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HassamaMama

Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2015
Messages
84
Hey everyone! First off I would like to thank everybody on this forun, you have helped me so much in terms of figuring out my application, which I started relatively later than others. Attending the USNA is a dream of mine, and I am so grateful for all of your help on this forum.
So I am an Official Candidate, and I was hoping you could answer a few of my questions.
1. Although I hate it when people ask to "chance" them, how do I look academically?
- 4.33 GPA
- SAT scores of 720 (CR) 770 (M)
- ACT scores of 35 (English) 35 (Math)
2. I am taking my CFA this Thursday. I have spent the last two months trying to get stronger, as I am a distance runner who is built like tbe rest of distance runners - S K I N N Y. Here are the scores I am projecting myself to achieve:
- Basketball Throw: 55-60 ft
- Pull Ups: 12+
- Shuttle Run: 8.0-8.5 or faster
- Sit Ups: 80+
- Push Ups: 65+
- 1 Mile Run: sub-5:00
I am really pushing on the mile to show my endurance (also, my Coach, who is administering my CFA probably will not accept a slower time haha). The rest of these scores are the averages that I have been getting during my training, so hopefully I can surpass all of them in the actual test. Also, am I allowed to wear my XC rubber bottom racing spikes during the CFA? Or would that be a possible advantage over others?
My next questions is regarding my Medical Examination. I am 5'10" but only 124 lbs - will this disqualify me?? Please let me know if this will be an issue. As of now I have absolutely no health issues - I feel pretty darn good!
Finally, I have some questions regarding the interviews (Nomination and BGO):
- What sort of questions will they ask?
- How should I answer - briefly of elaborately?
I also have some pretty good accomplishments in music, as I made All-County Chorus this year, and I have been a member of my school's Chamber Choir, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and now I am in the Chamber Orchestra as well.
Thank you again for everything, and I wish all other Candidates good luck, and I congratulate all current appointees.
GO NAVY!
 
Academically you look great, although it also depends what classes you are taking. The only thing I saw that is concerning is your height and weight. I encountered the same problem, I was underweight. You can actually check what the weight requirements are on the usna medical appendix. I would suggest to try to gain some weight by drinking lots of water before your medical exam. This can be disqualifying and a waiver can be obtained but if you can avoid that process, you should.
The questions they ask are quite simple. Questions include what you do in school, how do you stay fit, why do you want to go to the service academies, what do you want to do if you get in, and almost every single one of my interviews they always ask about the honor code or honor concept. Just be yourself and answer the question fully but don't start going off topic.
Good luck to you!
 
Honestly, no one on here can rate your 'chances' since there are many other variables considered beyond just your test scores and GPA. You can get the answers to many commonly asked questions by reviewing older postings on this forum.

As it relates to interviews, the BGO meeting (generally at your home) is less formal than the MOC interviews. BGO's want to meet with you (and your parents) to answer basic SA related questions and to determine your level of interest in applying. Some applicants are only applying since this is what their parents want them to do and it is better to weed those people out early in the process. As it relates to answering questions, it is always better to be brief and to the point. Obviously, some questions will be more complex to answer than others. However, no interviewer is impressed by someone what talks around a question, says nothing and just tries to sound like they know what they are talking about. Don't give elaborate/wordy answers to simple questions. If you honestly don't know the answer, it is better to state that instead of talking for a long time in an effort to pretend you know the answer. H.S. students are not expected to me experts in the finer points of the military and many applicants have no prior involvement in these areas.
 
It looks like you have been given some great feedback above. You look like a solid candidate and best of luck. To answer your other question,
HassamaMama said:
Also, am I allowed to wear my XC rubber bottom racing spikes during the CFA? Or would that be a possible advantage over others?
Click to expand...

This is from the USNA candidate fitness instructions:

"The test must be administered properly and standardized in order to accurately reflect a student's physical and motor fitness and to be fair to all candidates...Candidates should wear clothing and shoes that are appropriate for physical training such as shorts, T-shirts, socks, and running shoes (tennis/basketball shoes are not recommended). Any item that gives a candidate an unfair advantage is not permitted during the CFA. Wearing devices such as weight belts or elastic bandages may or may not provide an advantage. Such additional equipment is not authorized unless prescribed by medical personnel. The only exceptions are appropriate cold weather apparel while running outdoors."

Standardized and no item that would give the candidate an unfair advantage would mean, IMO, that you cannot wear your XC cleats. You sound like you are in pretty good shape, so do your best and ace the test. Good luck to you.
 
Over a mile and for the purposes of the CFA...cleats aren't really necessary. You aren't going to have a significant increase in time because of them.
 
Are you male or female? If female, pack your bags. Male? You look OK. Great academics, great run, low pull ups, etc. Lots of artsy accomplishments. If it's your dream, why did you wait so long?

If you're a female, you're quite strong with 12th pull ups. If a male, at 124 lbs, you should crank out 18 plus.

Sorry for the female comparisons if you're a male, but your name is hassamamama.

If that is indicative of your ethnicity, that would be a plus in my opinion.
 
Maplerock said:
Are you male or female? If female, pack your bags. Male? You look OK. Great academics, great run, low pull ups, etc. Lots of artsy accomplishments. If it's your dream, why did you wait so long?

If you're a female, you're quite strong with 12th pull ups. If a male, at 124 lbs, you should crank out 18 plus.

Sorry for the female comparisons if you're a male, but your name is hassamamama.

If that is indicative of your ethnicity, that would be a plus in my opinion.
Click to expand...
He is a male according to his profile.
 
Have you gotten or applied for a nomination? Most if not all MOC application deadlines have passed.
 
I am only a parent of a candidate, and by no means and expert, but I have tried to educate myself over the past year so as to help guide my own kid during the process. I would LOVE to have your numbers if I was a candidate. Your academics look as strong as possible, and your test scores corroborate that you are very bright. Your CFA is excellent, and although not perfect, I bet 90% of candidates would love those scores. BB score is only questionable figure, and I would work on technique there. Throw every day. Change your body angle. My son added a ton of distance to his, and then got injured, but with more practice still got a good score there.

I would only have concern for the athletic/leadership stuff. I don't see much there from your post. I think the academies look for well rounded, and athletics is important. Others have more insight here.
 
Think MOC nom interview deadline passed?? We did Senate interviews in Nov. and MOC Dec 3, still waiting on nom should be coming out very soon prob mid Jan. & also good to hv strong leadership position?
 
HassamaMama said:
Hey everyone! First off I would like to thank everybody on this forun, you have helped me so much in terms of figuring out my application, which I started relatively later than others. Attending the USNA is a dream of mine, and I am so grateful for all of your help on this forum.
So I am an Official Candidate, and I was hoping you could answer a few of my questions.
1. Although I hate it when people ask to "chance" them, how do I look academically?
- 4.33 GPA
- SAT scores of 720 (CR) 770 (M)
- ACT scores of 35 (English) 35 (Math)
2. I am taking my CFA this Thursday. I have spent the last two months trying to get stronger, as I am a distance runner who is built like tbe rest of distance runners - S K I N N Y. Here are the scores I am projecting myself to achieve:
- Basketball Throw: 55-60 ft
- Pull Ups: 12+
- Shuttle Run: 8.0-8.5 or faster
- Sit Ups: 80+
- Push Ups: 65+
- 1 Mile Run: sub-5:00
I am really pushing on the mile to show my endurance (also, my Coach, who is administering my CFA probably will not accept a slower time haha). The rest of these scores are the averages that I have been getting during my training, so hopefully I can surpass all of them in the actual test. Also, am I allowed to wear my XC rubber bottom racing spikes during the CFA? Or would that be a possible advantage over others?
My next questions is regarding my Medical Examination. I am 5'10" but only 124 lbs - will this disqualify me?? Please let me know if this will be an issue. As of now I have absolutely no health issues - I feel pretty darn good!
Finally, I have some questions regarding the interviews (Nomination and BGO):
- What sort of questions will they ask?
- How should I answer - briefly of elaborately?
I also have some pretty good accomplishments in music, as I made All-County Chorus this year, and I have been a member of my school's Chamber Choir, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and now I am in the Chamber Orchestra as well.
Thank you again for everything, and I wish all other Candidates good luck, and I congratulate all current appointees.
GO NAVY!
Click to expand...

Not sure if the OP is still reading...I hope that you did not miss any deadlines for MOC interviews, not knowing what state you are residing in. I am no expert on the nomination process by any means, and perhaps there are other nomination sources for which you could be eligible if you did miss the deadlines? If not, and Naval service/attending USNA is still your dream, I would highly encourage you to reapply. Your academics and many other qualifications etc seem to be excellent.
 
To answer a few questions:
I am a male, haha. My sixth grade math teacher was in a rush one day and said my name too fast, and that name is what came out. Since then I've kind of stuck with it.
I think i saw something about ethnicity, so I guess I'll answer anyways: I am a Pakistani Muslim!
I applied for a nomination a while ago, I have my meeting on Tuesday.
Thanks for all of the advice, and thanks for wishing me luck for tomorrow!
 
HassamaMama said:
Hey everyone! First off I would like to thank everybody on this forun, you have helped me so much in terms of figuring out my application, which I started relatively later than others. Attending the USNA is a dream of mine, and I am so grateful for all of your help on this forum.
So I am an Official Candidate, and I was hoping you could answer a few of my questions.
1. Although I hate it when people ask to "chance" them, how do I look academically?
- 4.33 GPA
- SAT scores of 720 (CR) 770 (M)
- ACT scores of 35 (English) 35 (Math)
2. I am taking my CFA this Thursday. I have spent the last two months trying to get stronger, as I am a distance runner who is built like tbe rest of distance runners - S K I N N Y. Here are the scores I am projecting myself to achieve:
- Basketball Throw: 55-60 ft
- Pull Ups: 12+
- Shuttle Run: 8.0-8.5 or faster
- Sit Ups: 80+
- Push Ups: 65+
- 1 Mile Run: sub-5:00
I am really pushing on the mile to show my endurance (also, my Coach, who is administering my CFA probably will not accept a slower time haha). The rest of these scores are the averages that I have been getting during my training, so hopefully I can surpass all of them in the actual test. Also, am I allowed to wear my XC rubber bottom racing spikes during the CFA? Or would that be a possible advantage over others?
My next questions is regarding my Medical Examination. I am 5'10" but only 124 lbs - will this disqualify me?? Please let me know if this will be an issue. As of now I have absolutely no health issues - I feel pretty darn good!
Finally, I have some questions regarding the interviews (Nomination and BGO):
- What sort of questions will they ask?
- How should I answer - briefly of elaborately?
I also have some pretty good accomplishments in music, as I made All-County Chorus this year, and I have been a member of my school's Chamber Choir, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and now I am in the Chamber Orchestra as well.
Thank you again for everything, and I wish all other Candidates good luck, and I congratulate all current appointees.
GO NAVY!
Click to expand...
Hi there you look like a strong candidate, my DS got his nom ysterday from our MOC. Do you speak other languages. My son speaks 4 languages, think that made him stand out more during his interview & application, good luck:)
 
Have you done your medical exams yet? I am also 5'10" and from my research I think anything below 132 lbs was a DQ. You may want to check on that, though. You could also probably get a waiver for it if that is what it came down to.

Also, you have great scores for everything, but do you have any leadership experience? Best of luck!
 
3 words from a former football player and coach. "weight gain shakes". Throw in a scoop of ice cream and a banana, a couple of those a day and you'll put on a few lbs quickly.
 
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