I need some advice

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raulkingviera

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I want to apply to the naval academy for the class of 2016. But I am pretty sure I will not even receive a congressional recommendation. My GPA is far below the norm and I am barely in the top half of my class. But my high school is not very competitive. What I need advice with is, even though I am sure not to receive an appointment should I apply anyway and then reapply while I am in college. I really want to show the academy that I am determined to be appointed and that I show the dedication to improve my academics. So should I apply then reapply my freshman year of college.
Another question is, even if you do not get an appointment in high school do they still consider your senior course load when you reapply. Thanks for any help.
 
GPA/Ranking etc accomodates 30% of your total score. Since you have another year, make sure you participate in many leadership role activities, as well as athletics. Plus, ace the Standardized Tests. And you shouldn't ever be discouraged in applying as you have nothing to lose.

Good luck!
 
Thank you I need some encourage meant to really push myself through the year and hopefully put together the best packet I can.
One note, although I lack in areas such as academics, I make up for it in leadership. My SAI is voting for me to be company commander this year, and I shoot on the varsity rifle team and compete on the drill team (leader in both activities).
 
raulkingviera said:
My GPA is far below the norm and I am barely in the top half of my class.
Click to expand...

Sounds like you are a rising Junior. Instead of assuming you have no chance, I'd focus on your junior & senior grades. Study, study, and rock the SAT/ACT.

You are in control of these things, not the admissions board or congressman!

Even if you do not end up at a service academy for one reason or another, you'll want the improved grades & SAT for your other options.

One thing my son & I have learned from all the admission briefings, seminars, etc: they look for improvement. IE: Someone who fought back from behind may get more respect than a lazy A student who was never challenged.

With a full year to improve before the apps even open it's worth a shot! And even your senior fall semester could factor in if you can get in the running.
 
you will never know unless you apply...like everyone is saying, study hard, get involved, and do what you can to "prep the battlefield" - also, keep in mind that you may even get offered NAPS or Foundation if they feel you just need some work in the academic arena...keep charing, and "never give up the ship"
 
How you approach this next coming year is what will determine your chances. Even though you feel you may not have a good chance, you have to stay determined to continually try your best at every thing you do. Do not be discouraged if you don't make it this time around. The measure of a great person is not what they succeed at, but how they handle their failures. I was turned down this past year, and I still struggle with disappointment. When I am feeling down, I have to remind myself that my character is defined by how I handle myself when things do not work out as I would hope. Please, do not go into this with the attitude that you may fail. Instead, go in with the mindset that you WILL succeed...eventually. Just some advice from someone who's been through this mess before...
 
usnajosh said:
How you approach this next coming year is what will determine your chances...
Click to expand...

Having just seen Mike Rowe speak at the BSA 100th anniversary jamboree I'm reminded of his letter to a potential Eagle scout.

Everything he says about working toward the Eagle scout award applies to getting into one of the academies. Especially his comment:
"But I can tell you for certain that not getting your Eagle will be one of the easiest things you've ever done."

Good insight! :thumb:

"Kelby,

"Your dad asked me to drop you a line and say something inspirational that might persuade you to dig down deep and find the determination to make the rank of eagle scout. It's a reasonable request, from a father who obviously wants to see his son succeed. But here's the thing. The Eagle Award is not really meant for people who need to be dragged across the finish line. It's meant for a select few, and I have no idea if you have the guts to see it through.

"Statistically, I suspect you do not. Only one out of a hundred Scouts make Eagle, so if you fail, there will be lots of other people with whom you can share excuses. Quitting now might disappoint your dad, but I doubt that he or anyone else will be overly surprised. Anytime 99 out of 100 people do the same thing, it's not exactly a shock.

"I'm not trying to be cute with a bunch of reverse psychology. When I was 15, there was nothing that anyone could have said to me that would have inspired me to do something I didn't want to do, especially a stranger with a TV show. Show I'm not going to assume you're any different or pretend that I have some influence or insight that you haven't already hard from a dozen other people who actually know you and care about you. I'll just tell you straight up that doing something extraordinary can be very lonely, and most people simply aren't cut out for it. Being an Eagle Scout requires you to be different than most everyone around you, and being different is really, really hard. That's why the award is called "an accomplishment."

"Personally, and for what it's worth, the best decisions I've made in my own life are those decisions that put me on the outside of being cool.

"Singing in the opera, working in home shopping, starring in the school play when the entire football team laughed at me, and especially earning my Eagle were all choices that required sacrifice, hard work, and delayed gratification. I have no idea if you possess those qualities or even envy them. But I can tell you for certain that not getting your Eagle will be one of the easiest things you've ever done.

"Whatever you decide to do, Kelby, it's important to remember that the decision is yours. Not your Dad's, not your friend's, and not your Scoutmaster's. And you'll own that decision for the rest of your life.

"Good luck, Mike​
 
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raulkingviera said:
I want to apply to the naval academy for the class of 2016. But I am pretty sure I will not even receive a congressional recommendation. My GPA is far below the norm and I am barely in the top half of my class. But my high school is not very competitive. What I need advice with is, even though I am sure not to receive an appointment should I apply anyway and then reapply while I am in college. I really want to show the academy that I am determined to be appointed and that I show the dedication to improve my academics. So should I apply then reapply my freshman year of college.
Another question is, even if you do not get an appointment in high school do they still consider your senior course load when you reapply. Thanks for any help.
Click to expand...

from an AFA grad who came to my school:
he told us, he wasn't good at academics- he was a very good athlete.
He told his guidance counselor he wanted to go to AFA and was laughed at. He pulled his gpa by .4 during his junior year (3.2 or was it 3.4).
scored 1180 on SAT

recruited as an athlete and went to prep school

5 years later- working for admissions for a year than heading off to pilot training.

good luck
work harder don't give up

don't get into the academy first try, reapply

in the end, by working harder, u will more than likely get into better schools

I am also applying to class of 2016 myself.
right now, i am not even eligible to apply- not a citizen yet
and my eyesight may be in question

but i' m still aiming at usna
 
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