Advice please

[believe2023]

Looking for some advice as to best steps to take for competing for an appointment for the USNA. I have asked many questions in here over the last year+. My DS decided in June he would not apply, I can not explain it, but it was his decision..we were shocked, we wanted him to apply, but it had to be him. As we went through the process of college apps...I could see his heart wasn't in it. He has received some great acceptances with some great scholarships. Still waiting on a few schools...Anyway, I believe that he has decided that he knew what he wanted all along..So as we prepare for this next step, I could use some advice on the best way for him to proceed to give him the best shot at a nomination for next year.

 

[Packerfan12]

Well, based on what you already know and have read on this forum is there a specific question that you need some advice about? The process is the same for everyone and has been addressed in every way possible in this forum.

I'm not trying to be sassy. But it's all here for your review. One thing...and this should be his focus. He needs to start whatever university he chooses with full commitment. If he decides to apply for the Class of 2024 he will need to demonstrate commitment and accomplishment in college-level courses. Calculus and Chemistry w/Lab is a MUST. He should also join the school's ROTC unit. Preferably NROTC but it doesn't have to be. Most schools don't have NROTC programs but pretty much all universities have Army ROTC. This will give him a great taste of the military lifestyle and help him to confirm it's what he wants to do. PLUS, if he applies next year it will be another nominating source for him...at the very least he could get a great CO recommendation letter added to his application file.

Start early. He should do his preliminary application as soon as they open them up...mid-April. Once he gets that in he'll get confirmation from USNA that he is an official candidate and then he can start chipping away at the application. The application process is fairly easy to follow but it is very time-consuming and requires a lot of detail.

Lastly, keep trolling this forum and you can simply "search" for anything you/he have questions about. Best of luck!!!

 

[believe2023]

Well, based on what you already know and have read on this forum is there a specific question that you need some advice about? The process is the same for everyone and has been addressed in every way possible in this forum.

I'm not trying to be sassy. But it's all here for your review. One thing...and this should be his focus. He needs to start whatever university he chooses with full commitment. If he decides to apply for the Class of 2024 he will need to demonstrate commitment and accomplishment in college-level courses. Calculus and Chemistry w/Lab is a MUST. He should also join the school's ROTC unit. Preferably NROTC but it doesn't have to be. Most schools don't have NROTC programs but pretty much all universities have Army ROTC. This will give him a great taste of the military lifestyle and help him to confirm it's what he wants to do. PLUS, if he applies next year it will be another nominating source for him...at the very least he could get a great CO recommendation letter added to his application file.

Start early. He should do his preliminary application as soon as they open them up...mid-April. Once he gets that in he'll get confirmation from USNA that he is an official candidate and then he can start chipping away at the application. The application process is fairly easy to follow but it is very time-cons[/

Thank you..one of my questions would be is it better for him to stay local so he can be close for the interviews ? He was already accepted to The Citadel, If he goes to SC, will they allow him the time off to come back home to interview? I know all these answers are on here..and he will research and I will too.

 

[MidCakePa]

He needs to attend the college where he’ll be happiest. Because if things don’t work out with USNA, that may be where he stays for the next four years. Don’t worry about being “close” to interviews. That’s a minor issue in the grand scheme of things.

If he’s serious about USNA, he really should take a plebe-like course load: calculus, chem, English, history, etc. And he should do NROTC. For someone who wavered, this is the best test to determine if USNA will be a good fit. From his perspective, he can determine whether he’s up for even this “light” version. From USNA’s perspective, they can determine if he’s a good fit.

Can’t stress enough how important it is that USNA must be his choice, not yours. Those who separate during plebe year — even plebe summer — are mainly those who never wanted to be there to begin with. And make sure he wants to serve as a naval officer, not just attend USNA. That’s where NROTC serves as a good check.

 

[THParent]

...Looking for some advice as to best steps to take for competing for an appointment for the USNA...

...My DS decided in June he would not apply, I can not explain it, but it was his decision..we were shocked, we wanted him to apply, but it had to be him...

...I could see his heart wasn't in it...

...I believe that he has decided that he knew what he wanted all along...

Maybe I'm crazy, but I think all the answers are in your original post. I think he has thought about that 9-year commitment and decided he didn't want anything to do with it, and there is nothing wrong with that.
It's better for him to make that decision now, rather then follow through with something which he has no desire to do.

 

[believe2023]

...Looking for some advice as to best steps to take for competing for an appointment for the USNA...

...My DS decided in June he would not apply, I can not explain it, but it was his decision..we were shocked, we wanted him to apply, but it had to be him...

...I could see his heart wasn't in it...

...I believe that he has decided that he knew what he wanted all along...

Maybe I'm crazy, but I think all the answers are in your original post. I think he has thought about that 9-year commitment and decided he didn't want anything to do with it, and there is nothing wrong with that.
It's better for him to make that decision now, rather then follow through with something which he has no desire to do.

Hi THParent..When I said "I could see his heart wasn't in it" I meant about applying to "traditional colleges". At that point the timing to apply to the SAs was past. "I believe that he has decided that he knew what he wanted all along" , is also referring to that he realized what has been in his heart since 9 yrs old when he stepped on the grounds of Annapolis. I apologize if my post was confusing.

 

[believe2023]

He needs to attend the college where he’ll be happiest. Because if things don’t work out with USNA, that may be where he stays for the next four years. Don’t worry about being “close” to interviews. That’s a minor issue in the grand scheme of things.

If he’s serious about USNA, he really should take a plebe-like course load: calculus, chem, English, history, etc. And he should do NROTC. For someone who wavered, this is the best test to determine if USNA will be a good fit. From his perspective, he can determine whether he’s up for even this “light” version. From USNA’s perspective, they can determine if he’s a good fit.

Can’t stress enough how important it is that USNA must be his choice, not yours. Those who separate during plebe year — even plebe summer — are mainly those who never wanted to be there to begin with. And make sure he wants to serve as a naval officer, not just attend USNA. That’s where NROTC serves as a good check.

Thank you...He came to us..and now I have come here to get some advice on the best way for him to proceed. I really appreciiate everyone taking the time to respond.

 

[New@This]

I would think that the interviews could all be arranged via Skype or Facetime. DS is a college freshman attending prep school out of state. 2 of his nominations were done via Skype. One was a phone interview. It wasn't a problem arranging it with the congressional staff liaison.

 

[Packerfan12]

Thank you..one of my questions would be is it better for him to stay local so he can be close for the interviews ? He was already accepted to The Citadel, If he goes to SC, will they allow him the time off to come back home to interview? I know all these answers are on here..and he will research and I will too.

This is a minor thing. My DS attends UW-Milwaukee and does NROTC at Marquette. He is only two hours from home but his schedule was so hectic that he couldn't make it back for any of the scheduled times. Solution?? Skype interviews with the panels remotely. It worked great. Your MOC's should be willing to work with him on that logistical stuff. They understand..., particularly for either new college or re-applicants.

One more word for him to consider. The other responses on this thread are 100% correct. It needs to be HIS decision. A quick story about my DS. He has wanted to pursue a career as a military officer for as long as I can remember and he only ever wanted USNA. He applied for the Class of 2022. He was given a 1st alternate nomination but, ultimately did not receive an Appointment. He had done the visit weekends, sports camps, Academy Days with MOC's, had met several current and former Mids, etc. So he knew what he wanted. So, with full commitment to both his education and prospective military career, he enrolled at UWM and NROTC. He is taking classes in Engineering, Algebra, Calculus, Chemistry, as well as Naval Science courses. He has been focused on becoming both the best student and leader he can be. Straight A's in all classes first semester and he earned all credentials as a MIDN 4/C.

Why am I boring you about my son? Because his college experience has only reinforced his initial goals of attending USNA while he was fully committed to his current program. He is a more mature person, a better candidate, and more confident about his future. He re-applied for Class of 2023 and this year he earned both a principal nomination and a strong letter of recommendation from his unit CO. His chances of an Appointment look good but we are keeping our fingers crossed for him.

Sorry about the long story but I say all of that to tell you that is the level of commitment your DS will need to apply to whatever he decides to do. Only he can make decisions about his future but he needs to make those decisions with the confidence that he has done everything possible to both confirm his goals and to set himself up for success. All the best and congratulations to him for wanting to serve!!

 

[believe2023]

Thank you..one of my questions would be is it better for him to stay local so he can be close for the interviews ? He was already accepted to The Citadel, If he goes to SC, will they allow him the time off to come back home to interview? I know all these answers are on here..and he will research and I will too.

This is a minor thing. My DS attends UW-Milwaukee and does NROTC at Marquette. He is only two hours from home but his schedule was so hectic that he couldn't make it back for any of the scheduled times. Solution?? Skype interviews with the panels remotely. It worked great. Your MOC's should be willing to work with him on that logistical stuff. They understand..., particularly for either new college or re-applicants.

One more word for him to consider. The other responses on this thread are 100% correct. It needs to be HIS decision. A quick story about my DS. He has wanted to pursue a career as a military officer for as long as I can remember and he only ever wanted USNA. He applied for the Class of 2022. He was given a 1st alternate nomination but, ultimately did not receive an Appointment. He had done the visit weekends, sports camps, Academy Days with MOC's, had met several current and former Mids, etc. So he knew what he wanted. So, with full commitment to both his education and prospective military career, he enrolled at UWM and NROTC. He is taking classes in Engineering, Algebra, Calculus, Chemistry, as well as Naval Science courses. He has been focused on becoming both the best student and leader he can be. Straight A's in all classes first semester and he earned all credentials as a MIDN 4/C.

Why am I boring you about my son? Because his college experience has only reinforced his initial goals of attending USNA while he was fully committed to his current program. He is a more mature person, a better candidate, and more confident about his future. He re-applied for Class of 2023 and this year he earned both a principal nomination and a strong letter of recommendation from his unit CO. His chances of an Appointment look good but we are keeping our fingers crossed for him.

Sorry about the long story but I say all of that to tell you that is the level of commitment your DS will need to apply to whatever he decides to do. Only he can make decisions about his future but he needs to make those decisions with the confidence that he has done everything possible to both confirm his goals and to set himself up for success. All the best and congratulations to him for wanting to serve!!

Please do not apologize..I love to hear about other people's experiences. Congratulations to your son!! This is all so very helpful..and yes, it is his decision...that is why in June..although we were confused and shocked, we proceeded in a different direction. Now, we continue to move forward. You can never bore me with stories about your son!!

 

[THParent]

Oh. Okay then. I got that OP completely wrong.