Questions?

Well like many of the people on here, I have a strong desire to attend the US Naval Academy.
I am really poor. No Joke. I am poor. My parents are immigrants from Guatemala who don't earn much. I have to work to help my family out with expenses.

If I don't receive an appointment to USNA/NAPS or a NROTC Scholarship I cant afford going to some big university or a SMC.
Would it hurt my chances if I attend a Community College and Marine Corps or Navy Reserve and apply again the following year?
Whats a good route to take in my situation?

Thank you,
Cris

Actually, it definitely wouldn't hurt to join the Marines now (if that is what you wish to do). If you join, then you will certainly gain the physical endurance and strength you need for the Academy, and you will automatically be considered for NAPS (Naval Academy Prep School) if you don't get into the Academy when you apply (after you have already served). However, I don't think you need to go that route. Showing that you have overcome adversity helps in your application, and if you have good grades and do well on your CFA, I am sure they will understand if your sports (or extra-curricular) participation is minimal. The admissions board really tries to get to know the conditions each candidate has to go through, so just make sure to include ALL of your information when applying. Finally, I certainly do recommend that you apply this year; if you do not make it, then when you apply again they will see that you have already applied once, and persistence is a major asset.

Wishing You Luck on Your Venture,

DeterminedPatriot

Drillgasm said:

Well like many of the people on here, I have a strong desire to attend the US Naval Academy.
I am really poor. No Joke. I am poor. My parents are immigrants from Guatemala who don't earn much. I have to work to help my family out with expenses.

If I don't receive an appointment to USNA/NAPS or a NROTC Scholarship I cant afford going to some big university or a SMC.
Would it hurt my chances if I attend a Community College and Marine Corps or Navy Reserve and apply again the following year?
Whats a good route to take in my situation?

Thank you,
Cris

Click to expand...

First of all, being poor is not an obstacle to an appointment to USNA. Be sure to discuss your situation with your BGO. Needing to support one's family can help explain a lack of extra-curricular activities, etc.

If you're not successful this year, considering applying for need-based scholarships to a 4-yr college. Also apply for NROTC scholarships. If those options don't work then, yes, a CC is an option.

usna1985 said:

First of all, being poor is not an obstacle to an appointment to USNA. Be sure to discuss your situation with your BGO. Needing to support one's family can help explain a lack of extra-curricular activities, etc.

If you're not successful this year, considering applying for need-based scholarships to a 4-yr college. Also apply for NROTC scholarships. If those options don't work then, yes, a CC is an option.

Click to expand...

Not an obstacle for USNA but might be for any backup plan. Hopefully not.

If you are the kind of student who has a shot at getting appointed to USNA, you are the kind of student who can earn some pretty impressive scholarships to other schools too. And, those schools will consider financial need.