Hello,
I’m new to the forum, and not sure if this topic has been covered, but I’m a junior in high school and just returned today from my candidate visit to USNA. I absolutely loved the experience and am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead...
I really want to go to Navy and I wanted to know if anyone has had any experience using an outside admissions counselor/coach to help them navigate the application and admissions process.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated [emoji4].
Thank you,
Shast
You’ve gotten some good advice here. The application process in itself is a test of YOUR perseverance, attention to detail, planning and execution skills. The traits of initiative and self-sufficiency are much valued in future junior officers. If you own the process, do the work, and are responsible for it, then you will understand more about the decision and be well-placed to make the right choices along the way.
If you haven’t already, read every page, drop down and link on USNA.edu. Take notes, build a timeline and plan of action and milestones (Navy term: “POAM”). Most answers are there.
Go to your elected representatives’ websites, research their SA process. Attend SA info nights.
Research other SAs and Services to figure out whether they are in play for you or not.
Build parallel Plans B, Plan C, Plan D, or whatever meets your comfort level. Research NROTC. Research the senior military colleges (SMC), many of which have NROTC. Have a candid talk with your parents about money and what’s available for you if you end up going to civilian college.
https://m.goarmy.com/rotc/courses-and-colleges/military-colleges.m.html
There are things you can do this spring, giving teachers heads-up on what you’ll be asking them to do, getting their contact info so you can reach them over the summer.
Here on SAF, review the Acronym List over in Community Information. Read the Stickies at the top of the Nominations forum. Use the Search function with search strings “chances” and “stats” to get a feel for what other candidates bring to the table. Browse the USNA and ROTC forums.
Have a plan for summer - if NASS is out, Boys/Girls State, or other activities that show continued growth.
If you are currently taking meds for any ADHD or have an IEP, and certain other conditions, be aware there are “stopped taking medication no later than, diagnosed less than x years ago” dates. Browse the DODMERB forum.
You family can help, especially when it comes to medical records and medical history, and support you as needed.
Take the time to look past USNA and be absolutely sure there are Navy or Marine Corps Officer career paths that appeal to you, and that you are prepared to do for at least 5 years after graduation. That’s the entire point of this.
Continue to enjoy HS life and don’t do anything bone-headed that can derail your dreams!