
 
Attending NASS makes no difference one way or the other. That would "penalize" folks who were unable to attend such a small, select group.

I agree that you are not penalized for missing NASS, however, you are evaluated when you're there. Another candidate said something stupid about a midshipman (won't go into details) and he had 3 midshipmen on him during their plebe day. DD had to do a lot of pushups with him since she was standing next to him. Not a good first impression.

On the other hand, DD was injured, so couldn't run. She made sure she did squats, pushups, etc. when everyone else was doing something she couldn't. She got a handwritten note on her LOA in October specifically mentioning a comment from her midshipman about this.

So, there's no penalty, but it's best to assume that when you go to NASS or attend a CVW or even tour with a midshipman, you are being evaluated.
 
Don't ever be naive enough to believe that there aren't evaluations at CVW or particularly at NASS. At NASS there are even a very limited amount of Certificates of Achievement given out by the Admissions Office to particularly high-performing candidates. Not so for CVW - CVW is basically a tag-along. Very good for what it is but that is all.
 
Don't ever be naive enough to believe that there aren't evaluations at CVW or particularly at NASS. At NASS there are even a very limited amount of Certificates of Achievement given out by the Admissions Office to particularly high-performing candidates. Not so for CVW - CVW is basically a tag-along. Very good for what it is but that is all.


+1
Couldn't agree with bubalma more... DS attended NASS and was selected Company ColorMan, brought up to stage along with the 4 other ColorMen, and appropriately recognized.

He then went through USMA / USNA application process... and obtained 3 MOC nominations... all to West Point. He never got a nomination to USNA.

Spring of Senior year he heard from USNA Foundation Program who stated USNA wanted him... but since he had no nomination, the best they could do at this point was Foundation. He accepted, attended Greystone Prep, recieved a nomination, and is now a Mid.

BTW... he recieved appointment to USMA, but turned it down, for Foundation / USNA.

Point of this is... they (USNA) pay attention to you while you're at NASS, CVW, etc.
 
You said it! This is so much more than just great grades and test scores, class rank and ECs. Geography and diversity and politics play a very large role in the process...

I'm hanging right there with you all...

You hit the nail on the head! And these are all things that you and/or your child have no control over. Good luck and God Bless!
 
My DS has remained in touch and friends with his group leader from NASS. They chat on FB from time to time - she is a 2nd class? (junior) She always tell him she's pulling for him. Hopefully this will help. I have never experienced something so confusing and stressful in my life. No one has really answered one of my original questions - how much do recommendations weigh in the process?


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I am not an expert...but my DS who is a Plebe this year said that teacher recommendations weigh a lot more than you think...
 
Wow - that was quite the link! Thanks.


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Prepswimmom:

If you haven't already, click on the further links found at the bottom of the link I posted to get as deep into the whole process as you want.
I think you will see - among other things - that NASS is taken a lot more seriously than CVW's.
Good stuff in the further details.
 
Thanks I'll do that. What a process and learning experience!


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While this provides some insight, the information is at least 7-8 years old.
 
That's fine; BUT it is still the most current information on the admission's process posted - although hidden - on the Academy's own official website.
As a BGO, could you please give some idea of why it is the only active description of the admissions process on the Academy's own website if it's obsolete?
 
I would suggest the term "dated" as opposed to obsolete, because while there have been changes to the process, they really appear to amount to refinements
rather than abject changes. Candidly, my personal impression is that USNA Admissions keeps the details of the process very close to its chest, so I suspect that the only way you will get a more detailed presentation would be via a presentation from a current Admissions rep.

So far as the significance of NASS as a predictor of success as a candidate, keep in mind that almost 2400 applicants are selected for NASS. Each year USNA admits about 1200 plebes, not all of whom were NASS participants.

I hope this helps. Best wishes to all of the current candidates.
 
The Strong Inventory Interest (SII) was discontinued many years back. I think that part of the website hasn't been updated in quite a while (the formatting has, but not the content). It is also possible that they might have a more updated version of About AIS on USNA's intranet, which isn't accessible by the public.
 
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