Calling All Current and Previous Applicants

dblock

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Mar 17, 2007
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11
Now that you're paying attention:rolleyes:
Could you make one list of things you think you did correctly during the admissions process and a list of things you regret doing/ should have done. :wink:

This site looks cool. Thanks to the mods.
 
dblock said:
Now that you're paying attention:rolleyes:
Could you make one list of things you think you did correctly during the admissions process

Yeah. I got nominated and appointed. :wink:

Seriously, even with a record as blemished as mine was, the very best thing you can do is be ENTHUSIASTIC. An enthusiastic kid with mediocre grades will be sent to NAPS before a bored kid with 4.0 in everything will be sent to USNA.

and a list of things you regret doing/ should have done. :wink:

That's easy. I should have studied harder in HS.

This site looks cool. Thanks to the mods.

You are most welcome! :thumb:
 
dblock,

Welcome to the forum.

Your profile states that you will be 21 years old within the month and that you are a prospect for the Class of 2012. This places you well outside the parameters of the average candidate. Your path of preparation will be somewhat different. Your age will prohibit your attending NAPS or any of the other prep schools. Therefore, on I -Day, 2008, you must be academically prepared with current coursework to enter with the Class of 2012.

Do you have a solid high school background with competitive SAT/ACT scores? Were you active in high school sports and extracurricular activities?

Are you enrolled in a top-tier college? Taking math and science? English composition?

Are you involved in community service work? Do you have leadership positions?

Have you applied to the Academy before? If so, have you discussed your weaknesses with your BGO and Regional Coordinator? If not, what has caused your career aspirations to change?

"Now that you're paying attention", good luck. We are here to help you.
 
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The best thing is very simple and significant. Apply and get all info in ASAP.

With rolling admissions the statistical chances of appointment, all other things being equal, are better earlier, worse later. So git 'er done ... as early as possible which is different than as soon as possible. Early is the USNA calendar, soon is yours. Use theirs. All the rest is pretty much outta your control. This is not.

And btw, if all your things are NOT equal to (or better than most per the profile) all the more reason that earlier is better. Shows lots of genuine interest coupled with motivated behavior.

The "worst" thing ... not having TWO courses in calculus, with A's and maybe an AP score of 4-5 or an SAT II score of 700 or so to show you know. If you've but one, you've still time.

Also, in asking this question of several other current mids, they ALL mentioned writing more. So that said, you may want to go to the site of a retired Navy captain who has written MUCH of the Navy, including the USNA classic "The Return of Philo T. McGiffin" ... David Poyer. He has some excellent suggestions on learning how to write. But this point has more to do with STAYING there vs. GETTING there. His most powerful suggestion though, again, for which you've some time?

Read as many of the great writers as you can. And one adequate writer, Smallwood's book on USNA getting in and staying in.
 
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Hey dblock - I like your name - what is it you are really into - Hip Hop or Chemistry? :wink:
What have you been doing since you graduated from high school?
 
Or Alcatraz, along with the "Bird Man" and all the other REALLY bad guys? :guns: :eek:
 
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Now Whistle Pig, I was trying to be nice - of course spending time in "the" d-block would be something a potential candidate would regret. :blowup:
 
D-block refers to chemistry and transition metals. If you knew all the exceptions and Cr** that goes along with those metals in a chem class, you'd never forget it either.
 
Whistle Pig said:
The "worst" thing ... not having TWO courses in calculus,

WP, I don't understand your logic for recommending TWO courses. Very few, if any, high schools, offer a second year of calculus and I can think of no reason that it would be necessary .

Whistle Pig said:
an SAT II score of 700 or so to show you know.

USNA doesn't look at SAT II scores, and besides, the SAT II doesn't even cover calculus.


Whistle Pig said:
David Poyer. He has some excellent suggestions on learning how to write.

Most of his advice from what I scanned has to do with writing fiction. While an admirable past time, I would not consider it mandatory for success at a service academy. Perhaps he has offered basic composition advice which I was unable to locate?


Whistle Pig said:
Read as many of the great writers as you can.

When you visited the Academy are you sure you didn't somehow go through the gate backwards and end up at St. John's?:shake: :shake:
 
Now 69er ... don't go shooting.

1. Last is1st ... writing is writing. No more needs said of that.
2. This fella's not in HS anymo ... he's 21 in a month ... so if he is still in HS, then game's over anywho. You yourself asked him if he was in college in which case YOU advised him he should be taking calc, presumably a 2nd course So he could easily take another course in calc. I took 4 in college, and we know 2 plebes this year who took 2 in advance of going there.
3. The SAT II is not about getting advance credit or being admitted. It's about knowing that you know it vs. simply taking the courses. There is a difference. You missed the point, obviously
 
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Whistle Pig said:
Now 69er ... don't go shooting.

Not shooting. Just trying to eliminate irresponsible advice.

Whistle Pig said:
writing is writing.

That is a heck of an overgeneralization. I suppose one could also say math is math so as long as a candidate has had Algebra I, he is good to go. So there is a Pulitzer Prize in every weekly newspaper hack in the country?

Whistle Pig said:
. You yourself asked him if he was in college in which case YOU advised him he should be taking calc, presumably a 2nd course

I asked if he was in college. Where did I advise him that he should be taking calc. much less a second course? I think you are presuming more than a second course.

Whistle Pig said:
It's about knowing that you know it vs. simply taking the courses. There is a difference. You missed the point, obviously

I find it hard to believe that one needs a standardized test to "know" if they "know" something. If this advice is pertinent, why not advise him to take ALL the SAT IIs.

Whistle Pig said:
I took 4 in college, and we know 2 plebes this year who took 2 in advance of going there.

And please explain what this has to do with anything. If one tries to have every qualification as every other of the 1200 members of his class, he will drive himself insane. There is ample opportunity in the FOUR years that all midshipmen are required to remain at the Academy to complete all the necessary coursework for majors requirements. Anything beyond the demonstration of an ability to understand calculus is not necessary.
 
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ok, so i'm not in this little arguement.... i can answer the question! lol. j/k guys...

anyways, i just got accepted to naps c/o 2008. i know the biggest single thing that hurt me was not playing enough varsity sports (at usna, marching band doesn't count, even if you letter!). i have four year of band and one of track. play sports!!!!!!!

make a point of letting them know how much you want usna. send them updates, ask questions, the admissions office will answer them. don't be a stranger. that may be the thing that saved me. lol. i'm crazy for usna!

if you are still in high school and just changed you age for obvious internet predator reasons, consider summer seminar. it is the best week ever and totally confirmed my decision to pursue a nomination. it also discouraged others in my squad from applying. it will be the best wee of your life if what you really want is navy.

make sure, i mean 100% sure your teacher's LOVE you. and that they know of your passion. it'll come out in their recommendations.

list every single communtiy service thing you did in high school (and college)on your app, if it doesn't fit, mail them the rest or email your ro and tell him/her. they'll add it.

good luck!
 
i meant to say "pursue an appointment" sorry, i already had the nomination pretty much guarenteed.
 
Posts edited.

Let's keep it civil, please. This isn't CC or the Off Topic forum.

Thanks.
 
To answer the question:

1. Start NOW. Do you research and know what is involved in making the application. Network. Communicate with trusted people who have been there/ done that.

2. Realize that getting accepted is not ALL academics. It also includes demonstrating leadership potential, passing the CFA and DoDMERB exams.

3. You must also meet other personal criteria by law, not married, under age 23, no dependents etc.

4. You must be of good moral character. This is demonstrated by your interviews, letters of recommendations, your leadership experience and essay.

5. Apply for a Nomination from EVERY source available. Be agressive here.
Go to your MOC's websites and see what their criteria are. Apply through other sources if you qualify.

6. If you are not already participating in an aerobic varisty sport and practicing 5 days a week, (ie in really good shape) start working out now and practicing the elements of the physical exam. Most people with have difficulty with one or more parts.

7. DoDMERB - go to their website. See what kinds of medical conditions are disqualifying and prepare yourself. Do NOT delay with any aspect of the DoDMERB exam, remedials or waivers. I beleive the Naval Academy uploads you to DoDMERB as soon and you have completed more that half of your application. Do that quickly so you can get your exam in summer or early fall.

8. Be able to explain why you want to go to the Naval Academy. If you have been out of high school, and you have applied before show how you have improved yourself. If you are out of high school for one or more years and have never applied - be able to explain your interest. At this point wanting to be a fighter pilot since you were 8 years old probably won't cut it. Anyway do some soul searching and find the reason - whatever it is.
 
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