USNAPS vs. Marine ROTC Scholarship

Just curious, what does USNA look for when selecting the Mids they "encourage" to go subs? Is it certain majors, physical or personality types, certain aptitudes? :confused:
 
PositiveThinking, sub "encouragement" seems to be based on strong performance in math and science courses. There might be some personality issues, but I think that's one of the "only the Navy knows" issues. Don't think physical fitness is much of a factor, but I'm basing these comments on anecdotal observations from my Mid, who was so "encouraged."
 
And in this vein, another interesting point re: majors. While most realize there is little to no correlation between specific majors and specific assignments, very few division 1 ...heavy-duty science, engineering, etc. ...are assigned USMC. Generally, USMC tend to be "bull" majors. Is being a "bull" major cause or symptom (sorta, in reverse) of assignment to USMC? Is it psychological profiling or disinclination or lack of proficiency in calc, chem, engineering classes? Is it beauty vs. brains? Is it chicken or egg?

Beyond one issue in these, who knows.

What's the one issue? These USMC ain't "chicken.":thumb::usa:
 
WP: The OP needs to fully understand that Mids can AND DO get "drafted" to go to Nuke school. That includes people who will head to both subs and carriers. You are correct that, for the time being, competition is fierce for women who want subs, so - for now - it is unlikely the OP would be "drafted" for subs. However, I personally know two women from 2011 who requested aviation and received Nuke school (for surface warfare).

My DD (2012, if you couldn't guess) wants MC, but she has already been told that she will be interviewing with the nuclear reactors program next fall. Only time will tell where she really ends up, but anyone making this decision needs to understand that the needs of the Navy/MC really do come first.

It all depends on what's most important to the OP:
-If going MC is the ONLY service you want, and you won't consider anything else, then USNA is probably not the right place for you.
-If you are willing to accept that there is a real possibility that you could end up in a different service area, then all of the benefits of the "ring knocker" route are mighty hard to pass up. I can tell you that my DD would not trade places with anyone, anywhere, even if she doesn't get her first service selection choice.
 
2012 ...1. you're changing horses when you move from subs to nukes. As noted by all, we are in agreement that 'needs of the Navy' always take precedent.

Even the poster positing the possibility of the OP being assigned to subs, illustrating her own Mid being "considered" for that. Where did he end up? 1. NOT on the subs he did not desire, and 2. precisely on the Marine Ground where he did. Enuff said of that misleading anecdote speculating that he might have somehow been "forced" into this area. Never happen and did not.

Now to your own dd. Congrats. She is surely a top student and Mid. You should be proud. She'll figure out where she fits. They all do.

And lastly, I'll stick to my original point AND extend it from merely submarine service to include surface nukes ...and here's the point that I'd bet my little ranch on ...

There is a snowball@20,000 leagues beneath the ocean's surface chance ...zero, none, nahda ...that any woman (or man) will be "drafted" into submarines or surface nukes absent 2 things ...they are in total agreement to be there either of their own volition/desire and/or suggestion of USNA to consider such ...and the Navy sees them as totally, fully, 100% "on board" with such an assignment.

Lest there be any doubt ...let me say it again. NO CHANCE ...unless they want this assignment AND the Navy WANTS them in this assignment. Let's get real here. This is way too fraught w/ bigtime, disastrous potential absent these 2 conditions.

So for your dd ...of course she'll interview. That's an order. It's not an option for her.

Accepting such a calling will depend upon her enthusiastic embracement. Worry not one second that she'll somehow be placed in a nuclear position absent her full, unhesitating consent.

Could she be "assigned" SWO? Aviation? You bet. Could she possibly be assigned USMC absent dying to be among the Corps? Not a single chance.

Let's be honest and clear about this. Suggesting options that will not and never have happened is a gross disservice to anyones thinking any among us has a clue of what we type.

We are in total agreement on one issue among others ...if the OP MUST be a MARINE, then USNA is an inappropriate option. Only the oath of enlistment will guarantee that, and then it's only until she proves she passes muster.
 
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WP: I stand by my previous post. Whether you agree or not, people at USNA get "voluntold" to do lots of things. I personally know two women (this year's class) who are now assigned to attend nuke school. They did not ask for this assignment. They both told me this past weekend, face to face. Period. End of story.

While 80-90% of each year's grads get their first choice of service selection, 10-20% do not. They do get something else "on their list," but the truth is that almost every service selection possibility is technically on each Mid's list. My main previous point (to which you agreed) is that the OP should only choose USNA if they are willing to accept that there is a chance that they will end up in a service area other than the MC.
 
Of course they're voluntold to do many things, accept assignments they otherwise might not pursue. And not one will be "voluntold" he must accept responsibility for a nuclear reactor and a crew of upwards of 5,000 men/women (and potentially undescribable earthly destruction) who has neither the mental matter, emotional stability, personal disposition, nor ultimate 100% conviction and expressed desire to serve in that capacity. That would be totally ludicrous and maniacal.

But if you believe your conviction is more than philosophical what-iffing ...show me one man ...there are no women meeting that profile, as we all know ... who has been placed in charge of a nuclear reactor on either side of the ocean's surface who was not in ultimate total agreement on such an assignment. Just one. Seeing will be believing.

And here's a promise. If your dd believes she's either incapable or ill-suited for any reason to such a radioactive assignment, she will not be given that. Now, if she believes the same for being officer-of-the-watch on a guided missile destroyer? The assigning officer would either laugh and place her there, or move to have her discharged.
 
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I am extremely grateful for all of the feedback that I've gotten on this page. It's really helped to put things in perspective. I also spoke to a Naval Academy admissions counselor who encouraged me to pursue the Naval Academy Prep School. He was a student there and ultimately he's been very succesful, he loves the Navy and he loves this country. I know that whichever path I follow neither will be an easy one, nor should it be. America's sons and daughters deserve well educated leaders who train with the best. I am very excited and humbled with the offer that I have from the Naval Academy and so I have sent the forms back to them accepting their offer. I know that the replies I've gotten back here have been invaluable and very comforting so again thanks so much. Also thank you to the people who have extended further contact through the use of PM for any further questions, I will definitely reach out. Thank you soo much.
 
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