Some Questions

M

Melitzank

5-Year Member
Joined
Sep 11, 2012
Messages
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Hello all! I`m new to this site, and as I`m posting in the USNA section, you can probably guess where I`d like to go after high school. I have a few questions on my mind that I`d appreciate an answer to, if someone has the answer.

First off, I`ve read the whole Academy website and catalog, and I`m going to be getting the two most sought after books by students my age, "The Naval Academy Candidate Book: How to Prepare, How to Get In, How to Survive" by Sue Ross, and "Building a Midshipman" by Jaqui Murray. However, is there anything else I should read that will help me out? As well as any tips you have on getting in. I understand that no one can predict really whether I`ll get in or not, but just in general, are there any "unusual" tips I should know? I eat up any and all information, as I really want to get in.

My second question is one that`ll probably be hard to answer. I think I`d require two waivers...yep, that`s not good, I know.

1. I have some tics...I`ve had them since I was 6, and they have decreased GREATLY since then, and are just some eye twitches. I`m hoping that they`ll disappear soon. Never taken any meds, and I used to see a neurologist, and the last time I`ve been was in the 5th grade, about 5 years ago or so.

2. I have feet that overpronate due to shoes worn that had no support...I`ve always had low arches, and that didn`t help. So I was given some orthotics to wear. I`ve had them for about three years, and haven`t been wearing them for a while, but have restarted wearing them and am planning on wearing them until my feet are OK again. The doc said that if I wear them enough before my bones permanently set, my feet would be OK. But I was stupid and didn`t really wear them for the past year. Big difference when I wear them, so I`m going to be wearing them every day now in hopes that it`s not to late. IF my feet turn out to be OK by the time I apply, would I need a waiver because of wearing orthotics? Are these waivers easily granted?
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I know those waiver questions aren`t easily answered, but I`m wondering if those issues will DQ me from getting in. I certainly hope not, as this is something I want really bad. I should`ve just worn the orthotics when I got them from my doc, but was being stupid :redface: and figured I had plenty of time. So I`m hoping I won`t have to suffer the consequences.

Sorry this was long. I appreciate and and all answers!

Some extra info: I`m now in 10th grade, and I want to be commissioned into the Marine Corps (IF I get into USNA, and if I can)
 
Don't know anything about the first medical issue. But my DS has flat feet and wears orthodics and is doing great at USAFA. He explained his condition on his DODMERB application and we never heard another thing about it. All you can do is apply and let the powers to be evaluate your particular conditions.
 
Well, I can't speak for the DoDMERB process. I was fully qualified my first time through and I'm no doctor. However, I can speak for friends who were medically disqualified. The way to be taken seriously for a waiver is by being a really really desirable candidate. Especially with class sizes gradually getting smaller, waivers will get more and more rare. However, If youre a school superstar and have a perfect SAT, theres a good chance that they will give you a waiver. You'll have an even better chance if you play sports. Saying "I wear orthopedics, but I still run track" would mean a lot more because it would show that your medical issues really arent slowing you down. Best of luck!
 
Thank you to both of you! I do run track, so that`s a plus in my favor I guess.
 
Forget the "Building a Midshipman" book, unless you love reading ridiculous things an overachieving daughter does reported by a hyperactive mother. The Ross book is superb.
 
I second don't read the Building a Midshipman- was probably one of the more pointless books I've read.
 
Spud said:
Forget the "Building a Midshipman" book, unless you love reading ridiculous things an overachieving daughter does reported by a hyperactive mother. The Ross book is superb.
Click to expand...

I've heard several others note this one is lightweight mush, monumental waste of time when time is tight.:thumbdown:
 
Here's your answer

I'm currently a 1/C at USNA. Don't bother getting any of those books. From experience, my advice is to do your absolute best in school and stay in shape. Run. Then run some more. Followed by more running. Maybe some other cardio on the side. Also, practice perfect form pushups. Remember, perfect practice makes perfect. In terms of your medical status, I'm not sure about the tics, but in terms of your feet, you're fine. I have flat feet myself and was cleared with no problem (I had my Aviation flight physical this morning and was cleared 100%). Just keep up the hard work, stay active, and try to make yourself look as well-rounded as possible
 
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