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US Patriot

US Patriot

5-Year Member
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Feb 24, 2014
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I am currently doing Marching band, as well as being heavily involved with my JROTC program, I also volunteer. I would really like to participate in a varsity sport, however there is 0 time in my schedule. Is there anything else that I could do to help me be competitive for appointments and acceptance?
 
Quality over quantity, young blood.

If you can't fit time for another thing to get involved in, don't get involved. You are competitive enough, and that is why they interview you to see what cannot be shown on an application.
 
Hate to say it; but the Admissions Board is probably going to value participation in a varsity or junior varsity sport significantly more than participation in marching band - particularly if you have not and currently do not do any high school sports.
JROTC is fine; but not a deal maker or deal breaker.
Check Youtube for a February 14, 2014; twenty-two minute interview with the Academy's Dean of Admissions - Bruce Latta. Some really good insight on what the Academy looks for.
 
Yeah I mean Marching Band is good and all, but I'd think that at least some JV or Varsity sports would be good to have. I know music and plays take a lot of time out of one's schedule.
 
I assume the OP is an underclassman because it's too late for a senior to make changes. Participation in sports typically demonstrates two things: athletic ability and teamwork.

If you are not active in a sport, USNA will look VERY HARD at your CFA in terms of athletic prowess. You want to max out in all areas but especially in crunches, push-ups and the mile run. Also, consider whether you could do a sport over the summer.

You also want to show "teamwork" in terms of your ECAs. Think of ways you can put together and lead a team (e.g., fundraiser, volunteer activity, etc.).
 
When our DS first called his congressman's office to inquire about the Academy application process a few years ago, one of the questions the congressional assistant asked was, "tell me about the sports you play in high school". When our DS replied that truthfully he was is marching band, the Congressman's assistant told our DS that marching band is good, but if you want to go to the Naval Academy, you have to play sports. Later, during his December congressional interview the subject of sports came up again. When asked about his plan B, he mentioned prep school, and their response was that he should go to college and take LOTS of sports.
 
Check Youtube for a February 14, 2014; twenty-two minute interview with the Academy's Dean of Admissions - Bruce Latta. Some really good insight on what the Academy looks for.
Click to expand...

Can you post the link?
 
US Patriot said:
I am currently doing Marching band, as well as being heavily involved with my JROTC program, I also volunteer. I would really like to participate in a varsity sport, however there is 0 time in my schedule. Is there anything else that I could do to help me be competitive for appointments and acceptance?
Click to expand...

Is Marching Band only in the fall? Even if you are in a Drum & Bugle Corps there is usually a "season."

You may want to drop extra curriculars and join a high school team. There are also club sports - some go through the summer.

The challenge is to look at your personal situation differently.
 
Not sure how things are at your school, but at mine, marching band is more of a fall (football season) activity. If you are free in the Spring, that would be a great opportunity to get involved in a Varsity sport like track or tennis.
 
Just a suggestion: Rifle team is a great extra-curricular activity; but I suspect Admissions will be looking for something a bit more athletic and physically challenging like track, cross country, tennis, baseball, etc..
 
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