LOA, what's next...need advice

Ted&Gladys

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My wife (and to a much lesser extent myself) have been lurkers on the SA Forum website for 3+ years, ever since our DD declared her interest in the USNA.

We have benefited immensely from the wide variety of opinions and the depth of advice that has been shared by all of you willing to take the time to educate those of us unfamiliar with the military in general and USNA in particular. Our daughter was well prepared for her CVW, NASS, her meeting with her BGO etc etc and it was all thanks to you fine people on this forum. In comparison to College Confidential, this forum has always struck us as more supportive and more informative which is to the credit of the fine men and women who have elected to serve our great country (and the parents who have supported their choices).

Yesterday was a great day for our family. Our DD received her LOA. Thank you all for your support…even though you didn’t even know that we were out there.

Now we are looking for a little more advice. . . .

1) We have read that, although rare, each year there may be a couple of LOA candidates who do not receive nominations. DD is busily working hard on these noms; however, we are in a highly competitive district (easy drive to Annapolis). Are there any pitfalls DD should be aware of as she finishes up these noms and prepares for (hopefully) impending interviews?

2) DD is pushing ahead with plans b,c,d,etc. with NROTC options. She is well matched to attend USNA routine; loves the daily structure and high demands on her time. If given a choice between NROTC and appt. to USNA, what are the factors to consider? Any advice from those with personal knowledge of how they (or their child) made a similar decision would be appreciated.

We are elated about how far she has progressed in this process, but want to make sure that she keeps her foot on the gas and continues to carefully explore all options.
 
Congrats! It looks like you have it all lined up with the next steps. Keep working on noms and plan B, C, etc. Take a look at the nomination thread as there are lots of old threads on the interviews. I would say be herself, review common questions and she should be just fine!
 
Exactly what NavyHoops said, but if you want to go an extra step with interview preparation....ask the "why" questions. This requires one to (a) state their stance on the question and (b) defend it (hopefully in a concise and clear way). It isn't always easy when you don't know what the question will be ahead of time and you have a few seconds to gather your thoughts and present a "smart" response....a little practice might help develop these skills.
 
Congratulations. I would say your DD and her parents have it all together!

The obvious response to your question is to choose whichever college she'll thrive at. The main difference between the Academy and NROTC is that with NROTC it's not 24x7 military all the time and she would lead a more "normal" life. She would be challenged but not as intensely as she would at the Academy. My Marine option son spent about 20 hours a week on NROTC responsibilities by the end. Billets he held:
- squad leader (twice)
- Platoon Sgt.
- Company XO (twice)
- Operations Officer
- Semper Fi Pres (in charge of Marine training)

Also, depending on her major the course curriculum might not be as tough in NROTC. Besides the Naval Science courses (1 each semester) she will need to complete 2 semesters of calculus and 2 semesters of calculus based physics.

My DS had started an application to USNA but didn't finish it as he decided it wasn't for him. Nevertheless, the NROTC program created quite a transformation in him and he loved doing it, and is also loving the Corps.

Hope this is helpful. Your daughter has a wonderful opportunity at USNA.
 
Ted and Gladys - Congratulations on your DD's receipt of the LOA. My DS received a LOA in January, nomination in March and is now part of the Class of 2019 at USNA. But he also received a National NROTC authorship to University of California San Diego, and was accepted as a student there. His decision was based on wanting to be surrounded by like minded, intelligent, motivated individuals. He told us that despite knowing UCSD would have an outstanding student body, he wanted to be with people that wanted to serve their country. He enjoys the rigor and structure of the academy, and mentioned even though there would be rigor at UCSD and NROTC, "it wouldn't be the same." After being there for 3 months and having some ups and downs (he had to have his appendix removed during PS) he loves it there and doesn't regret his decision. He told me that keeping in touch with friends who went to "normal" college and some who are in ROTC, he is glad he chose the Academy.

As far as prepping for the interview, DS prepped for the interview doing mock interview with his JNROTC instructors at the high school. Your DD should be prepared to answer why she wants to attend the Naval Academy, what USNA has to offer (majors, sports, ECA's) what she knows about Naval communities (subs, surface and aviation), what she intends to study, even though this may change in the future and why she would make an excellent candidate. Also she should read the paper the morning of her interview, because military members love asking a current events question. My DS still has to know a current event for "chow calls". Hope this helps and again Congratulations!!
 
2) DD is pushing ahead with plans b,c,d,etc. with NROTC options. She is well matched to attend USNA routine; loves the daily structure and high demands on her time. If given a choice between NROTC and appt. to USNA, what are the factors to consider? Any advice from those with personal knowledge of how they (or their child) made a similar decision would be appreciated.

If your daughter is looking for a structured alternative to USNA have her look at the senior military colleges. The SMCs weren't on my son's radar and in hindsight NROTC at a regular civilian university was not the best fit for him - not knocking NROTC in any way, it just didn't give him what he was looking for. Each one is unique and has a different feel so she'd have to consider that as well.
 
My mid chose USNA over NROTC. The decision making process was difficult - the academy is "N*t college". . As a parent, just be patient, supportive and let them come to their own decision. Appointees should talk to mids, alumni, officers, teachers, coaches, pastors, etc. There must be no regrets on I-day. They usually have until May 1 to make up their minds, so there is plenty of time.
 
In reference to the SMC's. I would recommend that your DD check out Texas AM as well. There entire ROTC corps is the closest structure to that of the SA that I have found. For example, they are currently building 2 additional learning centers (bringing total to 4) and have hired additional tutors to meet the needs of Corp of Cadets. They do everything within the power to help each member succeed from the top down. Granted, I have already been accepted to Texas AM but Im still going through the process to get into the Academy as well. Congratulations on the LOA!!
 
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