Nass

I believe it has no real impact on your application, but being accepted to NASS means there is at least something competitive about you which is why you were accepted.
 
I think it is noted in your app whether you attended NASS, however they say there is no impact if you either do not apply, or are rejected from NASS. I believe something like 2/3 of each entering class at USNA does NOT attend NASS, so that should say something.
 
Another point of view: DS BGO was very forthcoming and clear that if not accepted to Nass - do not panic! His reasoning was that usna is very familiar with his all boys hs. BGO went into say that usna is aware that these guys know what to expect at usna so why waste a spot that could be better served for someone a little less sure. Just what we were told. No one was accepted - 1 appointed. We wait
 
Understand, that there are people who get accepted to NASS who eventually get and an appointment to USNA. There are also people who dont go to NASS and still get an appointment. There are several past threads concerning NASS from previous years that you can read by searching for them. Good luck on your application.
 
In that case why go? It's a ton of money to fork out with flights included. What advantages would one have of attending it.
 
In that case why go? It's a ton of money to fork out with flights included. What advantages would one have of attending it.
It's more for the candidate. It gives you perspective on the academy, and helps inform your decision if you want to go there. Some people already are committed to an SA and don't see the need to apply/go. Some do it and are sold on the SA, some know it won't be a good fit - the money is well worth it if you can decide early that USNA is not for you...it will save you much time/money/pain in the long run.
 
As others have said, not everyone who gets into NASS gets into USNA and vice versa. With that being said, there was a handwritten note on my DS's LOA to USNA that referenced his outstanding performance at NASS. We'll never know if NASS was really impactful on him receiving the LOA and his appointment, or if that was simply an observation comment.
 
Was the note attached or written on the LOA? Anyone defacing a LOA should get an Article-15.
 
Because that LOA is something that your Mid might want to keep in his/her scrapbook without defacing. Still feel that official correspondent should not have written a note across the page. Attached note would be nice but not written on the official LOA. We have the LOA, Appointment and Graduation certificates without written comments..
 
Last edited:
Letters and memorandum have handwritten notes (short in length) on them all the time. Designation letters, appointment letters, etc. I think it is a nice touch -- not just a generic letter -- and makes it that much worthwhile to frame, even if the Commander/CO writes "Job well done" or words to that affect. Obviously, the USNA diploma isn't going to have a personal note on it.

Never once did I ever feel a letter was ruined because a Commander and CO wrote a few words next to their signature.
 
Letters and memorandum have handwritten notes (short in length) on them all the time. Designation letters, appointment letters, etc. I think it is a nice touch -- not just a generic letter -- and makes it that much worthwhile to frame, even if the Commander/CO writes "Job well done" or words to that affect. Obviously, the USNA diploma isn't going to have a personal note on it.

Never once did I ever feel a letter was ruined because a Commander and CO wrote a few words next to their signature.

Couldn't agree more! My kid treasures his LOA from a couple years ago with the Dean's handwritten note all over it probably more than the appointment certificate. Nice touch!
 
Letters and memorandum have handwritten notes (short in length) on them all the time. Designation letters, appointment letters, etc. I think it is a nice touch -- not just a generic letter -- and makes it that much worthwhile to frame, even if the Commander/CO writes "Job well done" or words to that affect. Obviously, the USNA diploma isn't going to have a personal note on it.

Never once did I ever feel a letter was ruined because a Commander and CO wrote a few words next to their signature.

I agree that it seemed more special by having the hand written note on it. Of course, DS doesn't much care about it now, since he chose to go to USMA, instead. ;)
 
As others have said, not everyone who gets into NASS gets into USNA and vice versa. With that being said, there was a handwritten note on my DS's LOA to USNA that referenced his outstanding performance at NASS. We'll never know if NASS was really impactful on him receiving the LOA and his appointment, or if that was simply an observation comment.

Also, my DS attended NASS last year and AC informed him that his file does contain a nice evaluation from the CO of NASS from that week! AC said this would be a very positive plus in his file. Still haven't heard anything and CIS has been complete since 31 July 2015
 
Also, my DS attended NASS last year and AC informed him that his file does contain a nice evaluation from the CO of NASS from that week! AC said this would be a very positive plus in his file. Still haven't heard anything and CIS has been complete since 31 July 2015

Fingers crossed for you!
 
Everything important has been said, pretty much. I'll add that NASS is a recruiting tool rather than an evaluation tool. USNA's goal is to reach as many potential candidates as possible and to deter them from getting into something they hate. Getting a taste of the environment of the academy deters some and lights the fire for others.

All said, NASS participants are evaluated by their squad leader. I get the sense that this is more an evaluation of leadership potential and attitude rather than ability. If you attend, stick to the main goal of exploring what USNA is about and what they have to offer, so you can make an informed decision in the long run.
 
Back
Top