How can I improve myself for the application?

navyafgirl

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Feb 27, 2016
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Hi! So I am from Northern VA (SUPER competitive... I know)
I am applying for the class of 2021 this summer at USNA and USAFA.
I think I have a pretty strong resume but I would like input from people that would know how I can possibly improve myself even more before applying this summer.
I am a girl (Hispanic) attending Fairfax county public schools.
Academics:
My weighted GPA from freshmen and sophomore year is 4.0 and after this year I'm thinking it will be around 4.2. I take 3 APS and honors, and will be taking 4 APs next year. (Physics 1 and 2, computer science, english, gov, BC calc, and spanish)
ACT scores are 32-english, 32-math, 26-science, 25- reading. I'm also taking it in June to try to get my math score up for sure and hopefully reading and science... those are obviously weaker for me.
Athletics:
I have been on varsity swim and dive since freshman year and will be a captain next year.
I did cheerleading sophomore year as well as varsity track. I switched to varsity cross country this year (my grades suffered during cheer) and plan to continue XC, swim and dive, and track for next year. I've also lettered each year in swim and dive but I haven't lettered in XC or Track... maybe next year??
I've also ran 2 half marathons and got 1st place for my age group in a sprint triathlon. In addition, I dive in the summer and have gone to divisionals and placed, etc.
I've had a summer job as a lifeguard for 3 years and I was a swim coach one year and an assistant dive coach this year. I also babysit year round(idk if they care about that).
Leadership:
I am in Student Advisory Council, PTSA student rep, SGA student leader, a math/dance mentor for young girls, a student leader in my club called UPC(hopefully I'll be president next year, we'll see), Military ambassadors club officer, and a leader in my church group( might run for VP for next year). I also ran for student rep to the school board and I've had lots of times where I've spoken in front of 200+ people. I was competitively chosen to attend the WP ethics and leadership conference where I also got chosen as 24 out of 200 kids for showing the best leadership and got to compete for a scholarship... which I was also chosen for.
I have over 150 service hours and will be getting a lot more this summer when I go on a mission trip.
Lastly, attending USAFA SS and Girls State this summer... was put on the waitlist for Navy SS:/

Thank you if you've made it this far! haha
So if y'all have any other advice in something I might be lacking or missing or what I can maybe do or run for to improve my chances(I know keep retaking ACT until I get perfect).

If you have any additional questions don't hesitate to ask! Thank you again :) y'all are awesome
 
You have a lot going on, and that is a good thing. While many are exhausted from similar type posts, what are those occasions when you spoke to 200+ people? Possible opportunity to standout in your application/essay.

Yes, drop the babysitter, unless you are telling me what meaningful ways you are using the income, or something is wrong with the kid by babysitting him/her you are able to (...).
 
Hi! I'm a reapplication to the class of 2021 (also from NoVa.) I'm not sure if you have taken the SAT but I would strongly suggest taking it and submitting scores from both tests. At this point, the key to getting in is securing a nomination. You are well above the USNA academic/extracurricular standard but the nomination process is BRUTAL here. Give a good solid interview that showcases your well defined goals. And try to find something to make yourself stand out.
I know you don't want to hear it (I certainly didn't,) but at the end of the day you need to have a super solid plan B, and C for that matter. Sometimes there really is no rhyme or reason as to why you don't get in.
 
Hi! I'm a reapplication to the class of 2021 (also from NoVa.) I'm not sure if you have taken the SAT but I would strongly suggest taking it and submitting scores from both tests. At this point, the key to getting in is securing a nomination. You are well above the USNA academic/extracurricular standard but the nomination process is BRUTAL here. Give a good solid interview that showcases your well defined goals. And try to find something to make yourself stand out.
I know you don't want to hear it (I certainly didn't,) but at the end of the day you need to have a super solid plan B, and C for that matter. Sometimes there really is no rhyme or reason as to why you don't get in.
Awesome, thank you so much. Yes, I'll definitely work on the interviewing.
 
Take a look at the many "chance me" posts on this forum. Compare your stats, your ECs, your "drive" to others... this will give you a good idea of how you stack up.

Remember, you have to be prepared with documentation for any activity you claim (not just for you, but for anyone reading here).

Unless your babysitting job is a REAL JOB, where you get a pay check, taxes withheld, on a regular schedule, I would omit it.

Your reading score of 25 concerns me MUCH more than your 32 math score.
 
Take a look at the many "chance me" posts on this forum. Compare your stats, your ECs, your "drive" to others... this will give you a good idea of how you stack up.

Remember, you have to be prepared with documentation for any activity you claim (not just for you, but for anyone reading here).

Unless your babysitting job is a REAL JOB, where you get a pay check, taxes withheld, on a regular schedule, I would omit it.

Your reading score of 25 concerns me MUCH more than your 32 math score.
doesnt navy only care about math and english score tho?
 
I think your stats are great, including the math score, which is what is most important.
 
Hey - I'm from the NoVA area and I was given the #1 nomination from my Congressman in my district. Your ACT scores are going to put you at a significant disadvantage. Most kids from the area applying for nominations have around a 32 ACT composite. And there are 100s of kids applying. To put it into perspective, I had a 35 on my ACT - everything was a 36 except science, which was a 34.
 
I definitely feel for you being from NoVA. I got a nomination from a senator with a 30 granted it wasn't the principal. I wish I had the score I have now when I applied for noms the first time.
 
Navyafgirl, the academies "care" about your WCS, Whole Candidate Score.

Read all about it here, then get busy improving your scores.
 
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