Naval Academy Foundation

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sydthesquid

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Hi. I hope you are all doing well. I just got news that I was offered to the foundation program for the Naval Academy. I am extremely honored to be given a chance to attend. However, I have a few questions and I would appreciate it if anyone could answer them.

1.) What is the difference between the prep school and the foundation?
2.) I have been thinking it might be better for me to attend one year of civilian college before attending the Naval Academy (My dad was in the Army and we moved away from where the rest of our family lives. Unfortunately, my grandmother is sick. I was thinking a year of civilian college would allow me to help her out as well as some time to spend with her.) If I deny this offer to the foundation, would I be able to reapply for USNA next year?
3.) If I do accept this offer to attend the foundation, what should I expect to do during my attendance?

Thank you for taking a look at this. Once again, I would like to stress how grateful I am to have this opportunity. As for question number two, my dream is to serve in the military. If I can reapply to USNA next year, I would like to know as soon as possible so I can give the spot to another candidate. Thank you.
 
sydthesquid said:
Hi. I hope you are all doing well. I just got news that I was offered to the foundation program for the Naval Academy. I am extremely honored to be given a chance to attend. However, I have a few questions and I would appreciate it if anyone could answer them.

1.) What is the difference between the prep school and the foundation?
2.) I have been thinking it might be better for me to attend one year of civilian college before attending the Naval Academy (My dad was in the Army and we moved away from where the rest of our family lives. Unfortunately, my grandmother is sick. I was thinking a year of civilian college would allow me to help her out as well as some time to spend with her.) If I deny this offer to the foundation, would I be able to reapply for USNA next year?
3.) If I do accept this offer to attend the foundation, what should I expect to do during my attendance?

Thank you for taking a look at this. Once again, I would like to stress how grateful I am to have this opportunity. As for question number two, my dream is to serve in the military. If I can reapply to USNA next year, I would like to know as soon as possible so I can give the spot to another candidate. Thank you.
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Whoa - hang on - USNA Admissions has passed YOUR name on to the Naval Academy Foundation as a candidate for a Foundation Scholarship at one of the partner prep schools. If you successfully complete the prep program, get a nom and re-apply, USNA is saving a place for you in the Class of 2028. For whatever reason, they think you are not quite ready for entering USNA this summer, but think you need some polish and prep. They want you and are willing to ask the Foundation to invest in you.

The partner prep schools are experts at assessing where you are and what you need to work on. They support your re-application process knowledgeably. They get you.

Go to the Foundation website and do the legwork, read every page, link and menu item about Foundation Scholarships. Call the Foundation with questions after you have scoured the primary source. They talk to people just like you every winter and spring. Note the partner schools and review their websites. Get on the phone and talk to them about their program, their stats in getting “sponsored preps” to SAs.

At the prep school, you’ll meet people just like you, chosen for a similar program associated with their SA. Instant friends with a common goal, some of whom would move on to USNA with you.

If you want to go to USNA, this is often called “the golden ticket.”

Yes, of course you can say no. Yes, you can re-apply as a college re-applicant. Have you looked at where the partner prep schools are?

NAPS is the military prep school run by the Navy. NAPSters have enlisted status.

Foundation scholars are offered scholarships to a select group of prep schools.

And - huge congratulations. Next best thing to an appointment.
 
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Oh - and look at the Class Profile below and how many were Foundation Scholars (43). Think of the many hundreds of candidates who will be told “we regret to inform you” in the coming months, and you’ve been offered a life ring with a zipline to USNA Class of 2028.


www.usna.edu

Class Portrait

Class Portrait page for Admissions at USNA.edu. Updated Tue May 21 05:06:43 EDT 2024.
www.usna.edu

Educate yourself about every pro and con before making a decision.
 
Adding, I’m sure you have time to accept, or decline, the offer. Do NOT feel any pressure to make a decision quickly, to open a spot for someone else. This is a decision you should spend a bit of time making, as it IS a ‘golden ticket’, as already stated.

Maybe you could talk this over with your grandma, too. I suspect she would give you her blessing ♥️.

This route is almost a guaranteed spot in the next class. As long as you meet requirements. Reapplying doesn’t have the same support as a foundation route. And you are starting over in your reapplication. Not saying you won’t secure a spot as a college reapplicant, but as a prep student? There is already a spot for you, as already mentioned.

Don’t be hasty. You have time to really think this through. Congrats!
 
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sydthesquid said:
Hi. I hope you are all doing well. I just got news that I was offered to the foundation program for the Naval Academy. I am extremely honored to be given a chance to attend. However, I have a few questions and I would appreciate it if anyone could answer them.

1.) What is the difference between the prep school and the foundation?
2.) I have been thinking it might be better for me to attend one year of civilian college before attending the Naval Academy (My dad was in the Army and we moved away from where the rest of our family lives. Unfortunately, my grandmother is sick. I was thinking a year of civilian college would allow me to help her out as well as some time to spend with her.) If I deny this offer to the foundation, would I be able to reapply for USNA next year?
3.) If I do accept this offer to attend the foundation, what should I expect to do during my attendance?

Thank you for taking a look at this. Once again, I would like to stress how grateful I am to have this opportunity. As for question number two, my dream is to serve in the military. If I can reapply to USNA next year, I would like to know as soon as possible so I can give the spot to another candidate. Thank you.
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Im currently attending Marion Military Institute (one of the USNA foundation schools). I am not sponsored but if you're interested in Marion shoot me a direct message and I can put you in touch with some of my friends who are.
 
I'm aware of a Candidate for 2026, who went to Marion Military Institute, on his own...he took the SA prep track and eventually was offered Appointments to USNA and USMA. He is now at USMA. You have a great opportunity.
 
If it helps, I would think about Foundation and USNA as the same thing; so... are you willing to not attend USNA to care for or spend time with your grandmother? If you were starting at USNA in June, would that change anything for you? (Why?) And what does she and your family think about your potential plan? Only you can really figure that out. Good luck regardless of what you choose; this one is a very tough decision for anyone. And I think it's pretty impressive and very touching that her illness and this opportunity to spend perhaps her last days with her is something you are weighing giving up your dream for. I kind of read your post like, damn, I hope this kid makes it one day to serve. And blessings for your grandmother.
 
If you wish to be appointed to USNA , your best bet would be to accept the Foundation offer . There is NO guarantee that you will receive an appointment prepping at a civilian college for class of 2028. As always Capt MJ has shared her knowledge and she is correct when she says this is considered the “golden ticket”. You accepting or declining your Foundation offer is not going to automatically open up a spot for another candidate, and frankly that is not your responsibility. I can not stress enough that you should take your time researching this incredible opportunity that you have been offered by the Naval Foundation , discuss it with your family and speak to others at both Naval Foundation and past Naval Foundation Scholarship recipients . I understand family obligations , but if you had been offered a direct appointment to the class of 2027 , would you have declined it to care for your grandmother?
 
First, congratulations on your “golden ticket” @sydthesquid :groupwave:

While you may have felt disappointment that it’s not an appointment, I hope you can celebrate your accomplishments and the opportunity you’re being offered. It’ll be a hard decision with your grandmother‘s illness. Prayers to your family and I wish you peace and clarity in your decision.
 
I had a family member with incredible “stats” be offered Foundation. She took it. It was a terrific experience. She then entered USNA and did extremely well. PM me if you have questions.

Bottom line: if you want USNA, this is your best chance and a nearly 100% guarantee. Also, Foundation students have the highest graduation percentage of any entering group.

There is a USNA contact person for Foundation. He will be in contact with you. Discuss your grandmother’s situation with him.
 
Congratulations! My DS is hoping for foundation or prep if no appointment. You have a wonderful opportunity that will change the entire trajectory of your life. I encourage you to talk through this carefully with your family, and consider all the pros/cons. I'm surprised to hear that these "golden tickets" are being handed out so soon. But, then again, my knowledge is very limited in this world and I'm often surprised :)
 
If USNA is your goal, take the offer. It’s a great program. There are a variety of schools to choose from. They are listed on the USNA website. See if one is closer to home than others. If I remember correctly, Northwest Prep is a one semester program. The candidate then goes home to attend community college or a local university taking the core courses such as Chem, Calc, etc. If USNA is what you want, talk to the Foundation Program to fund the best fit and take the offer.
 
I'll add to this list of endorsements of the Foundation program. Unfortunately, my DD was medically separated from USNA for undiagnosed cardiac issues (much longer story there), but she went Foundation and it was a fantastic experience on all fronts. The USNA Foundation team, then led by (now retired) Captain Wallace was simply first class. A supremely professional team that wants nothing but success for the Foundation students. DD attended Marion Military Institute (MMI) in AL and couldn't have been better prepared for USNA. The MMI academic program is challenging and ensures that the students are prepared for the plebe academic year. The military training at MMI ensures proper bearing. In terms of Academy prep, we can't say enough good things about MMI - they've got the "path to appointment" thing figured out. Indeed, Foundation is the "golden ticket". If the student does their part, they're in.
 
Capt MJ said:
If you successfully complete the prep program, get a nom and re-apply, USNA is saving a place for you in the Class of 2028. For whatever reason, they think you are not quite ready for entering USNA this summer, but think you need some polish and prep. They want you and are willing to ask the Foundation to invest in you.
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Has this process changed somewhere along the way? My DH went to NMMI through the Foundation some 20 odd-mumble-mumble years ago but had a spot in the next years' USNA class, no reapplying or additional nom needed. According to his mom it was something about another kid from his high school being offered a spot first (she's still bitter that kid dropped out during plebe summer) but DH says something about a delay in his hearing test. I mean it seems totally possible things have changed in all that time but just trying to understand the different paths of 'no, but yes'/waiver/prep school/reapply as we sit in the waiting space for DS.

For the OP I can say DH enjoyed his experience living in an entirely different part of the country than he'd ever been. He was able to knock out some academic credits and made plebe year slightly easier on himself. It was still full blown military school with a fair amount of rules and expectation but he thrives in that environment. He was able to leave for a family funeral but that was it. He enjoyed knowing a few people already when arriving for I-Day. He hasn't talked about it a ton over the years but I think he certainly appreciated the experience as a way to ease in to Academy life.
 
Gnarlygoat27 said:
Has this process changed somewhere along the way? My DH went to NMMI through the Foundation some 20 odd-mumble-mumble years ago but had a spot in the next years' USNA class, no reapplying or additional nom needed. According to his mom it was something about another kid from his high school being offered a spot first (she's still bitter that kid dropped out during plebe summer) but DH says something about a delay in his hearing test. I mean it seems totally possible things have changed in all that time but just trying to understand the different paths of 'no, but yes'/waiver/prep school/reapply as we sit in the waiting space for DS.

For the OP I can say DH enjoyed his experience living in an entirely different part of the country than he'd ever been. He was able to knock out some academic credits and made plebe year slightly easier on himself. It was still full blown military school with a fair amount of rules and expectation but he thrives in that environment. He was able to leave for a family funeral but that was it. He enjoyed knowing a few people already when arriving for I-Day. He hasn't talked about it a ton over the years but I think he certainly appreciated the experience as a way to ease in to Academy life.
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Your DH had a nom to USNA - maybe one was “found” for him from the nom authorities USNA controls. These days I think they are all expected and encouraged to apply for noms in the next cycle. Foundation POC can address all of that. DoDMERB is good for 2 years, but update to medical history must be submitted if applicable.
 
DD is currently at a Naval Foundation sponsored prep school . She was instructed to reapply for all nomination sources again and received nominations from one of our senators and our MOC for this cycle . She also had to successfully complete the PRT and have her final grades from high school and her first semester at prep school sent to USNA admissions . The Naval Foundation program has been unbelievably supportive during this process , even putting DD in contact with a female alumni of USNA who also has two daughters of her own who are alumni of USNA . DD idolizes her and this very accomplished woman has taken time out of her busy schedule to share support and advice with DD . I honestly can’t express how grateful and fortunate we feel that DD was given this opportunity .
 
For what it's worth (CGA cadet here who went to MMI as a self-prep), I knew several USNA foundation scholars. 1 of them my family is sponsoring now (since we are from the Annapolis area) and he is studying aerospace engineering and is doing super well. He is trying to go marine air. The foundation scholarship has set him up for success at USNA and I know he is enjoying his time there (when not toiling away on engineering homework).
 
As Banshee Mom stated, reapplication, applying for noms, and passing the PRT (not CFA) is required of all Foundation students (and, I believe, NAPS students). While Foundation is a "golden ticket," appointment is not automatic. Main reasons for not moving on include: conduct issue, honor issue, failing PRT, failing courses, not completing the reapplication requirements, and -- of course -- changing your mind. It's rare, but typically a handful of students each year fail to complete the Foundation program.

For Foundation students, most of the above have consequences to the parents, as they may be required to pay back Foundation funding.
 
17racer said:
Im currently attending Marion Military Institute (one of the USNA foundation schools). I am not sponsored but if you're interested in Marion shoot me a direct message and I can put you in touch with some of my friends who are.
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Same here, I am not sponsored but am really close with the sponsored Navy kids. DM me and I can get you in touch with anyone you need!
 
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