My sons concerns were the same as yours. U. C. San Diego did not offer ROTC so he would have had to travel to San Diego State and the time factor was just too much. UCSD is on the quarter system so he took English, Political Science, Calculus 20A and Chemistry 6A his First Quarter. He decided to bypass sports as well and simply concentrate on his classes. He pulled all A's his first Quarter, with nothing much to add other than the grades. UCSD is a very competitive school, so he was over joyed with getting straight A's. His 2nd Quarter he took Chem 6B, Physics 2A, Calculus 20B, and 3 quarter took Calculus 20C, Physic 2B, Chem 6C and Chem Lab 7l, which he will finish up just a week before having to head to I-Day.
They really stressed it would be a good idea to do ROTC, so he is just going to have to decide if he can handle the work load . Our son decided that he really wanted to get the best grades he could and again, being in a really competitive school he knew it would not be easy. When you reapply they have real strict guideline that you have to follow so make sure that you son reads over all the rules for a re applicant. Do not want to give admissions any reason to put him to the side. Really concentrate on the essay and use what he has learned in this last year. We also really kept in touch with our local Congressman. Let them know how serious you are . Last but not least, apply to every nomination source tht you can. We made the mistake the first time around of just sending the request to 1 source. Do not limit yourself.
As a re-applicant you will not be able to submit and finalize you package until your first semester/quarter grades are in. Make sure that you have everything else 100% complete as early as possible and that way when your first semester grades come in about December/January you can submit and it will be ready for them to look at. Not 100% sure if getting your paperwork i faster helps, but it certainly does not hurt. The sooner they have it the better. Congratulations on your sons acceptance to UVA. It is great to have such a good plan B. Tell him not to stress. Our Son Nathan LOVED having a year in San Diego. He got use to being away from home, lost the homesickness, got use to college classes, waking himself up, getting himself to class and I think that will be such a leg up for him this hear. We also got to get use to talking on the phone a lot v.s. seeing each other, so I think that will make it easier being clear across the Country. I really feel it was a blessing in disguise. Not to mention the fact the he is hoping to be able to double major since he will be able to validate so many classes. It was disappointing for all of us to get the denial the first year, but it just put more fire in him to make sure that it happened the 2nd time around. I wish you the best and if your son needs someone to chat with at the Academy, he is certainly welcome to keep in touch with Nathan. I wish you and your son the best and really hope that he decides to reapply. I can tell you it certainly was worth it for us. GOOD LUCK!
GO Cavaliers!!
Go Navy!!
Beat Army !!!
Cathy
!!!