Advice to a Freshman?

[ABridgeNotTooFar]

Hello,

Sorry if this seems repetitive from other posts, but I just wanted some opinions on what I should be doing as a freshman in HS that will help "set a path" to a USNA appointment in the future.
About me:
Currently, I'm heavily involved in the NJROTC program (one of the best in the nation) at my school - I hold positions as the academic team captain, a drill captain, and a part of the "varsity" orienteering team. In and out of the program I have accumulated over 200 hours of community service. My senior naval science instructor has decided to recommend me for my area's NJROTC leadership school over the summer. I was recently accepted to attend USNA Summer Stem, though I have decided not to go due to school testing. I'm a three-sport athlete (although not varsity) and hold a high GPA in all honors courses - I took the PSAT this fall and received a score in the high 1200s.

I'm concerned that I'm not doing enough to receive an appointment in the future. I usually have free time and I've been trying to do things like study for my SAT or find some ECAs. There's a Sea Cadet unit near me that I've been interested in joining on top of NJROTC, but it doesn't seem like they're "worth it", or redundant, over JROTC. I feel as if I'm wasting this free time when I could always be doing something more to get me into USNA. Any ideas?

 

[WT Door]

Hello,

Sorry if this seems repetitive from other posts, but I just wanted some opinions on what I should be doing as a freshman in HS that will help "set a path" to a USNA appointment in the future.
About me:
Currently, I'm heavily involved in the NJROTC program (one of the best in the nation) at my school - I hold positions as the academic team captain, a drill captain, and a part of the "varsity" orienteering team. In and out of the program I have accumulated over 200 hours of community service. My senior naval science instructor has decided to recommend me for my area's NJROTC leadership school over the summer. I was recently accepted to attend USNA Summer Stem, though I have decided not to go due to school testing. I'm a three-sport athlete (although not varsity) and hold a high GPA in all honors courses - I took the PSAT this fall and received a score in the high 1200s.

I'm concerned that I'm not doing enough to receive an appointment in the future. I usually have free time and I've been trying to do things like study for my SAT or find some ECAs. There's a Sea Cadet unit near me that I've been interested in joining on top of NJROTC, but it doesn't seem like they're "worth it", or redundant, over JROTC. I feel as if I'm wasting this free time when I could always be doing something more to get me into USNA. Any ideas?

@ABridgeNotTooFar, if you haven't already, visit https://www.usna.edu/homepage.php. Use this as your primary source and SAF as a secondary source that provides anecdotal advice. You can't concern yourself with receiving or not receiving an appointment "in the future." There are too many variables involved. Visit the USNA website and read it carefully. It will give you an idea of the type of person they are looking for. Plan for the long haul. Now get going. Good luck.

 

[Alchemist]

Hello,

Sorry if this seems repetitive from other posts, but I just wanted some opinions on what I should be doing as a freshman in HS that will help "set a path" to a USNA appointment in the future.
About me:
Currently, I'm heavily involved in the NJROTC program (one of the best in the nation) at my school - I hold positions as the academic team captain, a drill captain, and a part of the "varsity" orienteering team. In and out of the program I have accumulated over 200 hours of community service. My senior naval science instructor has decided to recommend me for my area's NJROTC leadership school over the summer. I was recently accepted to attend USNA Summer Stem, though I have decided not to go due to school testing. I'm a three-sport athlete (although not varsity) and hold a high GPA in all honors courses - I took the PSAT this fall and received a score in the high 1200s.

I'm concerned that I'm not doing enough to receive an appointment in the future. I usually have free time and I've been trying to do things like study for my SAT or find some ECAs. There's a Sea Cadet unit near me that I've been interested in joining on top of NJROTC, but it doesn't seem like they're "worth it", or redundant, over JROTC. I feel as if I'm wasting this free time when I could always be doing something more to get me into USNA. Any ideas?

USNA requires above average fit candidates and varsity sports are a good indicator for them. As you get older (Jr and Sr years) being a captain of a varsity sport gives more points for you. Show dedication and progression in your sports. Now is a good time to look at the CFA test and practice for it - you want to max out on it for more points. Three years of preparation on pullups, crunches, pushups, running the mile and the shuttle run, AND the dreaded basketball throw should give you a definite edge. YouTube videos are helpful to see what it is about.

Your community service hours are good, keep it up. NJROTC and the leadership school are great for leadership. Keep up the leadership positions thru senior year. Personally, I would love to do the Sea Cadets, just to learn sailing.

Your academics appear above average - keep it up. The more AP and Honor classes the better. Try to take calculus, physics and chemistry before you graduate.

Take the SAT and/or ACT as many times as you can to max out. USNA uses the superscore system. Of course, if you get a perfect score or near perfect no need to continue on that.

Now is a good time to research the congressional nominations. You will most likely apply to your two senators, your local congressperson, and the Vice President. See if you are eligible for the Presidential, too. I imagine you also getting a JROTC nomination. You can go their current websites and look at the application instructions. You will need letters of recommendations for each. They all have essays, usu with a word limit. Then if your application passes their initial review, you have the 15-to-30-minute interview in the fall of your senior year with either the MOC or his/her representatives. All, except the VP. Practice interviewing. Every candidate picked for interviews is outstanding - on paper. You want to be outstanding in person.

Something extra, is Boys State the summer between your junior and senior year. Google that for your state. In January of your junior year apply for it. Typically, an essay and interview are involved. All expenses are paid for and the USNA puts high prestige on it, plus extra points for candidates who have attended.

For Plan B, apply for a Navy ROTC scholarship. 4 years all tuition paid. Research schools you would like to attend that have NROTC on campus. The scholarship requires you to list 5 schools in order of preference that have NROTC. Again, essay, fitness test, and interview with an ROTC officer will be required.

Remember, it is a marathon, not a sprint. Starting this early in the process is smart, very smart.

 

[OldRetSWO]

Your community service hours are good, keep it up. NJROTC and the leadership school are great for leadership. Keep up the leadership positions thru senior year. Personally, I would love to do the Sea Cadets, just to learn sailing.

What level of community service hours are the academies looking for? (Note: 33 yr BGO here and I've never seen any mention of this from USNA)

Also, I think that you're confusing Sea Scouts (Sea Explorers) with Sea Cadets as the Scouts are the ones with significant sailing while Sea Cadets are more about learning Navy "stuff" .

 

[Academician]

You're off to a good start. Focus on the three: be a scholar, be an athlete and be a leader. Lots of great advice here and throughout SAF. Good luck with your journey!

 

[MidCakePa]

As the others have said, you’re off to a good start. Now, solidify your path by learning more fully what it means to become a naval or Marine officer. Start by reviewing every page, link, tab and drop-down on the USNA website. Explore the mission of the naval services and the MOS choices and the career paths. Because USNA is not a destination, but a stepping stone to something much more. (And while you’re at it, check out the other SAs and branches as well.)

Yes, I understand you’re immersed in NROTC. Which is all the more reason to dig deeper into what it means to be a NA mid and AD officer. Things can be romanticized at your age and through that lens — more knowledge from new angles is always better. My DD declared in middle school that she would attend USNA. But things happened and things were learned — and she came thiiiiis close to attending USMA instead. She did end up at USNA, and now USMC, but it didn’t hurt to keep her eyes open….

 

[justdoit19]

USNA requires above average fit candidates and varsity sports are a good indicator for them. As you get older (Jr and Sr years) being a captain of a varsity sport gives more points for you. Show dedication and progression in your sports. Now is a good time to look at the CFA test and practice for it - you want to max out on it for more points. Three years of preparation on pullups, crunches, pushups, running the mile and the shuttle run, AND the dreaded basketball throw should give you a definite edge. YouTube videos are helpful to see what it is about.

Your community service hours are good, keep it up. NJROTC and the leadership school are great for leadership. Keep up the leadership positions thru senior year. Personally, I would love to do the Sea Cadets, just to learn sailing.

Your academics appear above average - keep it up. The more AP and Honor classes the better. Try to take calculus, physics and chemistry before you graduate.

Take the SAT and/or ACT as many times as you can to max out. USNA uses the superscore system. Of course, if you get a perfect score or near perfect no need to continue on that.

Now is a good time to research the congressional nominations. You will most likely apply to your two senators, your local congressperson, and the Vice President. See if you are eligible for the Presidential, too. I imagine you also getting a JROTC nomination. You can go their current websites and look at the application instructions. You will need letters of recommendations for each. They all have essays, usu with a word limit. Then if your application passes their initial review, you have the 15-to-30-minute interview in the fall of your senior year with either the MOC or his/her representatives. All, except the VP. Practice interviewing. Every candidate picked for interviews is outstanding - on paper. You want to be outstanding in person.

Something extra, is Boys State the summer between your junior and senior year. Google that for your state. In January of your junior year apply for it. Typically, an essay and interview are involved. All expenses are paid for and the USNA puts high prestige on it, plus extra points for candidates who have attended.

For Plan B, apply for a Navy ROTC scholarship. 4 years all tuition paid. Research schools you would like to attend that have NROTC on campus. The scholarship requires you to list 5 schools in order of preference that have NROTC. Again, essay, fitness test, and interview with an ROTC officer will be required.

Remember, it is a marathon, not a sprint. Starting this early in the process is smart, very smart.

FYI, not all SEN/REPS interview. In our state and district, only the REP interviews. No SEN interviews.

There is the required BGO interview.

OP, know that you can fill every minute of your free time, and still not obtain an appointment. Unfortunately, every year there are amazing candidates left wondering why they were turned down. It happens. It’s great to work towards this, and start early. But also enjoy your high school career. Don’t do things ‘only for a future appointment’ Who knows, you could be medically DQ’ed when the time comes. My point, is to also enjoy yourself. You don’t get a do-over for your high school years.

Good luck in your endeavors!!!

 

[Alchemist]

FYI, not all SEN/REPS interview. In our state and district, only the REP interviews. No SEN interviews.

There is the required BGO interview.

True, one of our Senators does not interview. The other Senator does. Rep did. Both used panels. That is why I suggested going to their websites and reviewing their instructions - it varies. I did forget the BGO interview, thanks for reminding us.

 

[jrw0531]

Hello,

Sorry if this seems repetitive from other posts, but I just wanted some opinions on what I should be doing as a freshman in HS that will help "set a path" to a USNA appointment in the future.
About me:
Currently, I'm heavily involved in the NJROTC program (one of the best in the nation) at my school - I hold positions as the academic team captain, a drill captain, and a part of the "varsity" orienteering team. In and out of the program I have accumulated over 200 hours of community service. My senior naval science instructor has decided to recommend me for my area's NJROTC leadership school over the summer. I was recently accepted to attend USNA Summer Stem, though I have decided not to go due to school testing. I'm a three-sport athlete (although not varsity) and hold a high GPA in all honors courses - I took the PSAT this fall and received a score in the high 1200s.

I'm concerned that I'm not doing enough to receive an appointment in the future. I usually have free time and I've been trying to do things like study for my SAT or find some ECAs. There's a Sea Cadet unit near me that I've been interested in joining on top of NJROTC, but it doesn't seem like they're "worth it", or redundant, over JROTC. I feel as if I'm wasting this free time when I could always be doing something more to get me into USNA. Any ideas?

You're on a really great track for sure! Keep it up.

I would say there's nothing wrong with having free time... You only get to live a high school life once, make the most of it. The Academy is so stressful and kinda takes a lot "out" from you, I wish I spent more time developing who I was as a person and building my character before I came here.

In your free time, think about your "WHY" of the Academy. And moreover, practice character building and mindfulness everyday. The Academy wants people of good moral character who will be good officers. I've rarely seen a "bad" person at the Academy. Develop this skill because I think it really does shine through your application in a way.

Yes, the dream is USNA. But the dream should be serving and working toward building the person you want to be

 

[Capt MJ]

Some excellent advice above, cannot emphasize enough going to primary sources and exploring them thoroughly, especially usna.edu and the individual Sen and Rep webpages on SA nominations. Elected officials are free to conduct their process any way they wish. Ditto for exploring the NROTC home page.

This is a page often missed at usna.edu, and applicants get caught up in time limits associated with some conditions. Reviewing it now gives you a heads up. This is not a complete list of things that can medically DQ you, but some of the most common.

https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/_files/documents/MedicalAppendix1.pdf

Related to the medical qualification process, which can be surprisingly long and complicated during the application cycle, you will learn all about DoDMERB. Go to their home page at link below, and skim through the left-side menu items to get a feel for that process.

DoD Website Consent

Another page not to miss at usna.edu:

General Advice for Grades 9-12

General Advice for Grades 9-12 page for Admissions at USNA.edu. Updated Sun May 12 05:13:13 EDT 2024.

www.usna.edu

Another note on Nominations, go to the Nominations forum here on SAF and read the pinned post at the top. Posts here on SAF are unofficial but be be very helpful.

 

[StPaulDad]

As the others have said, you’re off to a good start. Now, solidify your path by learning more fully what it means to become a naval or Marine officer. Start by reviewing every page, link, tab and drop-down on the USNA website. Explore the mission of the naval services and the MOS choices and the career paths. Because USNA is not a destination, but a stepping stone to something much more. (And while you’re at it, check out the other SAs and branches as well.)

Yes, I understand you’re immersed in NROTC. Which is all the more reason to dig deeper into what it means to be a NA mid and AD officer. Things can be romanticized at your age and through that lens — more knowledge from new angles is always better. My DD declared in middle school that she would attend USNA. But things happened and things were learned — and she came thiiiiis close to attending USMA instead. She did end up at USNA, and now USMC, but it didn’t hurt to keep her eyes open….

There's a lot of wisdom here. I'd add a caution about getting too deep into your current NJROTC unit or future SA application and missing a broader high school experience. In addition to doing everything you're doing now, make sure you still have time to go to dances other than Military Ball, to be on teams outside the ROTC department, to find things that you enjoy that are not directly tied to a possible SA app. Did you watch High School Musical? You learn about yourself by going outside your comfort zone and you develop skills and habits when dealing with people outside your immediate community. A more well-rounded you interviews better and relates to more people easier.

So yeah, it sounds like everyone is saying improve your excellent academics, attack those test scores, continue your NJROTC work, keep volunteering, put in the time to reach varsity in at least one sport, investigate all your routes (academy, ROTC, OCS, etc) to all the services (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, etc) and now to add some other activities to leaven the loaf. Looks like a lot because it is, so the point @jrw0531 raised about keeping enough space in your schedule to grow as a person is really important.

 

[Small Team Bacsi]

It seems a bit overly well planned to me for a goal you might never achieve. What then if you don’t get selected by the one path you have singled out in 7th or 8th grade ?

Have fun, get tougher and smarter. enjoy HS, be social, play varsity sports and get a V letter or three. Stay out of trouble,

Be well rounded. I’d not worry about being an expert in all things USNA or all things military. Those will not help you if you ever get to pleb summer. Besides that is what a SA is there for.

And have some serious well thought out plan Bs. Other SAs? ROTC? Enlist?

 

[Alchemist]

What level of community service hours are the academies looking for? (Note: 33 yr BGO here and I've never seen any mention of this from USNA)

Also, I think that you're confusing Sea Scouts (Sea Explorers) with Sea Cadets as the Scouts are the ones with significant sailing while Sea Cadets are more about learning Navy "stuff" .

USNA must put a lot of value into the candidate's community service hours: Metric from Class of 2026 Profile, 82% of admitted had community service. Second most common trait after varsity sports. Probably the more the better?

 

[JudgeGuy]

Hello,

Sorry if this seems repetitive from other posts, but I just wanted some opinions on what I should be doing as a freshman in HS that will help "set a path" to a USNA appointment in the future.
About me:
Currently, I'm heavily involved in the NJROTC program (one of the best in the nation) at my school - I hold positions as the academic team captain, a drill captain, and a part of the "varsity" orienteering team. In and out of the program I have accumulated over 200 hours of community service. My senior naval science instructor has decided to recommend me for my area's NJROTC leadership school over the summer. I was recently accepted to attend USNA Summer Stem, though I have decided not to go due to school testing. I'm a three-sport athlete (although not varsity) and hold a high GPA in all honors courses - I took the PSAT this fall and received a score in the high 1200s.

I'm concerned that I'm not doing enough to receive an appointment in the future. I usually have free time and I've been trying to do things like study for my SAT or find some ECAs. There's a Sea Cadet unit near me that I've been interested in joining on top of NJROTC, but it doesn't seem like they're "worth it", or redundant, over JROTC. I feel as if I'm wasting this free time when I could always be doing something more to get me into USNA. Any ideas?

Lot of good advice above. Pay close attention to the links @Capt MJ listed in her post as it esp the 'General Advice for Grades 9-12' link as that discussed classes you should be taking.

The biggest things I'd recommend is to get involved in HS, join a sport (can't go wrong with XC or Track to physically prepare), try new things that challenge you, jump at leadership opportunities. Life goes by fast, It’s great to have a future plan, but live in the moment, be a kid, enjoy HS.

 

[Capt MJ]

I think young people who know they want to go to college and have been coached by parents, teachers and guidance counselors years before applying that community service hours are important to college applications will seek to check that block wherever they apply. I believe the stat above in @Alchemist post reflects a cultural norm these days, demonstrating those who apply to SAs reflect the general population of college applicants of their generation with the accrual of community service hours. I would be surprised if the majority of SA successful applicants didn’t have community service hours. It comes with the package these days for college aspirants.

That is different from saying the SA intentionally seeks out and assigns a high number of points to this aspect of the student’s application. Sure, they like to see it, but academics, leadership, athletic and physical skills and other elements are likely to far outweigh the fact of community service. Throw a leadership element in there, though, and that adds value. I think the SAs would be surprised if they ddn’t see those hours, as it is such a common positive element of applications today, and a great trend to see. Community service, whether 50 or 500 hours, indicates a willingness to give time and effort to others, an essential element of military life.

In the general advice for HS students, USNA does not say “Be sure to get at least X hours in community service.”
https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Apply/General-Advice-for-Grades-9-12.php

I am sure community service is valued - just not as high up there with highly critical aspects of candidacy.

 

[ARandomMid]

What level of community service hours are the academies looking for? (Note: 33 yr BGO here and I've never seen any mention of this from USNA)

Also, I think that you're confusing Sea Scouts (Sea Explorers) with Sea Cadets as the Scouts are the ones with significant sailing while Sea Cadets are more about learning Navy "stuff" .

They never specifically asked for service hours on my application this year. There was, however, an option to include them in the extracurriculars section of the portal. This is speculation, but they may like seeing service hours gained from being a part of an organization more than those spent at various places. Dedication to a specific cause is likely something that admissions wants to see.

 

[ARandomMid]

Hello,

Sorry if this seems repetitive from other posts, but I just wanted some opinions on what I should be doing as a freshman in HS that will help "set a path" to a USNA appointment in the future.
About me:
Currently, I'm heavily involved in the NJROTC program (one of the best in the nation) at my school - I hold positions as the academic team captain, a drill captain, and a part of the "varsity" orienteering team. In and out of the program I have accumulated over 200 hours of community service. My senior naval science instructor has decided to recommend me for my area's NJROTC leadership school over the summer. I was recently accepted to attend USNA Summer Stem, though I have decided not to go due to school testing. I'm a three-sport athlete (although not varsity) and hold a high GPA in all honors courses - I took the PSAT this fall and received a score in the high 1200s.

I'm concerned that I'm not doing enough to receive an appointment in the future. I usually have free time and I've been trying to do things like study for my SAT or find some ECAs. There's a Sea Cadet unit near me that I've been interested in joining on top of NJROTC, but it doesn't seem like they're "worth it", or redundant, over JROTC. I feel as if I'm wasting this free time when I could always be doing something more to get me into USNA. Any ideas?

Others have provided great specific advice. You sound like you are on track to be a competitive candidate. Don't worry as much about doing "enough" to receive an appointment. Don't choose to do things just because you think they'll give you a better chance at getting in (this is only true to an extent, of course). DO play sports, DO be involved in your community, and probably most importantly, DO get good grades, but find things that YOU like to do. This will make you stand out from the crowd, and it will help you enjoy high school. Excel at the things that you enjoy. Also, stay healthy and out of trouble. Good luck!

 

[OldRetSWO]

When admissions briefs the BGOs, they do not say that there are WPM (WCS) points for Community Service
while they do for so many other things.

 

[IronmanDaremo]

Volunteer hours have been required for all three of my older kids (as part of their graduation requirement). They all went/are going to the same high school. It is a County requirement, not just for their school. I think it is almost an expected thing nowadays for colleges to see that.

 

[Capt MJ]

I would also assume many Sen/Rep nom apps request that info. That particular factor is fairly close to being considered a constant in SA and college applications.