Please Help!

I currently have two C's one in an honors class and one in an AP class. Other than that I am an A's and B's student. My average GPA right now is a 3.92 weighted and on my ACT I received a 25 on math and a 21 in English/writing. I plan on getting my SAT scores back Thursday and also interested in playing a sport at the academy. I understand that the academy looks at the whole person but what would my chances be like currently? With or without a "blue chip" will I still have a chance?

You probably already know that your test scores are far below average. Keep in mind that the academy superscores your tests so keep taking both the SAT and ACT until you are satisfied with the scores. Just looking at a previous years class profile (http://paulryan.house.gov/uploadedfiles/usna_2016.pdf) will tell you much. Your class rank is more important to the academy than your GPA. Do you stand in the top 10% of your class with those C's and B's? Top 20%? Going forward, realize that your academic performance (class rank, GPA, test scores, AP classes) is much more heavily weighted than leadership & athletics.

Being interested in playing a sport is NOT the same as being recruited to play a sport. Do an honest self-assessment: Are you qualified to play a division 1 NCAA sport at the Naval Academy? If you are, then pursue that route by talking with the coaches, filling out questionnaires, putting together a video, spreadsheets, etc... As you stand right now, based on your low test scores and the fact your describe yourself as an "A's and B's student", you're probably only in the running for a NAPS appointment (both with or without a bluechip). This is only my assessment based on past trends... no one can really tell you what your "chances" are .

However, if you mention in your essay that you are a Pittsburgh Steeler fan....that may compensate for shortages in other areas.

A plages,

If an applicant put that they were a Pittsburgh steeler fan on their application and I were on the admissions board, a twe would be on its way. Shows very poor judgement.


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Jeff62064 said:

If an applicant put that they were a Pittsburgh steeler fan on their application and I were on the admissions board, a twe would be on its way. Shows very poor judgement.

Click to expand...

Poor judgement for putting it on the application (of course) or for being a Steelers fan (considered good judgement)?

Getting back to the OP...

It is natural to worry about grades, and they are very important. However, if the academy wants you, they will want you. Lots of kids get in with 3.5 GPAs and lots of 4.0s get turned away. Of course lots of 4.0s get in too.

There is no real predictor of appointment. You need to do the best you can, be as involved as you can, get in the best shape you can, and see what happens. Don't drink alcohol, don't do drugs, don't get arrested. and build a reputation as a doer (dooo urr) at your school and in your community. Be involved.

Now if all that comes together you just might have a good chance. Of course it depends on where you live, whether you get a nomination, and whether you fit the needs of Naval Academy admissions. In years like this one, with numbers of applicants up and number of appointments down, some fantastic kids got passed over.

Good luck to you. Don't worry about the past, just focus on being the best candidate you can.