So I started my application in the spring. As time passed, I began having doubts about attending an academy. I could not definitively say if I wanted to go or not, and as my counselor stated, "attending a service academy is like marriage, if you have doubts it's likely not the right choice." So I decided to not finish my application and remove my name from the system. I was curious, what would it look like if I decided to apply after my freshman year of college, after more time to consider. Again, I am not sure if I will want to apply, most likely not, but I was wondering if I would be looked down upon for starting an application this year and not finishing it, or would it be my best bet to look into things such as OCS if I still am interested in joining the Navy later in my life. Thanks.
Applying after freshman year of college when not completing application senior year.
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usna1985
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Don't think it would be looked down on -- quite the opposite. Nothing at all wrong with saying you weren't sure at age 17 and now, a year removed, you are sure it's what you want. You'll have the added benefit of being more mature, have a full year of college under your belt, etc.
However, if you want to apply successfully, read the sticky on "reapplying." It's mostly intended for reapplicants but has good information for anyone applying after high school (e.g., what courses to take in college).
However, if you want to apply successfully, read the sticky on "reapplying." It's mostly intended for reapplicants but has good information for anyone applying after high school (e.g., what courses to take in college).
Old Navy BGO
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I agree...but use your personal statement to tell the story !
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Agree with the above. Also, the answer to your question hinges primarily on what you've been doing with yourself since last year's application cycle. What classes are you taking in college? Are you in NROTC? A sport? Clubs or organizations? Student government? Community service? Basically all the same questions from last year's app must be addressed while showing personal growth you've experienced. Include this in your personal statement that shows admissions you've used the year wisely and improved yourself to become on a outstanding midshipman. Don't give up the ship!
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I’m of the opinion of leaving doors open, until they must be shut.
If mildly interested....apply. All in. You don’t have to decide until you must hit ACCEPT. But you cannot accept if you haven’t applied.
Something I think people (not saying this is OP) don’t want to put the work in if they aren’t sure if the outcome. Nothing is ever a for sure....and nothing is ever lost by trying. We learn and grow from everything!
If mildly interested....apply. All in. You don’t have to decide until you must hit ACCEPT. But you cannot accept if you haven’t applied.
Something I think people (not saying this is OP) don’t want to put the work in if they aren’t sure if the outcome. Nothing is ever a for sure....and nothing is ever lost by trying. We learn and grow from everything!
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Of course there are. Every year qualified candidates are rejected because there are only so many spots available.
Stealth_81
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Absolutely. We call them “head-scratchers”. There simply isn’t enough spots each year for all of the highly qualified candidates that apply.
The acceptance rate alone show that fact. Check each SA’s class profile to see just that.
Another fact, is that not everyone appointed is a superstar in every area. IOW, dont not apply bc you aren’t the best of the best of the best in all areas.
I see you are a new member...welcome! If you hang around, one hint is to look at the dates of posts you are looking at. This is an old thread. Still pertinent, but other posts may not be. Due to their age.
Thank you for the information! And yes I’m a new member here, just want to gather informations and some advice before I begin my applications for the upcoming Class of 2026 as a college applicant.
And yeah I was curious about who gets appointed because I’ve never thought about going to any service academies until now as a high school senior. I never did any Boy Scouts, got into any national honor societies, or did Boy Scouts in the summer. But I am really smart and I did skip a grade back in freshman year of High School.
I was hoping to begin being more active in sports and community service along with clubs and activities when I get to college.
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Check out their primary source info on their websites. Also look at class profiles, to get an idea of the kind of candidate that makes the cut. Good luck!
I’ll make sure to check on that. One last thing, in college does it matter what majors I’m taking in my freshman or the courses? What I mean by that is some majors doesn’t have the first year similar to the Plebes in the Academies (calculus, chemistry, English, history, etc.). And I wanted to know should I choose the STEM majors in order to get similar classes?
To be honest, I’m not sure on how that works and I apologize if I’m asking too much.
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It’s recommended to take a plebe like schedule your freshman year, and to do well. Check out the advice for reapplicants, as that will be you for the most part, applying from college (even though you didn’t actually apply from high school).
What is your WHY for applying (no need to answer)? No need to answer. You reference being smart, and skipping a grade. But know that the student that will receive an appointment has that, plus is physically fit (demonstrated), and also demonstrated leadership. Academics is a big part of the equation, but the leadership piece is as well. Any SA will have to see the you have the ability to lead people in your charge. So they will want to see you have those characteristics. It’s more than joining a club or organization.
My advice would be to make sure you enjoy what you are doing, as there is always a chance that an appointment doesn’t come. So make sure your plan B is something that makes sense for you.
Check out the stickies, and websites.
What is your WHY for applying (no need to answer)? No need to answer. You reference being smart, and skipping a grade. But know that the student that will receive an appointment has that, plus is physically fit (demonstrated), and also demonstrated leadership. Academics is a big part of the equation, but the leadership piece is as well. Any SA will have to see the you have the ability to lead people in your charge. So they will want to see you have those characteristics. It’s more than joining a club or organization.
My advice would be to make sure you enjoy what you are doing, as there is always a chance that an appointment doesn’t come. So make sure your plan B is something that makes sense for you.
Check out the stickies, and websites.
Thank you for the advice and everything. I appreciate your time in writing this for me to understand. I’ll do my absolute best starting this year and do what I’m passionate in.