Getting into the USNA [A Plebe Parent's View]

krhern

DS Class of 2018
5-Year Member
Joined
Sep 4, 2012
Messages
45
This is most likely my last post to the forum. Our son is now a varsity baseball plebe at the USNA [Class of 2018]. As I read all of the desperate questions seeking the magic combination of academics and personal qualities that will somehow unlock the door to admission into this prestigious institution, I can only reflect our son's journey last year.

In our reflection of the "process", it is obvious that all you can do..."is do your best in your academics, leadership, athletics, volunteering, etc". After all of those "best" achievements...It really is up to the admissions board to evaluate all of those attributes versus the USNA needs. Then, you wait along with all of the extremely highly qualified applicants to see if your son or daughter had the right combination of all those wonderful achievements.

It is a humbling experience that still makes the extraordinary process very special. Our son was one of the 1,192 out 17,989 that got his dream "college". He was all-in with no backup place in mind. He didn't have off-the-chart standardized test scores. He was, and is, a very driven young man who is now answering his "Call to Serve".

I will tell you that this special place will take your son or daughter from a child to an adult..... overnight. As a parent, you will cry from the immense amount of pride that overwhelms you. As a dad and one that seldom cries, I am incredibly proud of "his" achievement. There is much more to see as he continues on. It has not been easy. For me or mom...or him. This place takes a ton of commitment and perseverance. The Plebes are drinking from a "fire hose" right now. They are learning so much each day. It makes me tired just following his daily schedule.

Again, I am writing my last post as an encouragement to all to continue asking many questions on this forum. It was a place that we spent many hours over the past 18 months. The members are outstanding.

Good Luck to ALL!!

Go Navy Beat Army!!
 
My situation is very similar to your son's and I feel encouraged.
Thank you very much!
 
DS is also a current plebe. No tea leaf reading will give you an answer. Apply, pray, and hope. Life at USNA is undoubtedly difficult, esp plebe year, so be certain you can handle the dream. Getting in is one thing, surviving/thriving can be something else. DS is doing well but sees many daily (and even those who unexpectedly left) having a difficult time. Good luck!
 
I am also a current Plebe parent. I agree with all the wisdom shared in above posts and could not have said it better myself. My son is also very driven, he had multiple back up plans (about 9 of them!) including the NROTC scholarship as alternate Plan A. All plans fell into place, but it was always USNA at the top. I remember after he finished his MOC interviews, he appeared content and at peace with how things were progressing. He was of the mindset "I have worked hard, have done all I can do to be the best qualifies possible, what's meant to be will be." A few days later he received a very special envelope in the mail with an LOA and the roller coaster ride continued. Perseverance, determination, focus, lots and lots of soul searching about the commitment you are making are very important. Be committed to the process, there is true value in the process for the candidate and the parents. I have learned a lot along the way about myself and my son. And it has indeed been very humbling. My emotions range from still feeling incredulous about the fact he is one of the class of 2018 to missing him to trying to adapt to my role as mom which is completely different. It feels like I was sucked into a vacuum on July 1st. There was life before Iday and there is our "new normal" now post Iday. Our plebe is doing well. Not every moment of every day is good, but he is focused on the big picture and understands the process. The one thing I have realized is that all of those qualities of perseverance , that are needed as a candidate's parents are what I now rely on the adapt to this new life we have as an academy family. And I am confident the lessons I am learning now will help me post-academy with deployments and such. The roller coaster never ends! (Or the crazy train As I have called it!!). My thoughts are with you candidates and parents. Just keep moving forward!!


Sent using the Service Academy Forums® mobile app
 
This is most likely my last post to the forum. Our son is now a varsity baseball plebe at the USNA [Class of 2018]. As I read all of the desperate questions seeking the magic combination of academics and personal qualities that will somehow unlock the door to admission into this prestigious institution, I can only reflect our son's journey last year.

In our reflection of the "process", it is obvious that all you can do..."is do your best in your academics, leadership, athletics, volunteering, etc". After all of those "best" achievements...It really is up to the admissions board to evaluate all of those attributes versus the USNA needs. Then, you wait along with all of the extremely highly qualified applicants to see if your son or daughter had the right combination of all those wonderful achievements.

It is a humbling experience that still makes the extraordinary process very special. Our son was one of the 1,192 out 17,989 that got his dream "college". He was all-in with no backup place in mind. He didn't have off-the-chart standardized test scores. He was, and is, a very driven young man who is now answering his "Call to Serve".

I will tell you that this special place will take your son or daughter from a child to an adult..... overnight. As a parent, you will cry from the immense amount of pride that overwhelms you. As a dad and one that seldom cries, I am incredibly proud of "his" achievement. There is much more to see as he continues on. It has not been easy. For me or mom...or him. This place takes a ton of commitment and perseverance. The Plebes are drinking from a "fire hose" right now. They are learning so much each day. It makes me tired just following his daily schedule.

Again, I am writing my last post as an encouragement to all to continue asking many questions on this forum. It was a place that we spent many hours over the past 18 months. The members are outstanding.

Good Luck to ALL!!

Go Navy Beat Army!!

How is your Midshipman liking the academy? I am being recruited to play baseball just like your DS. Would love some advice on the process.
 
I am also a current Plebe parent. I agree with all the wisdom shared in above posts and could not have said it better myself. My son is also very driven, he had multiple back up plans (about 9 of them!) including the NROTC scholarship as alternate Plan A. All plans fell into place, but it was always USNA at the top. I remember after he finished his MOC interviews, he appeared content and at peace with how things were progressing. He was of the mindset "I have worked hard, have done all I can do to be the best qualifies possible, what's meant to be will be." A few days later he received a very special envelope in the mail with an LOA and the roller coaster ride continued. Perseverance, determination, focus, lots and lots of soul searching about the commitment you are making are very important. Be committed to the process, there is true value in the process for the candidate and the parents. I have learned a lot along the way about myself and my son. And it has indeed been very humbling. My emotions range from still feeling incredulous about the fact he is one of the class of 2018 to missing him to trying to adapt to my role as mom which is completely different. It feels like I was sucked into a vacuum on July 1st. There was life before Iday and there is our "new normal" now post Iday. Our plebe is doing well. Not every moment of every day is good, but he is focused on the big picture and understands the process. The one thing I have realized is that all of those qualities of perseverance , that are needed as a candidate's parents are what I now rely on the adapt to this new life we have as an academy family. And I am confident the lessons I am learning now will help me post-academy with deployments and such. The roller coaster never ends! (Or the crazy train As I have called it!!). My thoughts are with you candidates and parents. Just keep moving forward!!


Sent using the Service Academy Forums® mobile app

Thank you for this. I feel the weight of your words.
 
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