Competition in the National Pool

U

usna1234

Member
Joined
Apr 25, 2018
Messages
35
How fierce is the competition in the national pool? I hear that all non winners of the congressional slates are placed into this pool and compete for a spot in the top 150. Do a lot of recruited athletes/minorities come from the national pool? I’d appreciate if anyone could explain the process a little more.

Also would I compete well in the national pool? Or would I fall on the lower end? I have a 33 ACT math and a 33 ACT English. I have a 4.1 weighted GPA. I play 2 varsity sports and am captain. I’m an Eagle Scout. Thanks!
 
It’s very hard to say how you would compete with a handful of stats. In my opinion, the top 150 in the pool would be very competitive and qualified. They can select other candidates from the pool, but the first 150 will be selected. USNA does not provide candidates the ranking of where they fall on this.
 
Have you been awarded an NROTC or NROTC-MO scholarship? While I understand that there is not a direct correlation between being awarded a scholarship and USNA appointment, it may give you some idea if you are competitive in a national (i.e. non-geographic) pool with many of those also seeking appointment to USNA.
 
Once in the national pool, is geographical representation not a factor anymore? Do they just take the top 150 regardless of where they come from?
 
usna1234 said:
Once in the national pool, is geographical representation not a factor anymore? Do they just take the top 150 regardless of where they come from?
Click to expand...
Correct. Geography is no longer a factor when selecting the top 150 from the National Pool. They can select additional appointees any way they want, but I doubt geography would be a factor as they already have geographical diversity covered.
 
The top 150 is what it is. It is ranked upon WCS. Remember how USNA scores someone is unknown to any of us. Geography is irrelevant when it comes to this. Now after the 150, USNA can select other candidates from the NWL and could round out a class with anyone who is in it. Why they pick those candidates... only they know.
 
Admission to USNA is competitive...period.
Think about the numbers, the competition within a MOC slate is essentially 1 in 10.
Everyone not selected under the MOC slate falls within the national pool (so roughly 535 x 9, or 4800 candidates), and up to 150 get selected. Admissions has some discretion in how they build the class...so I wouldn't expect it to be strictly on Admissions stats/WCS.

The limited stats OP provides are good, but they are also similar to thousands of other applicants. Nobody can tell you whether you are "competitive" in the National Pool.
 
Great answers above, to which I’ll only add: Depending on your state and congressional district, the national pool might be more competitive or less competitive. It’s all relative, based on the competitiveness of your “home base.”
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top