Seeking Readmission

neugs

USNA 2015 Appointee
10-Year Member
Joined
Apr 20, 2010
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Some of you may remember me, some of you may not. I was a previous appointee for the Class of 2015 and long story short, decided to drop out on I-Day. Now, two years later, I have decided to reapply for next year's class.

My decisions to reapply were stated elsewhere somewhere on this forum in which all of my emotions were poured out..

I left at the end ofI-Day. It was an impulse and rash decision and I just wanted to get out of there. I know at the moment it probably feels terrible. Of course it will though. You know the saying 20,000 people apply but 1,000 regret it? I hate that saying because in reality, those 1,000 will be 1,000 light years ahead of everyone other college graduate. I didn't think of the future when I wated to leave. I only thought to myself that I wanteto get out and that I was the only one who felt scared and lost, when in reality, everyone else was in the same position as me. If you are still there and are thinking about leaving, wait until the end of the year. Sure civilian college would be so much more fun. But is that what you really want? Going to the academy you have a pride instilled in you. Nowhere else can you wake up and be proud of where you are going and what you are you are doing for this country. At civilian college, I wake up, look at the clock, and then say, looks like I can still sleep some more. Whereas at the academy, you wake up, perform your duties to set you up for the real life. I should have never left. It was such an immature decision. Not a day goes by that I don't think about it. To be honest, the feeling was terrible when I went back to my hometown. I didn't even make it pas the first day! And to go back to a town where they were so proud of my achievement (very few people have been accepted over the years from my town). And for my parents, I felt like a failure to them. There is no greater feeling than saying "My son/daughter attends an Academy.". I'm just putting it in reality that for te first couple weeks you will keep questioning yourself. Hell, I'm still questioning myself. I want to know what I really want to do with my life. It sucks. I feel like a I have a load of guilt on me all the time. In class, in my form, talking with my friends; all of those somehow relate back to Annapolis and haunt me. I feel like each and very way I turn, something relates to the Navy. But that's just the way it is. I remember my Dad saying to me prior to me leaving to Annaplis that, "Think about it, all the stories you will have for your kids, grand kids, friends. There will be no greater feeling than going to this place." He was right. Now I'm at a private catholic school and yea, the life is fun. But it will never beat the pride and feeling of being at the Naval Academy.


From this...I have some questions.

Since I was appointed, attended, and used my MOC's nomination, do I qualify under readmission?

Does anyone have any advice on what I should do? Any stories of readmission possible? Does it even happen for people like me?

Thanks guys, again..
 
The following may apply to you:

http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/stformer.htm

The site says one year out; you'll be two years out for 2018. Dunno if that matters; doesn't hurt to ask.

Looks like it'll mostly be letters of recommendation, your own letter of intent, a PRT, DoDMERB requalification, and sitting in front of an Academic Board.


But that information seems to be intended for midshipmen who separated during the Academic Year for some reason or another. I'm not sure how the academy qualifies MIDN who dropped out so early into Plebe Summer. Tango Company wasn't even stood up yet when you left.

All in all, you should give Admissions a call about your situation.
 
Did you take the oath of office before you resigned, or did you leave prior to the oath of office?
 
From this...I have some questions.

Since I was appointed, attended, and used my MOC's nomination, do I qualify under readmission?

Does anyone have any advice on what I should do? Any stories of readmission possible? Does it even happen for people like me?

Thanks guys, again..

I can't speak for Navy, but for West Point, former cadets have to meet all the same requriement as candidates, i.e. getting new nomination. West Point also has a full time admissions officer that deals with former cadets reapplying. My guess is that you won't be consider as a former midshipman as you resigned on the I day.

I know of two successuful cases of former cadets getting readmitted. Both academic failures.

I think your biggest challenge will be convicing a nominating source what's different this time than the Naval academy. I know for one case I mentioned above, the former cadet met with several senior West Point officials.
 
I would agree to call USNA Admissions to find out for certain, but I believe in this specific circumstance that you would not be considered a "former midshipman."

I would expect to go through the entire process again and agree with MemberLG that the reason for re-applying will have heightened scrutiny, both with USNA and MOCs.
 
Yes, it does happen, and if you want it, go after it. Just be clear on your reasons, let your actions since last summer show progress, and be articulate on "your story."

I personally don't know specifics on a case where an I-Day drop came back, but I am sure there are examples.

I know a current officer who came in, dropped out during her plebe summer. Kicked herself all the next year while she took USNA-friendly classes at a local college, jumped through all the hoops again. Came again to plebe summer, broke leg half-way through. Went back to college. Jumped through all hoops again, did physical therapy, got med-cleared. Came back for her third I-Day in a row. She excelled all 4 years, ended up near the top of her class...almost 7 years later from her first I-Day.
 
I would hesitate to say that you quailfy under readmission, since you were never really a Midshipman....
 
Good luck to you -- sometimes you have to lose something to see how much you value it. It may be an uphill battle but it says good things about you that you are willing to take on the challenge. You will need to be thick-skinned but it sounds like you have already come to terms with the shortcomings in your original decision-making process and have "owned" the impulsive decision with negative consequences that you made on I-Day. I happen to be in the group of those in the world who think you can learn a lesson and be the stronger for it from a mistake, but there will also be those who think that, to be blunt, if you quit at one thing quitting is in your DNA.

Your question about whether or not you would be considered a "midshipman" for "readmission" purposes is technical enough that if I were you I would reach out to USNA admissions and see if they can give you an answer so you don't go down the wrong path. Your application will not be under the radar so there's no harm in a very polite inquiry at the outset of the process.
 
Let's be honest

Since you quoted yourself at the start of this thread in order to show your thoughts on quitting I wanted to make a comment on your situation. Your focus seems to be on everyone else, how your parents would not be able to wear the USNA t-shirt, how your hometown was disapointed in you, how your current friends in civilian college look at their day. You specifically mention that you do not know what direction your life is headed in. The Naval Academy is not a place to attend where you can impress others or where you can find your way in life. It only exists for one reason, to lead Sailors and Marines! If this is not a part of your decision to re-apply then do not re-apply. If you simply want to "impress" your friends and family, if you simply want a job after graduation, do not apply. I only question your motives based on your limited post and quote. However, I also question your motives based on your lack of participation in ROTC, reserves, enlisting, OCS etc (for last 2 years)... Do you really want to lead Sailors and Marines or do you just want the bumper sticker? If there is more to your intent, then I am all ears.
 
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