Willing to Answer All NAPS Questions

USMC1550

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Jul 4, 2015
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I'm currently a Midshipman Candidate at the Naval Academy Preparatory School, and I remember being clueless and full of questions about this place when I was applying. I'm willing to answer any questions anyone might have, from INDOC to the academics and athletics here.
 
Congratulations and thank you for taking the time to answer questions. My DS is currently applying for USNA and for a USNA Marine Option Scholarship. He does not have an interest in serving any other branch. Although his EC's are amazing his GPA and test scores are where he falls short. Do you mind sharing your stats as well as what you know about others that are fortunate to have the opportunity to attend NAPS? Also, how are you liking it?
 
I was thinking the same way as your son. I did not want to go any other way; my goal is Marine Corps and I didn't apply for any other academies simply because I didn't see myself in any other branch.

I, too, fell short with my test scores. I believe it's the reason why I'm here at NAPS. Here are my credentials:
SAT: 1680 | Math: 520 | English: 590 | Writing: 570
ACT: 26 | Math: 24 | Science: 24 | English: 27 | Writing: 27
GPA: 4.0

Other NAPsters here share the same credentials as I do; some are here because they couldn't pass physically, or they couldn't get a nomination because their districts were incredibly competitive. All of us are here for some reason, and they decided to keep 250 of us so we got the chance to improve and go to USNA. I'll forever be grateful for this opportunity. If your son gets offered NAPS, don't take it negatively; if anything, it's better than going direct because your son will be prepared.

I love it here. Of course, there are the athletes that don't like it because it's too disciplined or too strict, but it's the military. It is strenuous and difficult to be far away from home, however for me, the amazing people I met here keep me going and I don't go one day without laughing or smiling. The academics are challenging too. The one thing I've learned so far from NAPS is to fail. I rarely let myself fail in high school, but it's because it was simple and I hadn't really been challenged academically before. But when I came here, I learned the hard way. I ended my first marking period with a 3.68 GPA though, and I'm very proud of it. NAPS is the best way to go.
 
I was thinking the same way as your son. I did not want to go any other way; my goal is Marine Corps and I didn't apply for any other academies simply because I didn't see myself in any other branch.

I, too, fell short with my test scores. I believe it's the reason why I'm here at NAPS. Here are my credentials:
SAT: 1680 | Math: 520 | English: 590 | Writing: 570
ACT: 26 | Math: 24 | Science: 24 | English: 27 | Writing: 27
GPA: 4.0

Other NAPsters here share the same credentials as I do; some are here because they couldn't pass physically, or they couldn't get a nomination because their districts were incredibly competitive. All of us are here for some reason, and they decided to keep 250 of us so we got the chance to improve and go to USNA. I'll forever be grateful for this opportunity. If your son gets offered NAPS, don't take it negatively; if anything, it's better than going direct because your son will be prepared.

I love it here. Of course, there are the athletes that don't like it because it's too disciplined or too strict, but it's the military. It is strenuous and difficult to be far away from home, however for me, the amazing people I met here keep me going and I don't go one day without laughing or smiling. The academics are challenging too. The one thing I've learned so far from NAPS is to fail. I rarely let myself fail in high school, but it's because it was simple and I hadn't really been challenged academically before. But when I came here, I learned the hard way. I ended my first marking period with a 3.68 GPA though, and I'm very proud of it. NAPS is the best way to go.

That's wonderful that you are doing so well, it's an amazing opportunity. My son would jump at the opportunity in a heartbeat! His scores are similar to yours however, his GPA is a 3.3. He goes to a difficult and very competitive high school. He's still hoping for a nomination but may not find out about that until late December/January. He does have his plans A-Z in place and knows he will be a Marine regardless of the path. I didn't realize that you did not need a nomination to be considered for NAPS. I'm not too sure how competitive our district is, we'll soon find out! Best of luck to you and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
 
That's wonderful that you are doing so well, it's an amazing opportunity. My son would jump at the opportunity in a heartbeat! His scores are similar to yours however, his GPA is a 3.3. He goes to a difficult and very competitive high school. He's still hoping for a nomination but may not find out about that until late December/January. He does have his plans A-Z in place and knows he will be a Marine regardless of the path. I didn't realize that you did not need a nomination to be considered for NAPS. I'm not too sure how competitive our district is, we'll soon find out! Best of luck to you and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

My DS is currently attending NAPS. He had a 3.3 GPA from a very competitive high school from a competitive district, but he was able to receive a nomination.
SAT: Math 720, English 680, Reading 590
ACT: Math 33, English 33, Science 27, Writing 25.

He is loving it at NAPS and doing well. You may PM me if you have any further questions or need additional information. Goodluck to your son.
 
@USMC1550, so there are young Men there who may have great scores but need to improve on the physical side of things?
My DS has 650 verb/700 math, 3.90 GPA but A's in math and sciences throughout high school. He has a nomination from MOC, but we are concerned about his CFA performance.
That is where he is working so hard to improve.
 
There are plenty of them! This is the best place for anyone the Academy thinks can do well. Whether it's their academics that need a little more polish or their physical readiness isn't exactly there yet, we're always improving here.
 
I'm currently a Midshipman Candidate at the Naval Academy Preparatory School, and I remember being clueless and full of questions about this place when I was applying. I'm willing to answer any questions anyone might have, from INDOC to the academics and athletics here.
Thanks for this offer, 1550. DS is in the middle of nomination interviews, but we are hopeful. In some ways, coming from a small rural school, NAPS would probably be good for him. When (and how) did you find out about the NAPS offer? What kind of coursework are you taking? Will you be taking similar courses next fall at Annapolis?
 
Thanks for this offer, 1550. DS is in the middle of nomination interviews, but we are hopeful. In some ways, coming from a small rural school, NAPS would probably be good for him. When (and how) did you find out about the NAPS offer? What kind of coursework are you taking? Will you be taking similar courses next fall at Annapolis?
I found out on April 11, 2016; it was really late. I found out over an email about a portal change.

Now, I'm taking physics, chemistry, english, and math courses. If I test out of these courses during Plebe Summer, then I'll just move onto the next course. For example, if I test out of chemistry 1 and 2, I'll go on to take youngster year physics and so on.
 
Does the coursework you are doing now count as college credit, then?
 
@USMC1550 were all NAPSters grades and test score similar to yours

For the most part, yes. Most of us are here because our test scores weren't up to their normal standards. Actually, the class of 2020 at USNA had the highest SAT/ACT scores in history so that's a little hard to compete with coming from a small school.
 
Curious if my DS will get a NAPS offer. He's applied for the USNA, USAFA, and USCGA. He was offered a 4-year Type 7 AFROTC scholarship as well, and that is his Plan B should no appointment comes forth, which is Plan A. In the middle though are the prep school opportunities. He didn't score great on the upper body events of the CFA but scored outstanding on the runs (7.33 shuttle and 5:15 mile). He scored a 1360 on the SAT (700RW and 660M), has a non-weighted GPA of 3.57 (weighted is 3.87), takes AP/honors classes, is a member of the NHS, and currently serves as the Cadet Commander of his CAP squadron and is testing for Spaatz on Saturday. The MOC interviews are done and he is awaiting the results regarding a Nom.
 
Is it possible to apply directly to NAPs? How often do people receive a NAPs offer? How hard is it to get one? and , Is it free?
 
'22, you can't apply directly to the Prep School. Candidates who apply for USNA are considered for NAPS for academic reasons. It could be a variety of academic reasons, test scores, GPA, small high school with limited opportunities, been out of school for several years (prior enlisted). Usually around 250 or so prepsters. It is free.
 
@USMC1550, so there are young Men there who may have great scores but need to improve on the physical side of things?
My DS has 650 verb/700 math, 3.90 GPA but A's in math and sciences throughout high school. He has a nomination from MOC, but we are concerned about his CFA performance.
That is where he is working so hard to improve.

I think my DS may be in a similar situation. His SAT scores are close to your DS's, but flipped (700RW/660M) and has a 3.57 GPA (3.87 WGPA). We are awaiting to see whether or not he gets a nomination, which should be out in a few weeks. His CFA was decent but not great for the upper body events (push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups) but were really good for the runs (7.33 Shuttle and 5:15 mile). Maybe they will end up be there together.
 
It's my understanding that NAPS is for academic preparation primarily. Test scores above 1300 are in the above average range (new SAT). From what I've seen, many NAPsters have a fantastic package but may have GPA's within the 3.2-3.7 non-weighted range with test scores below 1250 (new SAT) . I'm talking about great students with leadership ability that need a little extra prep academically. NAPsters please chime in! Your input is greatly appreciated!
 
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In my case, I had a 4.0 GPA in high school, however my SAT from the old test was only a 1680 and wasn't up to par with everyone else's that entered the class of 2020. There are people here for physical help too, such as not getting a high enough score on the CFA.
 
@USMC1550 Hey, Im currently enlisted in the Navy and I submitted my package already. How is Naps for prior enlisted ? Ie... the lifestyle/ the daily routine. And I hope im not asking for too much but if you know any prior enlisted at Naps, It would be greatly appreciated if you link me with one of them because I have a lot of questions to ask. lol. The whole process is so hard when your on a ship and going underway a lot.
 
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