Acceptance Chances

andyvic

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Joined
Sep 23, 2016
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I know that the admissions process is next-to impossible to quantify or predict. I'm asking anyway, because I want to hear the thoughts of people more experienced in this realm (even if they can't give me an answer).
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I'm a junior. GPA is and has been 3.5-3.7 throughout high school. I am homeschooled, so I have no real class rank. I take classes online (from accredited online schools such as Stanford Online High school) and I also take classes at community colleges. I received separate transcripts from all of these places which I then compile into a total HS transcript.

ACADEMICS:
I'm best in math/engineering classes and I want to study Ocean Engineering at the academy. I'm taking Ap Calc BC this year, and shooting for a 4+ on the exam. I'm also taking AutoCAD and engineering classes. I have always been ahead in math classes, with grades steadily increasing (from freshman to junior year) from B+, A-, to the A+ I currently have in this years math course. (I know Navy is big on math and science)

EXTRACURRICULAR:
I have been participating in debate and civics organization throughout high school. I have a particular focus on fundraising and rallying high school students behind a cause to raise money for charity. I have traveled extensively every summer in high school. I went to Nicaragua twice (for a labor-intensive, language-immersive service trip). I went to Cyprus once for a 3 week program studying green engineering, desalination, and solar power. I speak Spanish proficiently and am able to get by in a 100% Spanish environment. I also am a recipient of the Congressional Gold Award, which will afford me an opportunity to speak with, and take photos with, my congressman.

SPORTS:
I have rowed since 7th grade. I've competed at regional, state, and national competitions. For those familiar with the sport, I have good erg times for someone of my size (lightweight). I am generally in a leadership position within the boat, in a position where I must row, steer, and motivate/direct my rowers in the boat, all at once. (bow seat in sculling boats). I also serve as an occasional coach for middle-school and novice rowers; this involves driving a launch, managing 10-25 kids handling $30,000+ equipment, and general technique coaching. This sport, among other things, has shown me how to succeed as a team, and how to lose as a team. It has also taught me how to get up at 4:30 AM every day of summer vacation when other friends were just hitting the sack after a night of partying. I do not think I would pursue rowing as a varsity sport if I were to attend the academy.
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None of my family members were in the navy. None of my (distant and immediate) family members went to a service academy. I am (as far as my experiences in high school) mentally hardy, and I do best in interviews where I can shake someone's hand and smile. Never been arrested or had any run-ins with authority. I could receive recommendations from coaches, teachers, peers, and other leaders from my high school career.

So lets hear it, crush my dreams.
 
Any ACT/SAT scores? That might be the single most important factor; although everything else matters too. Without a HS rank, the academies look more to the test scores, and estimate a rank; which means the ACT/SAT scores will end up making up a large part of your WCS. Athletics may be a bit of a problem, only being a single sport, and it not being a traditional team sport. Also would be better if you could say you were an officer in a significant organization.

You have time to boost some of these things, but I think you will need to in order to get a spot.
 
Any ACT/SAT scores? That might be the single most important factor; although everything else matters too. Without a HS rank, the academies look more to the test scores, and estimate a rank; which means the ACT/SAT scores will end up making up a large part of your WCS. Athletics may be a bit of a problem, only being a single sport, and it not being a traditional team sport. Also would be better if you could say you were an officer in a significant organization.

You have time to boost some of these things, but I think you will need to in order to get a spot.

I'd argue that athletics would be one of his strongest application pieces. Though I am very biased (I too am a rower and captain of the team), the Naval Academy absolutely eats up anything that has to do with Crew. It is arguably their most important sport. I do definitely agree with you about the test scores however, especially since like you said, he is a home-schooler. I also agree with the comment you made about leadership involvement in an organization.
 
Any ACT/SAT scores? That might be the single most important factor; although everything else matters too. Without a HS rank, the academies look more to the test scores, and estimate a rank; which means the ACT/SAT scores will end up making up a large part of your WCS. Athletics may be a bit of a problem, only being a single sport, and it not being a traditional team sport. Also would be better if you could say you were an officer in a significant organization.

You have time to boost some of these things, but I think you will need to in order to get a spot.
I got a 2250 (W 790, R 750, M 710) freshman year, and I will be taking the ACT this year shooting for 32+
 
I'd argue that athletics would be one of his strongest application pieces. Though I am very biased (I too am a rower and captain of the team), the Naval Academy absolutely eats up anything that has to do with Crew. It is arguably their most important sport. I do definitely agree with you about the test scores however, especially since like you said, he is a home-schooler. I also agree with the comment you made about leadership involvement in an organization.
Is my rowing experience only relevant if I'm ready to row varsity at the academy?
 
Is my rowing experience only relevant if I'm ready to row varsity at the academy?

No. It shows leadership and dedication to an activity. It also shows that you didn't just sit around and study all throughout high-school. It looks good either way, that being said... getting interest from coaches could benefit your chances, even if you notify them that you are not sure of the idea. Either way... I think you have a very strong application.
 
Is my rowing experience only relevant if I'm ready to row varsity at the academy?

I think the rowing experience will help you whether you intend to row at USNA or not. More sports is always better and team captain even better still, but you have some leadership experience with rowing that could be looked at as a captain type of role. Sports is a big plus, but my DD had no HS varsity sports at all. She did have a ton of other activities and good grades, SAT/ACT scores and class rank. She is now a 3C at USNA.

My opinion isn't worth much, but I think you have a good background. I have no idea how competitive NJ is but my guess is that it probably is pretty competitive. Take the most challenging classes you can, heavy in STEM, and take the ACT then take it again if you think you can improve the score. Just do your best to prepare and hope for the best. Have some backup plans though; there are tons of examples of outstanding candidates who don't get in.

Most importantly, make sure your ultimate goal is serving as an officer in the Navy or Marines since that is really what USNA is preparing you for. And if that is truly what you want to do, explore a ROTC scholarship and all other avenues as well.
 
I would say it is difficult to say if you have a chance. You will be competing against others who have similar and better records.
On average, USNA only accepts about 7% of those who apply. That means 93% don't get appointments.
Do everything you can to improve your record.
Most importantly, have a back up plan.
If you don't make it in the first time, consider applying again. Persistence is looked upon favorable.
 
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