Slim and none. And slim just left. Infintesimile. This is not the purpose of the program.
I have only heard of one single lone solitary instance, and it was really a case of the Navy taking care of its own, not a matter of lack of physical fitness.
Over Qualified for NAPS?
- Thread starter USNA2015Candidate
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I have only heard of one single lone solitary instance, and it was really a case of the Navy taking care of its own, not a matter of lack of physical fitness.
Luigi59
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Not really implying a "dumping ground" but a simple perusal of the current USNA football roster reveals 13 of 22 starters were funneled through NAPS.
Checking the first 16 players listed on the roster reveals that 14 of them attended NAPS. Hmm...is there a list/data of the number of NAPsters for the whole team without going one-by-one through their bios?
And how would you explain this post from a parent of a current NAPSter:
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- 26
Good Evening/Morning everyone,
As a current Napster, I feel that I can add some value to this conversation. Firstly, the idea that 200 of us are athletes is quite an exaggeration. All of us partake in sports and most of the sports teams have a considerable number of walk-ons (not recruited). For example, there are currently 3 recruited women’s basketball players, however the team consists of about 12 women. The same goes for football, lax, cross country, track and baseball. So yes, there are around 200 "athletes", but the real question is what is the percentage of recruited athletes, and that is significantly less than 66%.
Regarding academics, there are several students here who have done excellent academically, yet are severely lacking in their physical fitness. One M/C from 1st deck scored a 2180 on his SAT was accepted to several ivies, however, his CFA score was very low, so he was offered NAPS so that he would be able to improve physically. There are several more who have taken advanced AP courses and scored 4’s and 5’s on the exams, have amazing SAT scores, yet for one reason or another, they have been offered NAPS. However, I would say that they are the exception rather than the rule. The students who are consistently performing on their tests are a good amount of the priors ( I believe there are around 30 this year 23 sailors and 7 Marines.) And believe it or not( for all the naysayers) there are several recruited football players in the advanced courses, performing extremely well.
On my acceptance letter I was told "We did however note your limited participation in team sports and physical activities related to your peers." I had decent SAT scores: CR: 680 M: 620 in addition to a 3.7 and stellar leadership positions+ great LOR's etc. My weakness was a C in Trig, I never took physics, and a C in college chemistry. I also was not on a team sport in HS and my CFA score was just average. I also am Hispanic, and unfortunately, I do believe that had a lot to do with my acceptance. (I believe in merit rather than political correctness, but that is another debate for another day.)
Another issue that keeps on arising is that of diversity. Yes it is true NAPS is extremely "diverse" meaning that there are many different races represented: From Guam to St. Thomas to Alaska. And yes it is true that we minorities do not score as high on average as non-minorities. About one third of my platoon consists of minorities and they are all great people with different insights and perspectives on how to lead. The issue arises when you must decide to sacrifice academic merit for cultural perspective and athletic prowess.
Anyway, I hope this helps a little, if anyone has any questions, please feel free to contact me or message me for my FB info. I was in this same position last year and I remember going through thread after thread on this forum looking for all possible information on the secret I needed to get in. I guess my best advice would be to look at what the Naval Academy wants (amazing athletes, minorities, geniuses, leaders) and then compare that to yourself. What traits do you have in common? What can you use to your advantage? I think the key is to capitalize on your strengths and where you are lacking, make sure it is a least average.
Here are some random facts about student life at NAPS:
- There are around 296 of us. The number varies because of M/C’s who DOR (Drop on request)
- There are three companies, each with about 100 M/C’s. Each company has 2 platoons of roughly 50 M/Cs. First company is more relaxed their SEL is a Senior Chief. Second company is also pretty chill, they have a Senior chief as their SEL as well. Third company /deck is known as “the purgatory” we have a USMC Gunnery Sergeant as our SEL. Fun.
- We just started having off base overnight liberty. Fun.
- During PT, we often time run from Ripley Hall to the USS Saratoga, it’s a beautiful path.-We have classes in Physics, Math, Chemistry, and English. In all but English there are three tracks: Advanced ,Intermediate, and Foundation.
- We <3 hamburger Wednesday
- There is a Seagull on Navsta Newport that has a broken wing and always hangs out in our area. It has become the NAPS unofficial mascot.
- -Our detailers were from the Naval Academy c/o 2011.
- We hate sharing the chow hall with OCS (and their Drill Instructors) “Forward, STEP FREEZE! Stand fast.!!”
I need to go study for Math and Physics finals later this week, but I just wanted to encourage all you seniors out there, if you really want it, then you will do anything to get it. Make it happen.
M/C
NAPS ‘11
As a current Napster, I feel that I can add some value to this conversation. Firstly, the idea that 200 of us are athletes is quite an exaggeration. All of us partake in sports and most of the sports teams have a considerable number of walk-ons (not recruited). For example, there are currently 3 recruited women’s basketball players, however the team consists of about 12 women. The same goes for football, lax, cross country, track and baseball. So yes, there are around 200 "athletes", but the real question is what is the percentage of recruited athletes, and that is significantly less than 66%.
Regarding academics, there are several students here who have done excellent academically, yet are severely lacking in their physical fitness. One M/C from 1st deck scored a 2180 on his SAT was accepted to several ivies, however, his CFA score was very low, so he was offered NAPS so that he would be able to improve physically. There are several more who have taken advanced AP courses and scored 4’s and 5’s on the exams, have amazing SAT scores, yet for one reason or another, they have been offered NAPS. However, I would say that they are the exception rather than the rule. The students who are consistently performing on their tests are a good amount of the priors ( I believe there are around 30 this year 23 sailors and 7 Marines.) And believe it or not( for all the naysayers) there are several recruited football players in the advanced courses, performing extremely well.
On my acceptance letter I was told "We did however note your limited participation in team sports and physical activities related to your peers." I had decent SAT scores: CR: 680 M: 620 in addition to a 3.7 and stellar leadership positions+ great LOR's etc. My weakness was a C in Trig, I never took physics, and a C in college chemistry. I also was not on a team sport in HS and my CFA score was just average. I also am Hispanic, and unfortunately, I do believe that had a lot to do with my acceptance. (I believe in merit rather than political correctness, but that is another debate for another day.)
Another issue that keeps on arising is that of diversity. Yes it is true NAPS is extremely "diverse" meaning that there are many different races represented: From Guam to St. Thomas to Alaska. And yes it is true that we minorities do not score as high on average as non-minorities. About one third of my platoon consists of minorities and they are all great people with different insights and perspectives on how to lead. The issue arises when you must decide to sacrifice academic merit for cultural perspective and athletic prowess.
Anyway, I hope this helps a little, if anyone has any questions, please feel free to contact me or message me for my FB info. I was in this same position last year and I remember going through thread after thread on this forum looking for all possible information on the secret I needed to get in. I guess my best advice would be to look at what the Naval Academy wants (amazing athletes, minorities, geniuses, leaders) and then compare that to yourself. What traits do you have in common? What can you use to your advantage? I think the key is to capitalize on your strengths and where you are lacking, make sure it is a least average.
Here are some random facts about student life at NAPS:
- There are around 296 of us. The number varies because of M/C’s who DOR (Drop on request)
- There are three companies, each with about 100 M/C’s. Each company has 2 platoons of roughly 50 M/Cs. First company is more relaxed their SEL is a Senior Chief. Second company is also pretty chill, they have a Senior chief as their SEL as well. Third company /deck is known as “the purgatory” we have a USMC Gunnery Sergeant as our SEL. Fun.
- We just started having off base overnight liberty. Fun.
- During PT, we often time run from Ripley Hall to the USS Saratoga, it’s a beautiful path.-We have classes in Physics, Math, Chemistry, and English. In all but English there are three tracks: Advanced ,Intermediate, and Foundation.
- We <3 hamburger Wednesday
- There is a Seagull on Navsta Newport that has a broken wing and always hangs out in our area. It has become the NAPS unofficial mascot.
- -Our detailers were from the Naval Academy c/o 2011.
- We hate sharing the chow hall with OCS (and their Drill Instructors) “Forward, STEP FREEZE! Stand fast.!!”
I need to go study for Math and Physics finals later this week, but I just wanted to encourage all you seniors out there, if you really want it, then you will do anything to get it. Make it happen.
M/C
NAPS ‘11
Memphis9489
15-Year Member
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- Oct 27, 2008
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- 1,389
I'm going to challenge your characterization of NAPS as not being primarily made up of those who are deficient academically for direct admission into the Naval Academy, recruited athletes, and "diversity" candidates.
I think a vast majority of those attending NAPS fall into these categories. The fact that you can point out some notable exceptions is hardly EVIDENCE to the contrary.
I sincerely doubt that there are very many at NAPS who are highly-qualified academically and are at NAPS primarily to become more physically fit. Ridiculous!
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2009
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- 26
Memphis,
I agree with you. I was merely responding to the questions/statements regarding how it was "extremely rare" or "Slim and none. And slim just left. Infintesimile. This is not the purpose of the program." Clearly that is not the case.
The purpose of NAPS is primarily to prepare students who are academically defficient, and typically the only people that the Naval Academy chooses to admit who are academically lacking are minorities and athletes. It's the harsh truth. However, this does not mean that we only have "dumb football players" and lazy people attending NAPS. Honestly that has been the most frustrating thing for me to realize here. There is such a negative light shed on NAPS and how we got in through "the back door". I wish people would understand the passion and love that we have for our country. Even though I am not the best academically, I know that I will work hard at the academy and do well. And that is what this exta year is preparing me to do.
I agree with you. I was merely responding to the questions/statements regarding how it was "extremely rare" or "Slim and none. And slim just left. Infintesimile. This is not the purpose of the program." Clearly that is not the case.
The purpose of NAPS is primarily to prepare students who are academically defficient, and typically the only people that the Naval Academy chooses to admit who are academically lacking are minorities and athletes. It's the harsh truth. However, this does not mean that we only have "dumb football players" and lazy people attending NAPS. Honestly that has been the most frustrating thing for me to realize here. There is such a negative light shed on NAPS and how we got in through "the back door". I wish people would understand the passion and love that we have for our country. Even though I am not the best academically, I know that I will work hard at the academy and do well. And that is what this exta year is preparing me to do.
MomoftheMagik
5-Year Member
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- Feb 5, 2010
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Can I just step in a minute to say a hardy "Thank you!" to all those who love to turn these questions into gladiator forums! I am actually serious...I laugh so hard when I read the arguments I swear it is good for my heart! I just read the first couple pages of this thread as I have been out of town for my dad-in-law's funeral. (A 30-year Navy vet, btw, and the first time both of my Navy sons have had the honor of participating in the funeral of one who has served before them.) It is good to come back to some familiar, hopefully good-natured debate. You guys CRACK ME UP!!! 
And to the OP, the first couple of responses you received from 2015candidate and 1964BGO were probably all you needed. I wish you all the best!
And to the OP, the first couple of responses you received from 2015candidate and 1964BGO were probably all you needed. I wish you all the best!
AF6872
15-Year Member
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- Mar 4, 2007
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Most NAPST'ers hate Newport. It is a great place for the Summer but Winter can be a real problem. The kids that attend are dedicated and are working their way into the Academy. My daughter has some best friends as Napsters in her company and they are the best.
Memphis9489
15-Year Member
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NAPS is a preparatory school for the Naval Academy. It is for those who the academy thinks are not ready for direct admission, yet, have something about them that the Naval Academy values.
Some of those in NAPS are simply outstanding members of the fleet, taken from the enlisted ranks, who have been out of academic circulation for a while. NAPS brings them up to speed. What the academy values in them is that they help bring a fleet perspective to the Brigade. That's a good thing.
Some of those in NAPS are outstanding athletes who would greatly assist the Naval Academy in being a competitive Division I program. That's also a good thing.
Some of those in NAPS are minorities who help raise the numbers within the Brigade, in keeping with the mandate from above to increase the "diversity" of the officer ranks for the future. I don't know how that's going to turn out but, apparently, somebody thinks that is a good thing. Maybe it is. Time will tell.
Members from the fleet ... athletes ... and minorities - I think it is fair to say that this accounts for the bulk of those in NAPS.
I don't think anybody is saying that they are less dedicated to the fleet or that they are not worthy.
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Very well said, Surfrchck! 
My son is a current plebe and I have not heard him say anything negative at all about his fellow plebes who were Napsters. In fact, one of his roommates over plebe summer was a Napster and was an enormous help to him. He told us that his roommate's experience and insight really helped everyone keep things in perspective during that very stressful time.
My son is a current plebe and I have not heard him say anything negative at all about his fellow plebes who were Napsters. In fact, one of his roommates over plebe summer was a Napster and was an enormous help to him. He told us that his roommate's experience and insight really helped everyone keep things in perspective during that very stressful time.
Below are the reasons as promulgated by USNA to attend NAPS. I have heard the presentation a dozen times and several facilitators have stated that they have never heard of anyone attending with reason # 4:
1. HIGH GRADES / LOW SAT’s
2. HIGH SAT’S/ LOW GRADES
3. AVG GRADES / GOOD LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL
4. HIGH GRADES/ WEAK LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
5. AWAY FROM ACADEMICS FOR YEAR OR MORE
6. FLEET CANDIDATES
7. NO CHEMISTRY OR PHYSICS
HIGH GRADES/HIGH SATS/GOOD LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL/POOR CFA is not among them and it would be irresponsible to give a potential candidate hope enough to bank on this outcome.
Majik: mcknight took the thread off on a tangent with post # 17. It is to this which the discussion is attempting to progress.
1. HIGH GRADES / LOW SAT’s
2. HIGH SAT’S/ LOW GRADES
3. AVG GRADES / GOOD LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL
4. HIGH GRADES/ WEAK LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
5. AWAY FROM ACADEMICS FOR YEAR OR MORE
6. FLEET CANDIDATES
7. NO CHEMISTRY OR PHYSICS
HIGH GRADES/HIGH SATS/GOOD LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL/POOR CFA is not among them and it would be irresponsible to give a potential candidate hope enough to bank on this outcome.
Majik: mcknight took the thread off on a tangent with post # 17. It is to this which the discussion is attempting to progress.
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