Reapplying from Civilian College

[Odawg27]

Hey everyone, I am a current HS senior, did not receive a nomination this year, but am still definitely interested in USNA. I plan on attending a civilian college my freshman year, and reapplying to USNA. My Blue and Gold Officer, people I met with at USNA, and my Congressman's service academy coordinator told me that I would be a very competitive candidate, leaving me surprised not to receive a nomination. My stats were on par for the most part with Navy's admissions (29 Math, 34 Verbal on ACT) and I had taken leadership roles in high school. In simplified terms, I think I can still be a competitive candidate for next year. My regional officer said that NAPS is still an option for me. I really hope I can get an offer there to improve my math abilities a tad, but if not, I will attend a regular college and try to apply for the Class of 2020. That is a little background on my process.

I am posting here to seek advice from anyone who is familiar with the process of transferring from a civilian college, or is knowledgeable about the Academy about what I can do in college to bolster my chances the second time around. I was thinking that joining an NROTC unit at the college I attend is a good idea (applied for Marine NROTC scholarship...if not granted, I will join a unit at my school "off scholarship") doing well in all of my classes, trying to attain leadership role(s), and retaking ACT/SAT.

That all being said, if anyone who has taken this path can weigh in on what they think I can do to better my chances the second time around and share their experience (or their child's if a parent) it would be much appreciated.

 

[usna1985]

First, suggest you read the Sticky in this forum on Reapplying (it's at the top of the page). Lots of helpful info, if I do say so myself.

Beyond that, you don't "transfer" from a civilian college, you must start again as a plebe. Joining ROTC can be helpful but doing well in plebe courses in college is the best thing you can do.

 

[Odawg27]

First, suggest you read the Sticky in this forum on Reapplying (it's at the top of the page). Lots of helpful info, if I do say so myself.

Beyond that, you don't "transfer" from a civilian college, you must start again as a plebe. Joining ROTC can be helpful but doing well in plebe courses in college is the best thing you can do.

Thanks for directing me to the appropriate thread. The OP alone was very informative.

I understand that, sorry for the poor wording in my post. While I see in the "Reapplying" thread you mentioned that ROTC won't make or break my decision, I think it will definitely help me get a nomination since the NROTC commanding officer can nominate me.

 

[sushimaterial]

I'm sure that joining NROTC would help, but I don't think it will make or break the decision. For me personally, I did not do NROTC and got appointed. But at the same time, it is important to note that every applicant is different. Honestly, just do what you think is best for you and do your best in those endeavors. If you do that, there is no way that you can't succeed. In my case, I believe my essays held more weight than anything else.