Naval Academy Nuke

[TheAlmightyBison]

Hey guys I'm a senior in high school and I'm in DEP with a nuke contract. I plan on applying to the Naval Academy and STA 21 during Nuclear Power School, I know its not recommend to enlist to become an officer, but I'm content with staying enlisted if I don't get picked up for one of these programs, however I do really wanna attend the academy and be an officer if its possible. So my question is can anyone who has went these routes give me some insight on how to be as competitive as I can be.
What were your stats(high school GPA, class rank, EC) when you got picked up? And what what did you do in RTC, A school, and Nuclear Power school to increase your chances? Any and all advice is appreciated. (Sorry I can't really find much on this stuff)

 

[kinnem]

I cannot speak to the process of enlisted getting admitted to the Naval Academy. I do know they are certainly in need of Nuke officers as some new officers are being "drafted" for Nuke. What I did want to post about is that USNA is not the only path to a commission in the Navy. There is also the Seaman to Admiral (STA-21) program that gets completed via ROTC with tuition being payed by the Navy. I did notice in the eligibility requirements that you must obtain your degree in 36 months. That almost certainly means you would need some college credit under your belt (the closer you get to 30 the better) before you start the program. I'm sure you will know how to accomplish that as a seaman far better than I would. Just something to think about... don't limit your options.

Here's a link to info about the program. http://www.sta-21.navy.mil/

I do know some midshipmen who went Nuke via the University of South Carolina's NROTC unit. I imagine there are some colleges that really wouldn't work for going Nuke. I would think they need strong Physics and Math departments.

 

[bman]

The STA-21 nuke option requires an 1140 SAT minimum score. The acceptance rate into STA-21 among those who apply is around 15%, and those accepted will have good evaluations and some college credit, often taken while on shore duty. I believe you will need some time in the fleet demonstrating leadership ability before a superior would consider recommending you to STA-21.

 

[TheAlmightyBison]

Alright I understand the STA-21 program, but what I'd really like advice on, is how to be competitive when applying to the Naval Academy while in Nuclear Power School.

 

[Spud]

Be number one in every class at every school you attend in getting your nuke quals. And I mean that literally.

 

[Capt MJ]

And, be a good sailor. No conduct incidents, definitely no alcohol incidents, superb military bearing, no military performance issues, nothing stupid on social media, max the PRT, be a respected peer leader, be mature and steady, be the one to volunteer when your section is asked to do something. Impress your chief petty officers, and they will start the conversation "hey, Seaman Recruit, how would you like to try for USNA?" Quite a few USNA prior enlisted have come right out of the nuke school pipeline, but they are the pick of the pick of the crop. Go to boot camp determined to be a good, no, great, sailor in every respect from Day One. That's to go along with blazing a fierce academic trail. Invest the hours in studying that will get you noticed.

We had a sponsor son who came to USNA right out of enlisted nuke school, where he did all of the above. He had a single-minded determination. He never talked about his home life, family, or went anywhere on leave he called "home." He graduated top of his major at USNA, was awarded the Commissioning Week prize for "that midshipmen with prior enlisted service graduating highest in the class who has been selected to serve as a submarine officer." He was a Trident Scholar who spent the summer after he graduated co-presenting a paper with a senior faculty member at an international symposium. Then he went directly to a prestigious school for his Master's degree before going to the sub training pipeline and his first boat. He is doing very well as a submarine officer, and credits the Navy for giving him this chance. He grabbed it with both hands and pulled himself out of a life he never spoke of; he had enlisted to get away and support himself.

Commit to a path of excellence, and you can have your chance.