Summer Seminar Admissions

USMA2016

Appointee - Class of 2016
5-Year Member
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Dec 19, 2010
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What are the usual SATs, PSATs, ACTs, GPAs, class ranks, and extra-curriculars of those accepted to summer seminar?

I already applied and got accepted to USMA's SLS, but I heard admissions are harder for NASS... is this true?

Thanks everyone!
 
Not sure about USMA being easier to get into as you still have to have very good credentials either, but I was accepted to both so for its worth:

PSAT score was around 215 (SAT scores ended up being 2050 the only time I took them), 3.95/4.0 unweighted GPA, 3/350 class rank, letters in soccer and softball plus extensive other athletic involvement in soccer outside of school, lots of various community service, few leadership positions including within NHS.

If you were accepted to USMA's, just hang tight and relax. Its not like you can change anything at this point; you just have to see what happens
 
Yes, USMA easier than NASS or AFA SLS for that matter is invalid.
I got accepted and went to all three, and I had "lower" credentials than Casey.
PSAT 189 (SAT ended up 2030), 3.75 unweighted, IB candidate, letters in football wrestling and weightlifting, 150 hours of community service, and president of SNHS. I could send you my complete resume, but I doubt it would help you.
Just wait for the next couple of days, and then apply.
Also, beware that NASS and SLS are just fundraisers. There were previous posts from USNA89, or some other moderators who say that getting accepted to NASS is nothing too special.
 
Also, beware that NASS and SLS are just fundraisers. There were previous posts from USNA89, or some other moderators who say that getting accepted to NASS is nothing too special.

CandidateElias15, I respectfully disagree with this statement. USNA's Summer Seminar costs $400/person for six days, which covers room and board, materials, staff participation, etc. I SERIOUSLY doubt USNA is making any money off this, and calling it "just a fundraiser" is completely inaccurate. It is not intended to be a fundraiser for USNA. Recruitment tool? Yes. Fundraiser? No.

As far as "getting accepted to NASS is nothing too special", tell that to my Plebe, who was turned down for NASS! He was very discouraged when he was not selected to go, but he didn't let that stop him from working as hard as he could to be accepted to USNA. So, in other words, if you are selected to attend NASS, congratulations! If you're not, use that as incentive to work even harder for an appointment. :thumb:
 
I think the seminars are what you make out of it. They're a chance to spend a week with cadets who you can pretty much ask anything and it will be answered as well as get some familiarity with the post, expectations, etc. For applications benefits, odds are no, it won't have a ton of extra help, but that's because to be accepted, you already are in an upper percentile of the candidates that odds are going to be qualified if you finish your application.

Besides, an important part of the whole application process is showing you are serious about this and its what you want to do, and this is one way to show that you are trying to educate yourself about what you are getting into. It also looks good for interviews and stuff to be able to talk off and have some of that background. So "official" perks, not so much, but "unofficial" most likely, yea
 
To clarify about NASS . . . (and this applies only to the USNA program; I can't say the other SAs take the same approach) . . .

It is first and foremost a recruiting tool. Thus, the "most qualified" applicants to NASS aren't always accepted. For example, a well qualified candidate from North Dakota might well get the nod over a "better" qualified applicants from areas and schools that typically send a lot of mids to USNA. The theory is that the ND person will go back to his/her school and community and talk up USNA to people who may not know much about it and that will hopefully boost applications from these "underrepresented" states, districts, and schools.

Second, being accepted to NASS is a "big deal" for those who are accepted and very discouraging for those who aren't. However, in line with the above, not being accepted to NASS doesn't necessarily say anything about your chances to get into USNA. This year, I have a candidate with 800/800 SATs who did NOT get into NASS. That candidate got an LOA and now has an appointment to USNA. Conversely, the fact you are accepted to NASS doesn't mean you are a shoo-in for USNA.

MOC nominating committees understand that many very well qualified candidates don't get into NASS so not having this experience won't hurt you in obtaining a nom. Also, some students can't attend USNA due to school, sports, finances or other issues. Not attending NASS is NOT a negative in the application process. Attending and doing well can be a slight positive but only very slight and is equivalent to many other things over which you have control (e.g., team captain, club president, great class rank, etc.).

If you are accepted to NASS, you should go. It may well help you decide if it is for you. If you do attend, make sure to do your best in all aspects and be sure you're in shape when you go.
 
Sorry for my poor diction, "recruiting tool" is what I was supposed to say.
I meant nothing against those accepted or rejected to NASS, what I meant to tell the OP is what USNA1985 said.
 
To echo what usna1985 said, being selected or not selected to NASS is not reflective of your ability to compete for an appointment. DS applied to summer seminars at USNA, USMA and USAFA all on the same day. Within 2 days he got an email from USAFA saying he'd been selected, within 4 days got a letter from USMA that he had been selected, but he had to wait over 2 months to hear back from USNA that he'd not been selected for NASS. DS had very high SAT scores, very high GPA, Eagle Scout, varsity sports, lots of other EC's, etc. He was very disappointed that he didn't get selected for NASS. But as usna1985 pointed out, we are from one of those states that send a lot of students to USNA. His disappointment was short lived as he ended up receiving LoA's to all three of the above and two senator nominations to USNA (his first choice).
Bottomline, not being accepted to NASS is not the end of the world.
 
I know that the NASS application opens up on tues, and that it is better to apply early. But I get SAT scores back on the 10th, and my class rank for my new school on the 17th. I didnt do well on PSAT, but i feel like i did alot better on the SAT. Should I wait the extra few weeks to apply?
 
NASS Apply now or later

I hope someone answers Apache. I have the same question. Is it better to wait and hopefully submit higher scores or go with what I have and apply early? Thanks!
 
Admissions answer

My son posed the very same question to Admissions.
Here is the reply:
We recommend you apply on the 1st of February with your PSAT scores due to the high volume of expected summer seminar applicants.
 
You should apply on the Feb 1st and update your score as soon as you received it.
 
"Please keep all hands and feet inside the car and do not unbuckle your seat belt until the ride is over."
Weird to think my ride started at this time last year and I have still not gotten off. Best of luck:thumb:.
 
Yeah. I envy the west coast right now lol. They get to apply at 9. Im not sure if i am going to apply tonight, I am just going to look at the application. I might wait until the 10th when I get my SAT scores. We will soon see.
 
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Yeah. I envy the west coast right now lol. They get to apply at 10. Im not sure if i am going to apply tonight, I am just going to look at the application. I might wait until the 10th when I get my SAT scores. We will soon see.

Even better, 9pm!

I don't even have to stay up late to apply! Woohoo San Diego!:shake:
 
I noticed earlier today that the NASS application opens tonight and asked my mom if she could believe that its been a year since I applied to NASS. What a ride it has been! And that is nothing compared to what is coming!!

Good luck '16!!
 
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