Will this mean I'm booted?

Hi I am new here (in the sense that I just made an account for this site, but have been looking around here for a bit), and I hope to get to know things from here.
I am applying for a third time for USMMA, and I have something that I want to ask. I am currently majoring in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering at the University of New Orleans, and so far my first year of college has not been so great. I have passed my calc and physics classes with a B in Calc 1 and C's in Calc 2 along with Physics 1 and 2. However I just received an F in my Naval Architecture Lab. Would this automatically result in me being disqualified from the application process? I am not really in a great mental state right now as I am worrying about how the future will play out from this and would like some advice. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

curious_m3rchant said:

Hi I am new here (in the sense that I just made an account for this site, but have been looking around here for a bit), and I hope to get to know things from here.
I am applying for a third time for USMMA, and I have something that I want to ask. I am currently majoring in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering at the University of New Orleans, and so far my first year of college has not been so great. I have passed my calc and physics classes with a B in Calc 1 and C's in Calc 2 along with Physics 1 and 2. However I just received an F in my Naval Architecture Lab. Would this automatically result in me being disqualified from the application process? I am not really in a great mental state right now as I am worrying about how the future will play out from this and would like some advice. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

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I don't mean to be rude, and I understand your pain, of being in a not-too-great mental state... I say this in the nicest way possible... If you aren't in the best mental state right now, you might not want to worry about the Service Academies, at least right now... and take some time for yourself, and give yourself a break.. Everyone needs one sometimes, and it seems like you may need one... As far as your question goes, I don't think it will automatically disqualify you, but it won't serve you any well either, I doubt the admissions board will like the occurrence of an F, on your transcript.

Let me know, if you have any further questions!

Great advice from @MichaelT2022 take care of your mental health.

MichaelT2022 said:

I don't mean to be rude, and I understand your pain, of being in a not-too-great mental state... I say this in the nicest way possible... If you aren't in the best mental state right now, you might not want to worry about the Service Academies, at least right now... and take some time for yourself, and give yourself a break.. Everyone needs one sometimes, and it seems like you may need one... As far as your question goes, I don't think it will automatically disqualify you, but it won't serve you any well either, I doubt the admissions board will like the occurrence of an F, on your transcript.

Let me know, if you have any further questions!

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Devil Doc said:

Great advice from @MichaelT2022 take care of your mental health.

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Thank you both for your concerns. I know that I will take a little bit of time to take care of myself and get back on track. It's a big shakeup as this is the first time I've ever had an F for anything as I've always have had A's and B's for the most part with an occasional C. I do have to ask though, what should I do besides moving forward so that I may be able to improve myself? I have my heart set on going to USMMA, and I really want to be able to be a part of the maritime industry and help the world be more connected with trade. Also I had came very close to being on track to go to Kings Point the first time I applied, so I want to improve so that I may be able to have the opportunity to be there.

Your adult life is just beginning, you have the hole world in front of you. As much as I am partial to KP, it is only one path to a successful career in the maritime industry.

You college grades are going to be a significant metric for your acceptance/declination. Personally, I would say take a year off from worrying about the next step and focus on the step you are on. Getting your UNOLA grades up is the single best thing you can do to improve your chances of getting in to KP. Don't even give them the chance to say no based on your current grades, get them up next year so the next time they see your transcript it shows significant improvement between years 1 and 2.

It took me 3 tries to get in to KP and 3 tries to get out. You have no less opportunity today than you did a year ago, the only difference is some paths may be more difficult but no less achievable.

KPEngineer said:

Your adult life is just beginning, you have the hole world in front of you. As much as I am partial to KP, it is only one path to a successful career in the maritime industry.

You college grades are going to be a significant metric for your acceptance/declination. Personally, I would say take a year off from worrying about the next step and focus on the step you are on. Getting your UNOLA grades up is the single best thing you can do to improve your chances of getting in to KP. Don't even give them the chance to say no based on your current grades, get them up next year so the next time they see your transcript it shows significant improvement between years 1 and 2.

It took me 3 tries to get in to KP and 3 tries to get out. You have no less opportunity today than you did a year ago, the only difference is some paths may be more difficult but no less achievable.

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Thanks for the pep talk. I just really am not having a great time with life right now since I was supposed to go to NMMI as a sponsored prep, but then the pandemic hit, and I couldn't get my DODMERB exams done which was the only thing I needed to do. That led to me being disqualified when I was so close to being in fresh out of high school. It was one of the biggest disappointments I've had in my life, and then the second time I applied I was not considered by the congressional nomination boards. It has been nothing but rough times and feeling like I have been a failure for at least a year straight now, and I am trying to do everything I can to get out of this self-destructive mindset and my current situation to make a better future for myself and the people I care about.

curious_m3rchant said:

Thanks for the pep talk. I just really am not having a great time with life right now since I was supposed to go to NMMI as a sponsored prep, but then the pandemic hit, and I couldn't get my DODMERB exams done which was the only thing I needed to do. That led to me being disqualified when I was so close to being in fresh out of high school. It was one of the biggest disappointments I've had in my life, and then the second time I applied I was not considered by the congressional nomination boards. It has been nothing but rough times and feeling like I have been a failure for at least a year straight now, and I am trying to do everything I can to get out of this self-destructive mindset and my current situation to make a better future for myself and the people I care about.

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Don't sweat it. I realize at 19ish it seems like your world is ending because you have hit a few speed bumps but nothing in your experience of the last 2 years means your dreams are over, just delayed. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and eventually you will get where you want to be.

"Anything you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe and enthusiastically act upon every day, absolutely must come to pass." - Skip Bertman

I was denied admissions twice, finally got accepted on the third try, went to KP at 20, repeated about 10-12 classes along the way, was referred for disenrollment 3 times, graduated at 26 in the bottom 10% of my class. The key word in all that is "graduated" ... how I got there is now just details.

curious_m3rchant said:

Hi I am new here (in the sense that I just made an account for this site, but have been looking around here for a bit), and I hope to get to know things from here.
I am applying for a third time for USMMA, and I have something that I want to ask. I am currently majoring in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering at the University of New Orleans, and so far my first year of college has not been so great. I have passed my calc and physics classes with a B in Calc 1 and C's in Calc 2 along with Physics 1 and 2. However I just received an F in my Naval Architecture Lab. Would this automatically result in me being disqualified from the application process? I am not really in a great mental state right now as I am worrying about how the future will play out from this and would like some advice. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

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Once you get five messages, I will PM you with info that may be helpful to you. Please recognize that any NAME Program Major is EXTREMELY intense. Having any double engineering major is a challenge, but UNO has one of the better programs nationwide with almost 100% of grads getting high paying jobs upon graduation, small classes, and really good facilities. FYI, if you were struggling freshman year, you need to kick it up a gear as your Sophomore year is MUCH more difficult. Once you get the minimum five posts, either you can PM me or I will try and get back to you.

curious_m3rchant said:

Thanks for the pep talk. I just really am not having a great time with life right now since I was supposed to go to NMMI as a sponsored prep, but then the pandemic hit, and I couldn't get my DODMERB exams done which was the only thing I needed to do. That led to me being disqualified when I was so close to being in fresh out of high school. It was one of the biggest disappointments I've had in my life, and then the second time I applied I was not considered by the congressional nomination boards. It has been nothing but rough times and feeling like I have been a failure for at least a year straight now, and I am trying to do everything I can to get out of this self-destructive mindset and my current situation to make a better future for myself and the people I care about.

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Here are my “Mom words” First off, hugs to you. This last year (and more...as the ramifications continue to show themselves...) has been beyond challenging. Loss after loss after loss. THERE IS NO SHAME in struggling!! Many, MANY are. So give yourself some GRACE. This whole experience didn’t come with an instruction manual. We all had to forge a way ahead, through unprecedented times and experiences. And the mental toll is real, prevalent and documented.

As a mom, I would advise my own to get some self care, first and foremost. There is nothing anyone can do to change the past. But that doesn’t mean it has to be your future, either.

You said in your 1st post. That you are “worrying about how your future will play out from all of this”. To me, it seems like this could be part of your struggle....perhaps getting some help, with developing some good, solid coping skills for when a person has such concerns would be helpful? I always advise speaking to a trusted adult...Coach, professor, chaplain, or seek out your school counselor. They are trained to help with concerns college students are experiencing. And help you work through your thoughts. But I always think someone other than your parents because sometimes they have special rose-colored glasses pertaining to their own children.

There could be some situational depression going on...no clue, don’t answer, but getting some guidance would be a recommendation. Personally, I think Chaplains are THE BEST. They are confidential, and a medical record isn’t created. Of course if that’s necessary (seeing a healthcare professional), then it’s necessary. And important to do so. But sometimes, just getting some good, solid advice from a trusted adult is all that’s needed.

But know that struggling is happening all over. I can’t help with any “am i Done for” kind of things re: USMMA. But struggling is a real thing, especially this last year. Know that you are not alone!!

Good luck to you. THIS, TOO, SHALL PASS!!!!!! You WILL come out the other end. And someday, on your life radar, this will be just a blip. A memory. A story of how you got to where you were.

Don’t worry. And hang in there!!

UNO is a great program for naval architecture and marine engineering. I would put it number 3, behind MIT and Michigan. so, you are in a great plan B program

golfindad said:

UNO is a great program for naval architecture and marine engineering. I would put it number 3, behind MIT and Michigan. so, you are in a great plan B program

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Although I have taken something that is a great plan B, I don't feel like that this particular program is right for me. It's been difficult trying to learn all the practical parts of the ins and outs of designing a ship as this is something I have never done before and on top of that, trying to keep up with other tough classes such as physics, calc, and other required engineering classes have taken their toll which led to me failing that one class. It feels like I kind of trapped myself into a corner and the walls feel like they're closing in. I just want to do the best I can to fight my way out of this situation and be the best candidate I can be.

listen man, everything here at KP is mental. try meditating and dont be anxious. Whatever happens happens and when it does happen, make an attack plan. And i doubt this will disqualify you, they probably wouldnt like it but as long as your gpa isn't terrible youll be fine. just stay positive.

golfindad said:

UNO is a great program for naval architecture and marine engineering. I would put it number 3, behind MIT and Michigan. so, you are in a great plan B program

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It really depends on your metric, but I'd put Webb at the top of any list when talking about Nav Arch, mostly because of the caliber of people there.

beyond said:

It really depends on your metric, but I'd put Webb at the top of any list when talking about Nav Arch, mostly because of the caliber of people there.

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My nephew is finishing his first year at WEBB and it is a phenomenal program.

kpanimaldad said:

listen man, everything here at KP is mental. try meditating and dont be anxious. Whatever happens happens and when it does happen, make an attack plan. And i doubt this will disqualify you, they probably wouldnt like it but as long as your gpa isn't terrible youll be fine. just stay positive.

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Right now my gpa got bumped down from 3.3 to 2.8 because of failing that one Nav Arch class. What would your assessment of that be? Is it something that would be considered bad or just in a "not bad, not good" state?

There are way too many factors for anyone to determine the outcome. Everyone is considered so if you don’t apply you will never know. All you can do is put your best application and essays together and nail your congressional interviews. Give them many, many reasons why they should choose you to receive an appointment to USMMA.

beyond said:

It really depends on your metric, but I'd put Webb at the top of any list when talking about Nav Arch, mostly because of the caliber of people there.

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My NavalArch instructor at KP was a Webbie, and probably one of the best I had in any subject. He didn't last too long, though. Wasn't really fond of the whole uniform thing.

KPEngineer said:

Don't sweat it. I realize at 19ish it seems like your world is ending because you have hit a few speed bumps but nothing in your experience of the last 2 years means your dreams are over, just delayed. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and eventually you will get where you want to be.

"Anything you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe and enthusiastically act upon every day, absolutely must come to pass." - Skip Bertman

I was denied admissions twice, finally got accepted on the third try, went to KP at 20, repeated about 10-12 classes along the way, was referred for disenrollment 3 times, graduated at 26 in the bottom 10% of my class. The key word in all that is "graduated" ... how I got there is now just details.

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Everything he said here...

Print this (his response) out and put it on your wall...

It took me two tries to USAFA...and I spent four years walking around wondering how I got there with "those" kinds of geniuses!

There are 958 graduates in my class...and shocking to some (70 of them to be precise) I actually ranked higher in the order of merit.

My cadets today marvel at the fact that I was a "DG" from USAFA.
(at the end of the year I let them know that in MY case, it doesn't stand for Distinguished Graduate, but like KPEngineer says, in my case, it stands for "DID graduate!")

Again, re-read what KPEngineer said...

Spot-on advice!

Steve

flieger83 said:

My cadets today marvel at the fact that I was a "DG" from USAFA.
(at the end of the year I let them know that in MY case, it doesn't stand for Distinguished Graduate, but like KPEngineer says, in my case, it stands for "DID graduate!")

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One of my USNA roommates likes to say he "Graduated with Distinction. . . the distinction being that I GRADUATED"

Would getting a summer job be one of the many ways I can improve myself? If so what kind of jobs would you recommend?