Difficulty

One recommendation: Take the SAT Prep Course and ensure you take one with proven results, it is worth the money.
 
I think this is the type of question where a Blue and Gold Officer can add good insight. That is who would be able to put your academics into perspective relevant to your local district and state.

USNA does take the academics available at the school into account when looking at a student's application. In general it's said that they want to see a student taking challenging courses and doing well in them. A student who doesn't have AP classes because the school doesn't offer them will be considered differently than a student who didn't have AP classes, even though they were readily available at that school. If your school doesn't offer high level academics, what have you done to seek out other options?

As others have mentioned, your SAT/ACT scores will probably play a significant role in colleges assessing your applications.

It is possible to sit for an Advanced Placement exam without having taken an official AP course. Are there subjects where you think you are ready to challenge the exam? Would your school be willing to proctor an exam for a course they didn't offer? If not, are there other local schools that might offer that AP exam? (This is something that homeschoolers have to do anytime they want to take an AP exam, so the other schools may be open to having non-registered students come and sit for the exams.) You wouldn't want to do this on a whim, but only if you thought that you were prepared in both the content matter and in the style of questions the AP asks for that course.

If you are a junior, have you applied for Naval Academy Summer Seminar?
 
JustAdNauseam said:
I'm looking at the reviews and everything. Looks excellent, thank you for that suggestion!
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You're very welcome! As a newbie BGO my Area Coordinator suggested I read it... I did and will again. I call it "must read" for my applicants.
 
We live in a very small town. Think high school has a total population of just over 1000 students. We are in California--can be competitive. DS only took 3 maybe 4 AP classes total--3 were math and physics and 1 yr Sr. Eng. His GPA was very strong and math ACT/SAT was strong. His sports and outside school activities and leadership were very strong. He is currently a youngster at USNA and doing extremely well. So, just because you live in a small town/small school with limited opportunities don't give up! It is still doable.
 
Do best in your high school, but it doesn't hurt to look around other high schools in your district, our district has 28 high schools & a famous military academy, many are top high schools in state & also there are kids attending top boarding schools in CT & MA ( those kids compete for nom) It was necessary for DS to take all offered AP & honors from the start no choice:( He took 9 APs, 3 SAT subjects, load up on 2 foreign languages, & almost perfect SAT....and sure enough he was granted Principle Nom. Do your best but also know your competition:)
 
Blondie1 said:
We live in a very small town. Think high school has a total population of just over 1000 students. We are in California--can be competitive. DS only took 3 maybe 4 AP classes total--3 were math and physics and 1 yr Sr. Eng. His GPA was very strong and math ACT/SAT was strong. His sports and outside school activities and leadership were very strong. He is currently a youngster at USNA and doing extremely well. So, just because you live in a small town/small school with limited opportunities don't give up! It is still doable.
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LOL, we have very different opinions of "very small town". I have lived in towns where the population of the entire town is less than the 1000 students in you DS's high school. I once attended a small school in Idaho where the 7th and 8th grade classes were combined in one classroom and totaled less than 15 students! :)
 
Make sure you are as dedicated as possible.
I didn't make the final decision to apply until October of my senior year, just four months ago. I thought long and hard about my values and what I want for my future. After ten months of thinking about the USNA, I finally decided to apply.
I took care of my other college apps first, then dedicated most of my spare time to preparing my app for the USNA. I have always pursued my education and running, as these things make me happy. I'm not outstanding when it comes to leadership, I just have those qualities, no titles (personally, I think titles are overrated). Together, these qualities made me stand out (I guess...haha!).
When you are applying, make sure to fully understand what it is you are applying for. It's a HUGE decision, and you need to be ready to make it. Use that determination and dedication in this choice when you are applying.
I have always wanted to serve. I just never really thought about pursuing it because of different circumstances, my parents being immigrants, making me a first gen American. But once I realized that this is what I want from life, that I want to make an active difference in this world, and give back to my country, I knew this was the right place for me.
Right now, I have received a LOA, just waiting to get one more thing and I'm set. My dream is so close, because I was dedicated to acheiving my goal and I expressed my deidcation. The way I see it, that's the type of people the SAs want: Young men and women who are dedicated to doing the right thing and to serving our country, all starting with being dedicated to making it to a SA.
I wish you all the best. Stay comitted, stay strong. Push yourself in everything you do. Nothing beats hard work. Work hard, and you'll acheive your dreams. Good luck bud.
 
What are some leadership opportunities that I should do, that would increase my chances of appointment to USNA? In addition, how much will JROTC help my chances of appointment to USNA?
 
This is one of those situations where your BGO can make a big difference. I view the BGO interview/write up as a way to fill in the blanks , and tell Admissions something about the candidate that isn't readily apparent in the balance of the application. (In fact, I often wrap up the interview with an open ended question like what else do you want me to tell Admissions about you that you don't think was asked in the application). You should also make a point to emphasize that you have made a point to maximize every opportunity you had in your personal statement. Keep in mind, USNA is pulling in candidates from all over the country, and a wide variety of schools or environments, so your high school may not be that far from the norm.
 
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