Hi--
I promised myself I wouldn't go back to this forum after having read many comments from the many years I have applied-- this is my fourth-time reapplying. After checking my portal this year, it says "pending review," so I am hoping for the best. I would like to share my experiences below for those reapplying:
In high school, I didn't have a competitive ACT score when I competed for a spot in the Class of 2017. I graduated top 5% in my class with a 3.94 GPA and have held many leadership roles (Cadet Company Officer, Club President, Captain) in many clubs, Naval JROTC and cross-country. Additionally, I had participated in many activities such as sailing, swimming, and have volunteered. However, I wasn't competitive and was rejected that year.
For my second-time around, I made a decision to attend Northwestern Preparatory School in Crestline, California as a free agent. Though I had studied very hard, it still wasn't enough to get in. I heard the Class of 2018 was also another competitive year.
As for my third-time reapplying, I decided I wanted to give ROTC an option, so I went to a University in Chicago for that purpose and to major in Electrical Engineering (EE). During my first "real" year in College, I didn't do too well academically because of my major, having taken 20 credits, and doing too many activities on campus! Since I had done poorly on one of my EE classes, it had negatively impacted my performance in my other classes. This resulted in my leaving Naval ROTC for one semester and a TWE, so I ended up changing my major to Civil Engineering.
As for my fourth-time reapplying for the Class of 2020, things are a lot better. I ultimately decided to lower my credits to 17 and to not overwhelm myself. With the break I had from ROTC, I was able to earn A's and B's in all of my core engineering classes (Calc 3, Diff Eq, Physics 2 with lab, engineering design, etc.). I even managed to earn my Sea Scout Quartermaster Award (Eagle Scout equivalent) in November of 2015 after having participated in the program since my senior year in high school. I even became an active member of the ASCE student chapter offered in my university. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to secure a congressional and senatorial nomination this year unlike the previous years because the congressional staff wanted to give this other kid a shot after having nominated me for three years. I applied for a VP nomination, though. I spoke with a person from Admissions who knows me very well from the many times I had applied, and she said my package will be reviewed even without a nomination and that I will be considered for NAPS or the foundation scholarship-- I really hope I get this..
After having gone through this so many times, I started to realize what was truly important in life: It doesn't matter what University you attend. College is such a small part in everyone's life! Do not get disappointed if you do not get in. There are so many other opportunities out there! Stick with your plan B; If you receive a TWE, move forward with your life. Reapply to USNA and better yourself as a candidate if you don't get in and still desire to be admitted. I even realized that you make more money as a civilian if you decide to become a doctor, lawyer, or even as an engineer, so hopefully this should be an incentive for those who are depressed about not getting in. My point is... are you willing to spend another four years in the Academy just to commission versus commissioning early through ROTC (assuming commissioning is your goal)? Just commission, serve your time and then enjoy the rest of your life.
At this point of my life, I will be happy graduating with a B.S. and a M.S. in Civil Engineering (there's a program in my University that allows you to get both while as an undergrad) and commission through either ROTC or OSC. Though I haven't given up on my dream to attend USNA and will continue to apply until I am 23, I will still continue my plan B of graduating as an engineer and commission-- whichever comes first.
Thank you, and I am hoping this will help. It has been a long journey.