Worried about academic rigor

I am thinking about applying to USNA but I am not as smart as most of the mids that go there. I tend to take in information slower and need repetition.

Yes, I have good grades and good SATs but that’s because I put in a lot of extra time but I know I am not going to have that extra time in the academy and will fall behind. I’m also worried the professors won’t like me because I ask lots of questions. I’m one of those kids.

That’s why I’m considering on just going to a civilian college becaus they tend to record their lectures so I can repeat it as much as I want.

Is there some kind of support system for kids that tend to fall behind like me? Thanks.

When we visited the Naval Academy, they told us that there’s homework hours every night (I want to say at least 3 hours), and that the professors come back for those hours to be available for help. It really impressed me. They said b/c they’ve put such a huge investment in you, their goal is to make sure you’re successful.

Throwingawayacct said:

I am thinking about applying to USNA but I am not as smart as most of the mids that go there.

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Don't sell yourself short...there are plenty of us that attended USNA and are "not as smart" as everyone claims to be here. First, you won't get in if you don't try. Second, there is plenty of opportunity for extra assistance, if you need it. As Mom indicated, the system is set up to help you succeed. Hard work and perseverance is expected, and I won't sugar coat it ...it can be tough.

USNA has small class sizes and a lot of extra instruction. This is an advantage if you're willing to put in the hours of study time needed to get good grades anywhere. You don't need to listen to lectures ad nauseam to do well. If you require more than what your professors can provide, there are incredible resources online. When I took Chemistry, I learned way more from Youtube than from lecture. Also remember that well over 200 plebes each year are coming from prep school because they weren't found academically qualified out of high school. From all that I can tell, the Academy tries really hard to give midshipmen the tools to succeed and isn't trying to weed people out. The same can't necessarily be said for all civilian universities, where for example, classes like General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry are often designed to weed out pre-med students.

I don't know what kind of experience you've had with asking questions, but I can tell you most good teachers absolutely love when students ask good questions as it shows you are engaged. The exception would be if you're grandstanding or weren't paying attention, in which case you don't want to be that student.

If you really are interested in attending I wouldn't let fear of the academics stop you. First you'd need to get in, and unless the Admissions Board has faith in your academic ability based on your application, you probably wouldn't get an offer. So apply and trust them. If you just want to be an officer but think you'd have a better experience at a normal college, look into ROTC.

Agree with previous responses - don't sell yourself short - if your goal is to be a naval officer, apply!

At parent session of CVW we were told that midshipmen only fail academically if they don't try/care. USNA invests SO much into you - they want you to succeed. We were told there are numerous academic safety nets - midshipmen study groups, tutoring, and professors who will meet with you day or night. You will only fail if you refuse to take advantage of the extra help (if you need it).

Wherever did you hear that civilian colleges record the lectures? I may be getting old, but....

kinnem said:

Wherever did you hear that civilian colleges record the lectures? I may be getting old, but....

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My state university does and a lot of Ivy League/prestigious universities tend to these days. I think that’s why attendance isn’t required in every single class.

@Throwingawayacct Well, I learn something new every day. Thanks for being part of today's lesson plan.

One of the things that always turned me on to the SA’s for my son was (and I may be wrong) less distractions. I think most hard working young men, like yourself, would thrive in that kind of envirement.