Advice on my chances?

[2025hopefulinpa]

I’m a rising Senior. I am Varsity Cross Country and Track. Vice President of my high school. I have a 4.09 GPA taking mostly AP classes with a few honors classes. I scored 1380 on my SAT.
I’m on a Congressional Task Force for education, I’m a member of Key Club, Boys State, I’ve helped implement the curriculum for STEM Summer camp For my school district as well as being Head Counselor for the camps.
My family has a long history of military service but no one has ever been an officer. My parents both served in the Navy.
I know the question I posed is subjective but I look at the accomplishments of current and past Midshipmen and I feel like I have no chance.

 

[SCubb]

https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/_files/documents/ClassPortrait.pdf

Compare yourself here. Academically you are right about the middle. You mention a bit about athletics, which is highly valued as 92% played varsity athletics and 72% were team captains.
Do well on CFA, write meaningful essays and put your best foot forward.

 

[kinnem]

You're a strong candidate but there are so many variables. Some are in your control, others, like where you live are not. just put together the best app you can. Also be working backup plans including NROTC.

 

[Devil Doc]

@2025hopefulinpa hi, what did your parents do in the Navy? Ratings?

 

[Old Navy BGO]

Your record hits all the right points, but to be perfectly honest ...it reads like thousands of other applicants. A lot depends upon the competition in your State. My recommendation to all candidates is to pursue something that you really believe in so that you stand out from all the rest. Good Luck.

 

[2025hopefulinpa]

You're a strong candidate but there are so many variables. Some are in your control, others, like where you live are not. just put together the best app you can. Also be working backup plans including NROTC.

@2025hopefulinpa hi, what did your parents do in the Navy? Ratings?

My mother was a Cryptologic Technician and my father was an Avionics Technician. My grandfather was a Marine in Vietnam, several uncles served in Army and Navy and my Maternal Grand Uncle was a Merchant Marine who was killed in 1943 when his ship was torpedoed by the Japanese.

 

[2025hopefulinpa]

You're a strong candidate but there are so many variables. Some are in your control, others, like where you live are not. just put together the best app you can. Also be working backup plans including NROTC.

Thank you for your response. I unfortunately live in a very competitive Congressional District, so that does give me pause for concern. I intend on applying to all the SA's as well as a few Universities for ROTC Scholarships.

 

[Heatherg21]

Thank you for your response. I unfortunately live in a very competitive Congressional District, so that does give me pause for concern. I intend on applying to all the SA's as well as a few Universities for ROTC Scholarships.

Control what you can, which in part is how you prepare for interviews with BGO, ALO, FFO and nomination boards. If possible set up a mock interview. Our state West Point parent club ran one and it was critical in our DS's opinion to his success in future interviews. Write the essay only you can write. Max your CFA and know how to answer questions regarding career paths for the academies you are applying to. Be confident without being arrogant, be poised.

 

[kinnem]

Thank you for your response. I unfortunately live in a very competitive Congressional District, so that does give me pause for concern. I intend on applying to all the SA's as well as a few Universities for ROTC Scholarships.

Make sure you look jnto the Presidentjal nomination. I don't know if you're eligible but you should apply for every nom available. Apply for VP nom too. More is better when it comes to noms.

 

[usna1985]

The fact your parents aren't officers has zero bearing on whether you will be appointed -- kids of officers have no special advantage. As an aside, I know that many Enlisted personnel have earned college degrees, but if you will be the first in your family to attend college -- or a 4-year college -- make sure USNA knows that, through your BGO interview or otherwise.

Talk to your teachers who will be asked to evaluate you -- make sure they understand how important USNA (and other SAs) is to you. Strong teacher evaluations are very important (and often overlooked by candidates).

I expect many interviewers will ask how Covid affected you (in terms of studying, not attending live class, etc.) and also what you did to occupy your time all these weeks that you were home. If you haven't done anything "productive," there's still time.