Any advice for essays or recommended activities in college for reapplication?

TomB

TomB

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I was recently turned down from USNA which left me extremely bummed out but it will not stop me from reapplying. I plan on using the sticky mentioned at the top of this forum for guidance in my upcoming college career. Can anyone provide any advice for the essays you write in your application? Also, is there any recommended activities (besides ROTC which I am going to be enrolling in) that anyone thinks would be very beneficial? Any advice for any part of the reapplication would help as well!
(Note: I am also aware that I may turn out to like my college but USNA has been my dream for a long time and I am willing to do anything to get it.)
 
Never give up your dream! If USNA is what you want, re-applying is where your energy will be most efficiently spent.

For the essays, my advice is to be original, be yourself, be succinct, and most important of all, tell a story; your story. No one can do that better than yourself.

If you need help with grammar or need a second set of eyes to revise your work (highly encouraged), seek help from good friends and college counselors.
 
Essays are important but not critical to a USNA application. Suggest you wait to write them until just before your packet is due as you will mature a lot during your first semester at college and you want that maturity to come across in what you write.

USNA does not look at reapplicant applications (i.e., from college) until late January, so there is no rush to get them in.

In terms of activities, first do something that you enjoy. There is no "right" or "wrong" activity (well, maybe a few "wrong":)). If there is a chance to lead something, go for it. I'm thinking something small, like an event or a fundraiser. But don't go so overboard on activities that your grades drop as great grades are critical. Try to participate in some sort of organized sports (could be intramural or club).

Be sure to do something productive during the summer, which could well be a job, but could also be volunteering, being a leader at a camp, etc. If you can lead in your activity, so much the better.
 
You need to look at why you got a TWE and not only focus on one thing (like your essay). You mentioned in a prior post you didn't get a NOM to USNA, so you need to be honest about your total resume and what needs to be improved if you want to be competitive next time around.
 
time2 said:
You need to look at why you got a TWE and not only focus on one thing (like your essay). You mentioned in a prior post you didn't get a NOM to USNA, so you need to be honest about your total resume and what needs to be improved if you want to be competitive next time around.
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I understand that which is why I’m asking my admissions counselor and BGO for what my application could be improved on.
 
usna1985 said:
Essays are important but not critical to a USNA application. Suggest you wait to write them until just before your packet is due as you will mature a lot during your first semester at college and you want that maturity to come across in what you write.

USNA does not look at reapplicant applications (i.e., from college) until late January, so there is no rush to get them in.

In terms of activities, first do something that you enjoy. There is no "right" or "wrong" activity (well, maybe a few "wrong":)). If there is a chance to lead something, go for it. I'm thinking something small, like an event or a fundraiser. But don't go so overboard on activities that your grades drop as great grades are critical. Try to participate in some sort of organized sports (could be intramural or club).

Be sure to do something productive during the summer, which could well be a job, but could also be volunteering, being a leader at a camp, etc. If you can lead in your activity, so much the better.
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@usna1985 Thank you for your advice and for the sticky on the top of the forum. Regarding sports, I have been boxing for 4.5 years and it will be 5.5 by the time I hear back from USNA next year if I continue to box. Due to the area I live in, it is hard to find a trainer who is able to get amateur fights ( I currently have none which is aggravating). However, I have sparred countless hours with both kids my age and have sparred many hours with professional boxers as well. I tend to like sparring people older then me and the professionals better since it is more competition, so my boxing skill is very good compared to others. USNA, unfortunately, does not recruit for boxing and it is a sport I love to death. For the betterment of my application, should I drop boxing for something that is more focused on at USNA? (I will be reapplying from the Citadel (have not heard back of acceptance or not) or Norwich University. Norwich does not offer boxing whereas the Citadel does.).
 
You're not suddenly going to be recruited for a sport you just started. Focus on maxing your CFA, and maybe participate in a team sport that involves running -- soccer, etc. Can be done at an intramural level.
 
Since you didn't get a nomination this time around, consider what you did wrong there first and take it from there. Perhaps interview skills were lacking? I know this was a slight issue with myself the first time I applied. Practice interviews are helpful, also be authentic. Don't tell them what they want to hear, tell them what you truly feel, and if the Academy is right for you then everything will fall into place.
 
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