As we wait for a nom to complete my son's application I'm wondering how much extra curricular activity choices add to whole person scores? He is a second degree black belt and has been an instructor at his martial arts school for a couple of years. He is a summer league swimmer who is very competetive against teams from schools with year round swimming programs. He is also the batallion commander of his JROTC class. ACT and SAT scores are good and we're expecting better results from re-tests. CFA and DODMERB went well. He has been a busy young man for years and I'm hoping the things we've kept him involved in will weigh in well for his chances.
Extra Curricular Choices
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Whistle Pig
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None knows THE answer. What we do know is that GREAT grades, rank, and standardized scores trump, but don't excuse worthy ECs. And that remains constant at USNA. Outstanding class performance always out-weighs professional and pt in one's overall rating and ranking. Generally, imo, good ECs like your son's are necessary but not sufficient. Everyone has terrific ECs at USNA. Everyone does not have a 36 on the math ACT.
And beyond needing to perform at a high academic level, Mids do best when they can consume volumes of academic learning quickly and well that they might then consume all the other stuff that is part of a USNA education.
In prognosticating "chances" and outcomes, ECs are the most challenging to assess, simply because none knows the specific weighting and virtually all are strong in this area. Here's hoping your hope is rewarded in this Season of Hope. Congratulations on guiding well.
And beyond needing to perform at a high academic level, Mids do best when they can consume volumes of academic learning quickly and well that they might then consume all the other stuff that is part of a USNA education.
In prognosticating "chances" and outcomes, ECs are the most challenging to assess, simply because none knows the specific weighting and virtually all are strong in this area. Here's hoping your hope is rewarded in this Season of Hope. Congratulations on guiding well.
usna1985
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WP is right. ECAs show you are well rounded and, in most cases, demonstrate commitment and leadership. There really are no "right" or "wrong" ECAs -- mids come from backgrounds in drama, journalism, community service, scouting, etc.
If you do nothing outside of academics and sports and without good cause (i.e., need to work), USNA may wonder how you'll handle being at a SA where there are lots of things you need to do other than class and sports (i.e., watch, pep rallies, company officer time, etc.).
As WP said, ECAs will not make up for an otherwise poor record but can certainly make a record even stronger.
If you do nothing outside of academics and sports and without good cause (i.e., need to work), USNA may wonder how you'll handle being at a SA where there are lots of things you need to do other than class and sports (i.e., watch, pep rallies, company officer time, etc.).
As WP said, ECAs will not make up for an otherwise poor record but can certainly make a record even stronger.
It probably (I don't know, haven't been in the admissions office), goes something like this in priority order:
1) Math SAT score
2) Excellence in high school Math/Science courses, preferable AP
3) CR SAT Score
4) Excellence in non-STEM high school courses
6) Team Sport prowess and captainship or Student Gov't office/Boys-Girls State/Eagle Scout
7) Individual sport prowess
8) non-athletic ECs
Being a recruited athlete (non-recruited doesn't count) or Priority/Diversity candidate alters the above a lot.
1) Math SAT score
2) Excellence in high school Math/Science courses, preferable AP
3) CR SAT Score
4) Excellence in non-STEM high school courses
6) Team Sport prowess and captainship or Student Gov't office/Boys-Girls State/Eagle Scout
7) Individual sport prowess
8) non-athletic ECs
Being a recruited athlete (non-recruited doesn't count) or Priority/Diversity candidate alters the above a lot.
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Whistle Pig
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A few admission seasons back the weighting of variables was accessible information. I've not seen it in awhile. Gone underground to further mystify the process, I suppose.