Current junior wanting to know where I stand

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usna2019?

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Hello, I am I current high school junior with a 3.8 Unweighted and 4.1 weighted, I will be have 6 varsity letters when I graduate, I have been captain of the varsity men's water polo team and a state team swimmer. I have a part time job working 20+ hours a week along with club sports. Current AP classes consist of chemistry and European history and future AP classes consist of government, calculus and microeconomics. I have some community service, not much ~50 hours. ACT scores not great, only took it once with 29 composite. 30 math 28 English 30 science and 28 reading. I understand it's competitive and just want to know where I stand. Also attending NASs this summer


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In addition, all-state honors for water polo


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No easy answer as it depends. I suggest you look at the following:

http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/_files/documents/ClassPortrait.pdf

what are my chances - pinned thread

If you are serious about attending USNA or another top school, work to be the best you can be. That is really the only thing you can control.

Also, you have a good ACT score, but it could be better. Prep and raise your ACT score.

bandad
 
What will your 11 grade math and English teachers say about your work during this year? What's your rank in your class? Will you earn a nomination?

Too many unanswered questions.

The only sure thing is you're 100% certain of not getting in if you don't apply.
 
I have strong relationships with all my teachers and forgot to mention I have a close connection to my senator for the nomination as well as a possible recommendation from an old commandant, if I can pull some strings which might help.


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And school doesn't rank but I'm in top 15% based on rough estimate


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you could prob/will need more leadership positions other than just a team captain of a single sport team. More the better!
 
To usna2019?,

You should really look at getting your ACT at least a 31 composite or higher. Also take the SAT. I will be swimming for Navy's swim team and would tell you that you should begin filling out recruit questionnaires for polo and swimming, that is if you plan on competing in one or the other in the future. Most swimming recruits as far as I know are at the national level when recruited. That is Junior Nationals and U.S. Open. Polo, I am not so sure. Regardless, think about looking for leadership roles such as an officer position in a club, forming a club, or organizing some sort of event at your school or in your community. Other than that keep cranking on the academics, strive to be in the top 5% of your class and when it comes time for interviews later this year with your BGO and nominating committees, show passion to serve in our nation's navy and display respect and honor always. Simply put, be humble. Keep your head up and don't forget about the other academies and NROTC scholarships!
 
Athletics is nailed. Leadership is adequate but more is better. Same with the ACT which is where your real focus should be. The senatorial connection may or may not help as the nominees are often determined by a committee appointed by the Senator. Remember it's a competition and much will depend on who you are competing against. They will all be high quality individuals, especially on a Senatorial slate where the competition is state wide. Good luck! :thumb:
 
Right now my ACT score is my biggest priority, along with scoring a 5 on the AP chem exam. I am also going to work with my schools ambassador program to under class men this upcoming year. In addition I will most likely be captain again for water polo as a senior and was captain of JV swimming my freshman year. I feel confident about my interviewing skills, since I have had a lot of practice with jobs


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usna2019? said:
Right now my ACT score is my biggest priority, along with scoring a 5 on the AP chem exam. I am also going to work with my schools ambassador program to under class men this upcoming year. In addition I will most likely be captain again for water polo as a senior and was captain of JV swimming my freshman year. I feel confident about my interviewing skills, since I have had a lot of practice with jobs


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Click to expand...

On the nomination interview, see if you can organize a pratice board. Several alumni/current NG oficers in my area hold mock interviews every fall. These will help you nail your interview.
 
I don't think that personal connection with your senator matters. They always have a board of 2-4 members appointed by the senator who do the interview and pick candidates out. You should find out if you are in a very competitive state/district.


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Rather than focusing on whom you might know (Senator, former Dant), focus on being the very best candidate you can be and creating the strongest record/package possible.

You have about 9 months, including an entire summer. Use your summer wisely. You don't need to go to Botswana to build houses for underprivileged children. You can look for ways in your community to do things, lead things, etc. Work on SAT/ACT prep each day as if were a job.
 
I really appreciate all the advice on making me the strongest possible candidate when I apply. Hopefully this summer will be productive in improving my scores.


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AP Chem

usna2019? said:
Right now my ACT score is my biggest priority, along with scoring a 5 on the AP chem exam.


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When I was filling out my application I was surprised to notice there weren't any opportunities to represent AP scores. The only AP scores they ask for are AP scores from foreign language APs (i.e. Latin, Spanish, German, etc. ) I'm sure if you send in the 5 via collegeboard they'll see it and take it into account, but I'm not sure if it will bump up your WCS. A 5 on Chem would definitely be an ace in the hole if you get in though. I would focus more on ACT in your current situation.
 
Aspiring_Midshipman said:
When I was filling out my application I was surprised to notice there weren't any opportunities to represent AP scores. The only AP scores they ask for are AP scores from foreign language APs (i.e. Latin, Spanish, German, etc. ) I'm sure if you send in the 5 via collegeboard they'll see it and take it into account, but I'm not sure if it will bump up your WCS. A 5 on Chem would definitely be an ace in the hole if you get in though. I would focus more on ACT in your current situation.
Click to expand...

Doesn't the USNA application ask you put the AP score in the same place you list the class? Or am I getting my applications mixed up?
 
From what I understood from asking certain inside individuals, AP score doesn't do a whole lot so much as the class does. They want you to take AP courses. The AP Test/Score doesn't so much matter because you won't be skipping out on any classes at USNA, perfect 5 or not.
 
If you can qualify, there is a place on the application to note an AP award, such as "AP Scholar with Distinction" -5 tests with scores of at least 4.
 
Your GPA is good, but finishing out these next two semesters with mostly As will be very important. I would retake your ACT until you can push it above the 75th percentile range for admitted students (I think it's like a 31 or 32). The impressive sports record will also help. No matter what, start your application process as early as possible because it takes forever. It would be ideal to have the application to the USNA and nominations done before school starts. You can then notify them of new academic accomplishments throughout the rest of the year.
 
That was my first time taking it with little preparation. Taking private tutoring to help push it up to next level


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