Freshman and Sophomore Years of High School

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ajwilliams96

5-Year Member
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Dec 24, 2011
Messages
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With my first two years of high school, would it be possible to gain a nomination to the U.S. Service Academies (preferably the U.S. Naval Academy) if I either remained as I was or continued to improve? Here are a list of things during my freshman and sophomore years of high school:


Freshman Year

Academics

Two Honors Courses (Honors Chemistry and Honors Geometry)
Two Electives (Multimedia Design and Concert Band)
Maximum Number of Credits
Honors Community Service (50 Community Service Hours)
GPA - 2.95


School Sports

None


Student Government

Elected Ninth Grade Class Council Officer


Extracurricular

Volunteer at the Children’s Section of the Local Library
Judge in the Lower School Science Fair
Performed in the School Spring Drama Production
Member of Church Youth Group
Participated in the Day of Silence
Host at an School Information Session
Wrote and Acted for the School Drama Festival


Sophomore Year (so far)

Academics

Two Honors Courses (Honors Biology and Honors Algebra II)
One AP Course (AP World History)
Two Electives (Introduction to Computer Science and Concert Band)
Maximum Number of Credits
Honors Community Service (50 Community Service Hours)
GPA - 3.2 (as of the end of last quarter)


School Sports

Junior Varsity Cross Country
Junior Varsity Swimming
Junior Varsity Tennis


Student Government

Elected Tenth Grade Class Council Officer
Elected Student Council Secretary (Highest Student Council Position Available to a Sophomore)


Extracurricular

Volunteering at the Children’s Section of the Local Library
Performed in the Fall and Spring Drama Productions
Member of the Technical Crews for the School Drama Productions
Member of Church Youth Group
Active Junior State of America Member
Model United Nations Delegate
Participated in the Day of Silence
Wrote and Acted for the School Drama Festival
Staff Writer for the School Newspaper
Member of the Community Service Board
 
While it is "impossible" to completly answer your question, I will say this: YOU are the master of your destiny in many ways and you are showing a POSITIVE trend of improvements!!! :thumb:

Were I your ALO I would say "Continue on the track you are pursuing...keep after the GPA...continue the activities, but do NOT let them take down the academics: time management is key! And focus on your fitness (appears you are with your sports) as that is one of the items that is crushing most young males today!"

I think you're doing a fine job of building a resume of success!!! Keep after it!!! :thumb:

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
In addition to the list above, in my freshman year, I was a member of the Chess Team and the Ultimate Frisbee club. Also, in the summer between my freshman and sophomore years, I volunteered in a hospital's messenger department. This year, I am also a member of the Chess Club, a member of the Future Business Leaders of America chapter, a host at multiple school open houses, and I also helped in the School Toy Drive. Over the summer, I intend on attending the Navy Sports Camp for swimming and go to Nicaragua for a mission trip. Also, I received a 184 on the PSAT.
 
MOC's are like the SA's, when awarding a nom they look at the WHOLE CANDIDATE. As Flieger stated you need to find a balance between ECs and academics, being in 20 Clubs is nice, but not if it means had you been in 10 you would have a 3.6 cgpa instead of a 3.1 cgpa.

This goes back to the statement many have given, it is the quality not the quantity that matters.

If you love all of your EC's and can't bear to quit any one of them, I would strongly suggest hitting the books harder. If that means at lunch time you skip it to study in the library, do that. If it means this summer you purchase study aids for your Kindle or computer so you can get a jump on next yrs classes, do that.

You have a lot of time, it is now up to you to use that time wisely to your best advantage.
 
aj,

No offense, but I have to ask is there a particular question you want to ask that has not been answered?

You are not even a rising jr yet. That equates to basically 20 months before the MOC's start closing out their nom APPLICATIONS.

If you want to BUMP it, than tell us where you are from, give us some more detail, and I am not talking about the update of another EC. How about school rank?

The reason why is some states are incredibly competitive, and "talk" so candidates only get 1 nom from the 3 MOCS. Some are not as competitive. NC does not talk, NY, does.
 
You seem like you're definitely on a good track for extracurriculars. As someone who is going through the process now, I can tell you that you should definitely make a point of gaining leadership positions in those clubs and teams. DON'T overextend yourself. I would pick some of the clubs you are currently participating in that you like most, maintain year-round sports, and really focus on those activities.

Your GPA could definitely use some work, but it is not as if you are down and out. If I were you, I would cut back on the extracurriculars and really work on getting your 4-year cumulative GPA up to 3.5 or higher (if you want to be truly competitive). This is especially important if you are applying to USNA from the Annapolis area like myself. Not to scare you, but I did not receive any USNA nominations and I have a 4.38 weighted (3.97 unweighted) GPA and two varsity sports. However, I am not even close to you in my leadership positions. Just some factors to keep in mind.

Best of luck!
 
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