senior year hustle

vcent@2021

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Jun 11, 2016
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I find it very odd that many threads on service academy forums, College-confidential, etc... all have the topic of senior year grades dropping, and how are they going to impact admissions. But in the case of USNA, what if by the time of your senior year, your grades drastically improve (with AP/honors) and is a huge upward trend from what your 9-11th grade transcripts might say? MY GPA has been a weak-spot for my application, but will this jump say anything to the ad-coms?
 
I'm pretty sure that when people are asking about senior year grades dropping they are asking because they were appointed but they might have slacked off the last year once they found out.
Unless you're a re-applicant I'm not sure how they academy will be able to see too much of your senior transcript. You could send the first half of your senior year to the academy right before the application deadline, but then you are trading off an early application that signifies a more motivated candidate for showing half of a year of a transcript.

Now if your grades truly were dreadful, then only you can make the decision on what your path will be during the application. Most candidates will not have their senior transcript when they submit/finish their application, and 7th semester transcripts may be requested at a later time by the academy or sent in by you/your school.

The best thing you could take out of this is something to say for your interview. I know a person who was applying to the academy who had a terrible start freshman year, getting C's in classes like PE and Art. He then improved sophomore year, and pulled his grades up. He used that experience as material during interviews and essays, saying he had the motivation to improve himself once he saw that he was not on the right track. He ended up not getting into USNA but instead USMMA. (He got a nomination to USNA but not an appointment).

Obviously, try your hardest senior year and make the most out of it. Realize that those first 3 years are now out of your control and the opinion of the admissions office on your situation is also out of your control. Try your hardest to make the best application you can, as that is really the only thing in your control.
 
Thank you for the words of advice. A 3.5 UW 9-11th grade GPA can't be terrible, but I don't think its competitive either. "Senioritis" as they so call it in High school will never be an issue; I plan to study out of my mind until graduation, and beyond.
 
My son had 3.4 with no honors.... don't make assumptions
I apologize, but you're making assumptions about me making assumptions regarding GPA. I am more than aware that it is just a number, so best of luck to your son!
 
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I apologize, but you're making assumptions about me making assumptions regarding GPA. I am more than aware that it is just a number, so best of luck to your son!

Ha Ha Sorry I was not clear. I wasn't taking offense. Kid graduates USNA in May. You could call him a cross eyed baboon and I wouldn't take offense.

My point was for candidates not to assume they know what the Secret sauce is and to just keep working their own game plan. The Son we thought would be most competitive never got a single appointment. The one with 3.4 got 2 appointments (only applied to 2) and a full 4yr ROTC offer from VMI. There are just so many variables.
 
If grades are an issue sometimes USNA will request a 7th semester transcript so they can see what you grades were like your first semester senior year.
 
Hey you do know the one about meaning of - "assume" when you assume you make an "ass out of u and me" yeah I know it is as old as the hills.
 
Sir or Ma'am, (I cannot differentiate your sex) you just made my day

Ha Ha Sorry I was not clear. I wasn't taking offense. Kid graduates USNA in May. You could call him a cross eyed baboon and I wouldn't take offense.

My point was for candidates not to assume they know what the Secret sauce is and to just keep working their own game plan. The Son we thought would be most competitive never got a single appointment. The one with 3.4 got 2 appointments (only applied to 2) and a full 4yr ROTC offer from VMI. There are just so many variables.

Just wanted to make sure you got the other reply. about the assumptions.
I am a Mamma! Husband was an Army Aviator- Rotor. Son is a Firstie USNA.
I can go Army or Navy :)
 
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