Feedback

Hello all, I've been a member here for around 2 years now, but I just recently logged back in. Attending a service academy, specifically USNA, has been a dream for quite sometime. Before everyone jumps all over me, yes, I am aware that you can't tell me what my chances are, and that's not what I'm asking. What I'm trying to ask is how my class schedule, athletics, and leadership is right now, and where I can improve. I'm completing my freshman year shortly, and here's how the academics stack up. I currently have an 11.55 GPA on a 12.0 scale, and I'm tied for 1st in my class. This year's classes weren't too challenging, but I used this year to take care of all my required 'easy' credits, such as art classes, health, PE, etc. I did take Honors English and Geometry, which is just about as hard as it gets for a freshman. Next year I'll be taking Algebra II, Chemistry, Honors English 10, AP World History, Concert Band, Advanced Health, and Spanish II. Athletically, I participated in Varsity Cross Country, where I earned my varsity letter. I will co-captain the varsity team next year as a sophomore. I also played JV basketball and JV softball.
So, this is where I'm at right now. Apologies for the long post, but thank you! Feedback is appreciated

First, I don't see too many people here that would "jump on you." I have found the vast majority to be a great help and they know that people like us who are unfamiliar with the whole process, just simply don't know.

This being said, there are USNA Alumni, B&G Officers, current Mids and parents who's "kids" are at USNA or graduated. In other words - some really great people to ask questions.

From what you shared, you are rocking it! BUT, be aware, SA are looking at the whole person. Because it doesn't just take a great GPA and awesome test scores to be a Navy Officer. I remember someone in the group of people I mentioned above suggesting candidates do something new and different - volunteer at a VA for instance. (Just an example.)

At any rate, this is not an application, it is a journey, so buckle up and put your seat in the up right position and get ready for quite a ride!

cajost said:

First, I don't see too many people here that would "jump on you." I have found the vast majority to be a great help and they know that people like us who are unfamiliar with the whole process, just simply don't know.

This being said, there are USNA Alumni, B&G Officers, current Mids and parents who's "kids" are at USNA or graduated. In other words - some really great people to ask questions.

From what you shared, you are rocking it! BUT, be aware, SA are looking at the whole person. Because it doesn't just take a great GPA and awesome test scores to be a Navy Officer. I remember someone in the group of people I mentioned above suggesting candidates do something new and different - volunteer at a VA for instance. (Just an example.)

At any rate, this is not an application, it is a journey, so buckle up and put your seat in the up right position and get ready for quite a ride!

Click to expand...

I live in a tiny town, so there's not too much to do, but I will enter a program my senior year where I go to school for about half a day then I leave and work until 5, or vice versa! Thank you for the feedback, it's much appreciated

NDIUSuperfan said:

I live in a tiny town, so there's not too much to do, but I will enter a program my senior year where I go to school for about half a day then I leave and work until 5, or vice versa! Thank you for the feedback, it's much appreciated

Click to expand...

From what it sounds like, you're definitely on the right track, but cajost is also right. They're looking for the all-around candidate. I'm currently a Mid in the class of '17 so I've finished last year the same process you'll soon be going through.

Like cajost, said try to get some volunteer work in. I came from a small town in Texas with population of only 300 people so I know how difficult it can be to get the necessary components of the application in. My advice is that waiting until senior year to do volunteer service will be too late and if no programs is open as of now, then you should create one. I ended up creating a lawn mowing service that ended mowing the entire town lawn over the summer to get volunteer hours in. Be innovative. (also work through a church or something is a great way too.)

Secondly, since you are coming from a small town, I hate to say it, the SAT/ACT is going to have a much bigger pull in your application than your GPA and class rank since the academy tends to have the view that smaller schools aren't as competitive as some of the larger more urban schools (it sucks I know). So I know it's a long way off but prepare for the SAT/ACT early and take both of them as many times as possible since the academies super score them.

Sorry for the long post, but hope this helps. Best of luck to ya and if you have any more questions, go ahead and shoot