Am I the right fit? (asthma)

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k84p

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Oct 2, 2018
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After a long time considering it, I am interested in applying to the naval academy. I've been an extremely competitive distance runner since I was seven years old and do some lifting, so I know I am physically and mentally ready for this. I am a junior take all Honors and AP classes and have a high GPA. I haven't taken the SAT and ACT yet, but I am in January. However, I am worried that I won't be able to get in because of my sports-induced asthma. I have never had an asthma attack; I just breathe heavy. But I do take a daily inhaler (that I don't think I need). I'm very worried that my asthma, that has never once caused me setbacks, may be the thing that keeps me from joining. How can I get by this?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
 
Welcome to the Forum and thank you for your interest in serving.

If you use the search function of the forum you will find that there are a ton of threads on this topic.

This link should show you a bunch of them:
https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?search/21500271/&q=asthma&o=date&c[title_only]=1

If you apply for an appointment (you don't "join") to an Academy and you are deemed competitive, you will go through a medical evaluation process known as DoDMERB. DoDMERB either passes you are disqualifies you. If you are disqualified, there may be a chance to be granted a waiver by the specific Academy (USNA, USAFA etc) or ROTC program. All these programs use the same DoDMERB process.

Bottom line, you won't know unless you apply. So why not go for it?

Start here:
https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/index.php

And don't forget to have a Plan B, such as Naval ROTC.
http://www.nrotc.navy.mil/
 
If you have been diagnosed by an MD with asthma after age 13 and are currently on medication, it will be extremely difficult to obtain a waiver for USNA or ROTC. I agree that you should go through the process. Nothing is impossible, but you also need to be realistic.
 
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