I’m a 9th grader that dreams of one day going to Naval Academy. I have a 4.1 un-weighted gpa and play football and lacrosse. I’m involved with some clubs through my school but that is all. Anyone have any advice about what type of extra curricular activities that could help my chances? Thanks.
Extra Curricular activities needed
- Thread starter cdb3
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Do something you enjoy. Football, lacrosse and good classes will keep you busy, you won't have time for tons of other stuff, I'd think. I'd recommend something involving performing or public speaking, or writing. Those are useful skills, not to mention fun.
usna1985
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As others have said, it's more important to pick something you like than something that you think will "look good" on your "resume." If you enjoy an activity, you're more likely to get more deeply involved, which will provide greater opportunities to do more and to lead.
As a freshman or even a sophomore, don't be afraid to try a number of different things, both in and out of school. By junior year, you should settle on the 2-3 that have been the most rewarding and seek ways to lead. That doesn't necessarily mean you have to be the club president. You can lead a project, a fundraising drive, a membership drive, et.c
As a freshman or even a sophomore, don't be afraid to try a number of different things, both in and out of school. By junior year, you should settle on the 2-3 that have been the most rewarding and seek ways to lead. That doesn't necessarily mean you have to be the club president. You can lead a project, a fundraising drive, a membership drive, et.c
Do what you love! In the long run, it will be more rewarding to be in a few things that you are absolutely passionate about and dedicate all your time to, instead of joining a bunch of clubs just to pad the resume.
So pick a few things you really enjoy and try to gain really good leadership spots and you can't go wrong! But also try to do something with sports, something with academics (like NHS) and something (like JROTC) about military if you can.
So pick a few things you really enjoy and try to gain really good leadership spots and you can't go wrong! But also try to do something with sports, something with academics (like NHS) and something (like JROTC) about military if you can.
I was you once about 4 years ago dude and I know how you feel. Right now I am actually waiting to hear back from the academy and it is my dream as well since as long as I can remember. Some pieces of advice I have for you are these: Start taking the ACT's or SAT's now early. Even if your score isn't that great it will for sure improve by the time your a Senior but it gives you great practice. Also take the hardest classes you can at high school, take chemistry, physics, calculus and any AP courses you can. Become involved in something military associated like a guy up there^^^ said, like Civil Air Patrol or Sea Cadets or JROTC. Also, get on the good side with your English and Math teachers because eventually they will have to write you evaluations (I wish I woulda been more cautious with this 
). Any more advice just ask me and I would be happy to help after spending my whole life working for USNA.
Matthew Veach
Hopeful Midshipmen Class of '16
"Never give up on something you can't go a day without thinking about"
). Any more advice just ask me and I would be happy to help after spending my whole life working for USNA.Matthew Veach
Hopeful Midshipmen Class of '16
"Never give up on something you can't go a day without thinking about"
HopefulUSNA
5-Year Member
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I too am a 9th grader with a dream to get into the Naval Academy. Also, I play football and lacrosse! I am going to start civil air patrol and I am also volunteering. Any other ideas?
I had JROTC, campus tech repair/web team, and NHS as my ECAs. Had some cross country, but it was only for one season and I really sucked, so that doesn't really count.
So I had three ECAs.
Focus on a few ECAs and get as involved as you can in each of them. It's better to commit three hours a day to one ECA than fifteen minutes to twelve.
I've seen plenty of my fellow classmates build up a ridiculous laundry list of crap, only to show up for meetings once a week or once a month. It doesn't help. Every admissions reader is going to look at that laundry list and be very skeptical about your real involvement in any of those clubs. Quality over quantity.
And definitely make sure you like what you do, too. High school only happens once; you might as well have fun with it. You'll miss it later. I'm cherishing every last moment of sweet civilian freedom right now, with Plebe Summer getting closer and closer.
So I had three ECAs.
Focus on a few ECAs and get as involved as you can in each of them. It's better to commit three hours a day to one ECA than fifteen minutes to twelve.
I've seen plenty of my fellow classmates build up a ridiculous laundry list of crap, only to show up for meetings once a week or once a month. It doesn't help. Every admissions reader is going to look at that laundry list and be very skeptical about your real involvement in any of those clubs. Quality over quantity.
And definitely make sure you like what you do, too. High school only happens once; you might as well have fun with it. You'll miss it later. I'm cherishing every last moment of sweet civilian freedom right now, with Plebe Summer getting closer and closer.