College Re-Applicant

[USNA_Candidate]

Hello all,

I am curious to get any input on my course load. I am currently taking biology (w/lab), chemistry (w/lab), calculus, theology, and an American foreign policy class. I am also wondering about the process for my application packet and getting nominations as I will miss the nomination interview window because of final first semester exams. Thank you all for your time!

 

[jl123]

Hello all,

I am curious to get any input on my course load. I am currently taking biology (w/lab), chemistry (w/lab), calculus, theology, and an American foreign policy class. I am also wondering about the process for my application packet and getting nominations as I will miss the nomination interview window because of final first semester exams. Thank you all for your time!

1. English Composition? Physics? Good science classes, but are they STEM level classes?

2. Contact your MOC and explain situation with respect to interviews. Many allow skype or telephone interview for candidates with travel issues.

 

[BarryD]

Are your Bio and Chem classes prereqs for engineers/PreMed/inserthardprogram? If so, I wouldn't even want to think about taking Physics, as I assume you're taking 17 credits. There is a point to be made on the English class though.

YMMV.

 

[usna1985]

The OP's courses are what they are. In terms of noms, you are not the first college candidate who lives away from the district. Agree that you should contact the SA point person for each MOC and explain your situation. Some may accommodate by letting you do it another time or, as noted, via Skype. Skype is used by MOCs and also by BGOs for "remote" candidates.

One piece of advice if you use Skype (or similar) . . . treat it as if you were physically present. IOW, dress appropriately, eliminate distractions, etc.

 

[USNA_Candidate]

Are your Bio and Chem classes prereqs for engineers/PreMed/inserthardprogram? If so, I wouldn't even want to think about taking Physics, as I assume you're taking 17 credits. There is a point to be made on the English class though.

YMMV.

My courses are prerequisites for the major I chose. I have to take theology and a seminar class my freshman year and that left me with little room for an English class. I was unable to take Physics as I don't meet the prereq for that course either, according to my academic advisor. I also tested or "audited" out of English with IB test scores. So I find myself in a bit of a predicament.

 

[USNA_Candidate]

Hello all,

I am curious to get any input on my course load. I am currently taking biology (w/lab), chemistry (w/lab), calculus, theology, and an American foreign policy class. I am also wondering about the process for my application packet and getting nominations as I will miss the nomination interview window because of final first semester exams. Thank you all for your time!

1. English Composition? Physics? Good science classes, but are they STEM level classes?

2. Contact your MOC and explain situation with respect to interviews. Many allow skype or telephone interview for candidates with travel issues.

I was told not to take an English class as I tested out of it with IB credit and even though I made it abundantly clear that I had ambitions of re-applying to the Naval Academy my academic advisor took me out of English to make room for Chem lab and Bio lab.

 

[jl123]

The prompt regarding English and Physics wasn't a suggestion to add them to an already full schedule, just to think about their importance to an SA and how your prior coursework has prepared you. Concentrate on developing excellent writing skills in Theology and American Foreign Policy and really understanding Calculus; it will pay dividends in the future at USNA or any other school.

You have a solid schedule even if it doesn't exactly mimic a plebe schedule - you can't cram 10 pounds of stuff in a 5 pound bag.

 

[USMA 1994]

Most advice here is well intentioned but it is not always a one size all approach. Admissions recommends a "plebe like" schedule to demonstrate that a re-applicant can handle a challenging course load in a college environment. While all opinions should be valued, ones that have little flexibility and have the ability to negatively impact a college student's four year plan should be discounted. You tested out of English and are replacing it with a two STEM classes. Your school also has other requirements that first year students must take.

People may also be taking just the "plebe like" schedule guidance and missing the rest of the recommendations. The official West Point position, and I am sure it is basically the same at the other academies is: A strong candidate that missed an appointment should attend a four year university and demonstrate academic success in a plebe like schedule. Candidates with a weaker application may have to complete other steps to improve their chances to get an appointment.

With all of that said, your schedule looks fine and a successful semester of performance will go along way in the application process.

BTW, a successful semester does not mean a 4.0. While you should strive to do your best, having a 3.4-3.6 is extremely successful. Contrary to popular culture, most students do not pull a 4.0 with challenging STEM schedules their first year of college. If you pull a 3.6 in your first year at West Point, you would be in the top 15% of your class academically.

 

[BarryD]

BTW, a successful semester does not mean a 4.0. While you should strive to do your best, having a 3.4-3.6 is extremely successful. Contrary to popular culture, most students do not pull a 4.0 with challenging STEM schedules their first year of college. If you pull a 3.6 in your first year at West Point, you would be in the top 15% of your class academically.

This.

Especially as an engineering major, expecting to get a 4.0 is just not reasonable even if you dedicate your whole life to class.

 

[CrewDad]

I was told not to take an English class as I tested out of it with IB credit and even though I made it abundantly clear that I had ambitions of re-applying to the Naval Academy my academic advisor took me out of English to make room for Chem lab and Bio lab.

I think Chem Lab and Bio Lab will work in your favor during review and for your personal prep. Nevertheless, you should try to get an A in both courses, especially as a reapplicant. Rule of thumb is to mirror Plebe course type of load in your freshman year in college or in your last year of IB. IMHO would be good to have following courses on your current year:

AP/IB Chem or Physics or Bio
AP/IB English Comp or Lit
AP/IB Government
AP/IB Cal 1 & 2

If you can take 4 of the above and do well mostly A’s then your AC will be well looked at. Plus your test score should be ACT 30+/SAT 700+ in both English and Math.

Just my opinion on the Academics for a reapplicant. Also I think it would be best to make no excuse in all you do even if it’s not your fault. Admissions have to evaluate 17,000 applications. Let the admissions reader see what they read is what it is. Keep it simple.

 

[Packerfan12]

Hello all,

I am curious to get any input on my course load. I am currently taking biology (w/lab), chemistry (w/lab), calculus, theology, and an American foreign policy class. I am also wondering about the process for my application packet and getting nominations as I will miss the nomination interview window because of final first semester exams. Thank you all for your time!

1. English Composition? Physics? Good science classes, but are they STEM level classes?

2. Contact your MOC and explain situation with respect to interviews. Many allow skype or telephone interview for candidates with travel issues.

Yes, they'll work with you. Did the same with my DS last year and it worked great. Just make sure you test the technology FIRST. Don't be downloading your Skype driver 2 min before the interview.