Convo w/ Admissions Counselor

My DS has had some pretty nice email exchanges with his USNA admissions counselor about his file and how he can improve it. Although his end goal is to attend the academy, he truly thinks a year at NAPS would be the the best option to prepare him for the academic rigors of the academy. My question is- would it be frowned upon to actually request that? (or at least drop a more direct hint) Would admissions think less of him for it?

NAPS attendees, other than prior enlisted and perhaps athletic appointees, is only for those who are academically unqualified. If your DS is academically qualified then that's not an option. Personally I wouldn't mention NAPS and I don't think it would make any difference anyway. YMMV.

If he thinks another year of education and maturing is really helpful to him, then perhaps a year at a state college would be useful. You might also remind him that he wouldn't be the only person coming out of high school and attending an academy (obviously). They will help him to succeed. That "help" might be "painful" at times, but he can get through it.

When he conducts his BGO interview he should mention that a year at prep school (NAPS or foundation) would be options he would fully accept. This is something his BGO can note in his interview.

He had his B&G interview on 9/1 and did tell him he would accept a NAPS offer. Dodmerb “qualified” in August and he has been CPR since 9/5. Today his portal was updated to reflect a ROTC nomination.
Although he passed the CFA at NASS, his admissions officer emailed a few weeks ago and suggested he retake it if he could improve his scores. So he did and did improve in all categories. The officer has been very helpful and quick to offer direction. Academics are definitely DS’s weakest area (compared to the stats listed in this site), hence the draw to NAPS.

kfnj said:

He had his B&G interview on 9/1 and did tell him he would accept a NAPS offer. Dodmerb “qualified” in August and he has been CPR since 9/5. Today his portal was updated to reflect a ROTC nomination.
Although he passed the CFA at NASS, his admissions officer emailed a few weeks ago and suggested he retake it if he could improve his scores. So he did and did improve in all categories. The officer has been very helpful and quick to offer direction. Academics are definitely DS’s weakest area (compared to the stats listed in this site), hence the draw to NAPS.

Click to expand...

Be open to USNA Foundation scholarships too - same prep purpose. See link and many, many threads on Foundation Scholars.
https://www.usna.edu/Alumni/index.php

Candidates are automatically considered for NAPS and/or Foundation. Offers are made for candidates that have very strong records, but for some reason aren't considered qualified. (That "some reason" is usually academics). Candidate shouldn't request NAPS, but certainly appropriate to discuss with the BGO, and BGO to make the recommendation if appropriate.