Start by taking hard courses and receiving good grades. Try to take an SAT prep course. My advice is to take the May SAT. I know a lot of smart kids that took the SAT in winter thinking they were going to get a leg up on everyone and do really well, but you're competing against seniors who have probably taken the SAT one or two times before. It's curved so that means you might end up with a lower score because you were competing against more experienced SAT-takers. In May you'll be taking it with other juniors and you're on a more even playing field.
Hopefully you play varsity sports. Dedicate yourself to becoming a captain on a team. Join a club or two as well, if you haven't already, and stick to it. Look for leadership positions. Fitness is important too. The earlier you start preparing, the more prepared you'll be for I-Day. You'll thank yourself.
Apply for Summer Seminar, which I think comes out in winter or early spring. The better your SAT or PSAT score/grades, the better your chances of getting in. If you do get in, perform as best as you can. It can work against you if you don't perform. If you don't get in, it's not the end of the world, my friend didn't do SS but he still got in.
Summer before senior year is when you wanna start knocking out the application itself. Ask your junior year math and english teachers for recommendations before school ends. Finish your essay before school starts. The earlier you finish, the better your chances.
Awesome! Thank you so much! I am currently attending a private school, so sports isn't the most competitive, unfortunately. I'm on the basketball team and will be working hard to achieve captain this year.
I'm also a Young Marine and have been for the past six years. I'm currently ranking Gunnery Sergeant, but hoping to be promoted to Master Sergeant by Next winter! I hope they can see my leadership and dedication throughout that program. Another question...in my Young Marines program, I've won many ribbons and awards for accomplishments such as 1st Place Map and Compass (team leader), Honor Recruit, Scuba Certification, Advanced First Aid and CPR, Fire Prevention, 1st class Physical Fitness, Color Guard (over 150 hours), Community Service, Kiwanis Community Service (1000 hours), 1st Place Drill Competition (Platoon Commander), Perfect Attendance, Outstanding Salesman (I organized many events and fundraisers to raise money for our unit.), Sportsmanship, Musician, Advanced Field, Advanced Land Navigation, and shooting for this upcoming year to apply for Young Marine of the Year! Should I let them (USNA) know about these?
Thank you for the knowledge about the SAT. I will still take it in December to see how I do and will take your advice, and retake it maybe March/April.
Also, does anyone know what the essay question asks?
Last question! I promise : ) What do I wear for my interviews? (BGO, Congressman, appointment at USNA!!!!) Should I dress in a suit, my Charlies uniform, regular, everyday clothes?