College applicant for class of 2016

academyhopefull · Feb 18, 2011

I'm ending my freshman year soon and I want to apply for the class of 2016.

I was wondering if anyone had a timeline of the things I should be doing to apply for the academy next year?

A lot of the timelines I found are for High school Jrs and Seniors.

Also do you have any advice for college applicants?
I have a 3.7 GPA and im trying to get into some volunteering and other ECs. Should I take the ACT or SAT again? Any advice you have to make my application stronger?

I'll be a sophomore or so by the time I apply.

Thanks

time2 · Feb 18, 2011

If you are only a freshman/sophomore in h.s. it is too early to apply. You might also consider applying to SS which typically you attend between your junior and seniors years. Lots of great information about the application process can be found on the Naval Academy website......http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/steps.htm

If you are a freshman in college, the various deadlines for the basic application process still apply.

usnajosh · Feb 18, 2011

Get started ASAP. Fill out the Preliminary application the day its available (why not?). Work out through the summer, and at least attempt the CFA once during the summer. Retake SAT's and ACT's at your discretion, but if you are re-applying, then your biggest plus is showing tenacity, so retaking those wouldn't hurt. Join a school club, sign up for an officer position, run for a Student Senate spot, and if you feel capable, try out for a sports team (these are all things I did/ or at least attempted to do). Most importantly, take some challenging Math & Science Courses. I'm talking Math through Differential Equations, Chemistry I, and University Physics if possible. Please be sure to complete as much of your application before the fall semester starts, as you will seldom have the time or energy to work on it along with homework, essays etc.

1964BGO · Feb 18, 2011

Assuming you are a college student, I would recommend you read "Words of Wisdom - Re-applying..." thread as that will give you insight into how you will be treated in many regards. There really is no sense in re-taking the SAT or ACT as you will be evaluated on your college performance. If you have not taken chemistry or calculus you should plan on doing so in your next semester. Be aware that you will not be able to transfer credits to USNA and will have to complete a full four years to graduate. Best wishes, one of my roomies entered after his junior year at Michigan State.

time2 · Feb 18, 2011

If you are a college student, did you previously apply to the Naval Academy and get turned down or is this your first time applying? Makes a big difference in the advice we would offer. That isn't clear from how your statements are worded.

academyhopefull · Feb 19, 2011

I applied almost 2 years ago when I graduated high school.
I threw my package together and wasn't accepted.

It was my math scores that kept me out. Which I believe Ive remedied, I haven't taken Calc yet but Ive taken college algebra and college Trig and analytical geometry and got a B in College algebra and an A in Trig & Analytical geometry.

usnajosh: Thanks for the advice.

1964BGO: I read it. But when applying for a nomination they require my SAT scores and Im sure if I retook it my scores would be alot better than they are.

time2: Thank you I'll refer to it.

Just_A_Mom · Feb 19, 2011

Take your SAT's and/or ACT again. It definitely won't hurt and if you improve that will help you. Practice the Math to improve your math score.
Can you take Calculus over the summer? If not, plan on taking it first semester next year.

usna1985 · Feb 19, 2011

Just_A_Mom said:
Take your SAT's and/or ACT again.

USNA Admissions has stated that there is no benefit to college students retaking the SAT/ACT. The reason is that these scores are used by USNA to predict success in college calculus and, to a lesser extent, English. The better "predictor" is how well a college student actually performs in college calculus. Ditto for English. Thus, they do not encourage college students to retake the tests (note: the same is not true for prep school students).

I can promise you that, if you get As in calc and English from an accredited 4-yr college, USNA won't care about your SAT/ACT scores. USNA expects you to take calc -- if you didn't do it first semester, do it over the summer. It's best to take it at a 4-yr college (this according to USNA) but I suppose a community college is better than nothing.

If you want to spend the time and money retaking tests that won't help you obtain an appointment, that's your choice.

Just_A_Mom · Feb 19, 2011

That is interesting and I had not heard that before. Your comments are prompting more questions.....
Are you saying the Admissions Board does not look at any SAT's from candidates who apply from college?
The OP has stated that he is required to update his scores for his MOC and if he sends them to admissions it won't hurt him - or will it?
The OP also has stated he has yet to take Calculus - does this mean he still should not submit updated SAT scores?
What if a high school student has taken college calculus - does this mean they don't need to take the SAT's?

usna1985 · Feb 19, 2011

Just_A_Mom said:
Are you saying the Admissions Board does not look at any SAT's from candidates who apply from college?

I suppose they might look at them. But, as noted above, high grades in relevant college courses will supplant low SAT scores. Conversely, get great SATs but do poorly in college calc, etc. and you're still doomed.

The OP has stated that he is required to update his scores for his MOC and if he sends them to admissions it won't hurt him - or will it?

MOCs may want them -- candidates would have to check with their MOCs. Improved scores won't hurt but, as noted, they won't necessarily help.

The OP also has stated he has yet to take Calculus - does this mean he still should not submit updated SAT scores?

Need to take college calc. Seriously. USNA will wonder why you didn't.

What if a high school student has taken college calculus - does this mean they don't need to take the SAT's?

No. Most high schoolers take "college" calc at a community college. USNA is looking for a 4-yr college course. Also, chances are you won't take the course until your senior year and thus grades aren't available until January. You'll want to complete your application before then.

Bottom line: If you've taken the SATs again and improved your scores, send them in. However, if you are a full-time college student, your BEST chance to get an appointment is to take and do well in the plebe courses -- especially calc and chem -- IN COLLEGE. Preferably a 4-yr college. Not doing that is a mistake that could cost you -- not saying it will but if you're asking for advice, do as suggested above which isn't my suggestion but that of USNA admissions.

academyhopefull · Feb 20, 2011

Thanks for all the advice. Im at a 4 year college.

I'll make sure to take Calc and Chem, Im sure I can add them in the summer.
Im glad I came here because now I know how important these courses are.

Are there any other courses that the academies like to see? On the Merchant Marine Academy site they said other technical courses like Econ and Statistics are good.

usna1985 · Feb 20, 2011

Physics, English, World History are good choices as is advanced language. Statistics is good but not to the exclusion of the others.