An Opinion on Extra Curriculars w/o Varsity Letter

J

Julia-Anne

5-Year Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2011
Messages
4
Hello Everyone :)

I am an incoming Junior interested in applying to the USNA. I've noticed during research that most of the applicants have a varsity high school letter. I was a varsity runner during Junior High, but after an injury I added over a minute to my mile time, and recovering from the injury I was devastated by my new scores. (My time went from the 6 min area, to the high 7/8 minute mark.) I realize that that time is horendous. However, I am an AP/Honors/Gifted student with a relativley high GPA (3.76). I am also a 2nd degree blackbelt in Tae Kwon Do, which I have participated in for over 7 years. I teach at my academy as an assistant instructor. I am also Captain for my school's Color Guard team (flag spinning, drill rifle/sabre), and a member of a Regional Gold Medal (Champion) Winterguard (competive, independent form of Color Guard.) I have many hours of volunteer and work experience, as a personal assistant, event worker, concessions worker (for school functions), and volunteer for my Band Program (playing flute for over 7 years.) I am a current comittee member (and soon to be President) for my school's "Writing Club" which encourages elementary and junior high students to pursue writing, by publishing a literary magazine every year. I will be applying for National Honors Society in the coming months, as well as preparing for the ACT, which I hope to achieve a 32 or above on.

I am currently working through my injury in an attempt to strengthen myself physically and lower my mile run time (hoping to go in the < 7 minute area. Though I don't have a varsity letter, I feel that my extra curriculars are strong, and will get stronger through my Junior and Senior year, as I participate in, and establish clubs at my school and continue to compete in my independent sports. Will the fact that I do not have a varsity letter eliminate me from the running, or is my martial arts experience and competitive color guard decent enough for application? Thank you all for your help!
 
The class profile lists "Varsity Athletics" not letters. Your two years XC already qualifies you so don't worry. Keep pushing on getting up to speed but your committment to Tae Kwon Do and your previous XC should put you in good sted regarding athletic ability.

This year is very important academically as your math and English teachers will write recommendations.

Good luck and remember, the one sure way to not get in is to not apply.
 
Get things in early so the DoDMERB stuff can get done. You want to have plenty of time to get a waiver if its needed for that injury.
 
Just reread your post - your XC experience in Jr. High probably does not equate to being a varsity athlete in the eyes of the NA.
 
Lack of varsity letter isn't fatal. You're right that most successful candidates do, but not all.

USNA is somewhat indifferent to martial arts. The drawbacks are that it's not a team sport and doesn't require running or significant aerobic activity. It can be viewed a bit as a "loner" sport.

There are a couple of ways to "make up" for lack of a varsity sport. First, do REALLY WELL on the CFA. Second, consider if there is a h.s. sport in which you can participate that involves teamwork and/or lots of aerobic activity (e.g., running). Even if you aren't on varsity, you are still active in sports.

At USNA, you have to balance academics with athletics and military obligations. So, USNA looks for candidates who, in h.s., can also juggle academics with community service, sports, ECAs, a job, etc.
 
So, USNA looks for candidates who, in h.s., can also juggle academics with community service, sports, ECAs, a job, etc.
Click to expand...

Important you heed above....all the board members are thinking this EXACT question when they review your record. In determining whether one is qualified, if you can't prove beyond a reasonable that that you can do this, odds are you are not going to be qualified.

If you can't show the Admissions Board that you can manage a plate full of food, it will be hard to convince them that you will survive USNA.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top