Foundation Program USNA

Bloomwhereyouareplanted said:
Thank you. It also shows on his portal now "Foundation-Extended Offered". Tough choices! How would this opportunity compare with spending a year at ERAU NROTC and reapplying to USNA?
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... so I can assume you're the parent? And your son was offered?

Most likely the Captain from foundation will conduct an interview with your family via Zoom. If everything is in order, then at some point, the foundation needs to determine your share of the tuition (family/School/foundation share of tuition). I suggest getting the financial documents in order like tax returns (amend if necessary).

Regarding your question, the Captain will make a point that there's no need to reapply because your son is already in the system. A standing order will be issued (and reminded often): don't get in trouble, avoid Cs, stay fit, pass fitness test, submit photo-bio, and apply to all nomination sources.
 
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Bloomwhereyouareplanted said:
He wants to fly. Truly, I think the ERAU offer is enticing because he can keep up some flight time alongside his studies. But, he's had his heart on Naval Aviation for as long as we can remember. USNA was his primary focus until recently (with the understanding that there are no guarantees that he'd be selected for that path either way.) We noticed after the Foundation offer that MMI has some flight training opportunities, so that's a neat consideration too. I have attempted to stay neutral and just advise based on the wisdom posted here. He thankfully has some mentors he's gained along the way, but it really is a tough decision nonetheless. Thanks so much for your help everyone!
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Did your son have a nomination?
 
I know you don't have to have a nomination to be considered for NAPS or foundation, but does anyone know if it's generally the case that candidates that are offered one of these options also have a nomination in hand?
 
USMC Crayons said:
I know you don't have to have a nomination to be considered for NAPS or foundation, but does anyone know if it's generally the case that candidates that are offered one of these options also have a nomination in hand?
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Yeah I had 2 nominations in hand and got Foundation
 
mols.cast8 said:
I guess it's been hard for me to accept the fact that I'll have to wait another year. But I think it'll do me well, since I did struggle in my STEM classes.
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If you struggled in STEM, and are taking a STEM course load through NROTC, you will struggle there as well.

Hands down, if that’s the case, I know from being a mom to four of my own and countless friends, that stem in college is no joke. And having a year of building a foundation is a GIFT. I would tell mine to be grateful that USNA recognized that, and is willing to invest a year in you to help you succeed at the next level.
 
Had a relative (not child or grandchild) go through a Foundation school and ultimately graduate from USNA. Here is some information that may be helpful.

First, I understand that some young people are initially "disappointed" that they were offered Foundation vs. a direct appointment. There can be anxiety about telling their friends and relatives that they have to do "another year of h.s." Remember, these young people are probably top of their class in h.s., both in academics and leadership and sports, etc. It IS hard to explain, especially to an unknowledgeable audience on the Homefront. You'll get over it. By October, they will be at their colleges or working or whatever they're doing. You'll be at school. No one will remember or care -- and most importantly, you will have started your journey to USNA!

My relative excelled at h.s. but the h.s. was crappy (best in the area but still not very good from an academic standard) and his/her standardized tests were OK but not exceptional. We figured that was the reason. In other cases, it could be that the h.s. doesn't offer high level math or chem or physics. Or that the candidate has great SATs but lower grades (or the converse). You may never know the exact reason it was offered to you.

There are many choices among prep schools. Some offer a military environment; most do not. There is no need to do a military prep school unless you want to. USNA doesn't care. People choose schools for all sorts of reasons. Some want to be close to home; others want to be far away. Some choose the school because it's really great at a particular sport. Some do it based on cost.

Costs for Foundation is a combination of 3 things. First, the school itself provides a discount b/c they love having sponsored prep students. Second, the Foundation provides scholarship money. Third, the parents are expected to contribute based on their ability to pay. Parents of little means may pay next to nothing. Wealthy parents will be asked to contribute more. The USNA liaison will explain it to your parents.

For the most part, your fellow students are high school and post high school. There are typically several USNA prep students per school (my relative had 3-4 others). There may be prepsters from other SAs and/or self-prep either for a SA or just for college in general. There are also international students (my relative's roommate was from another country). The post-h.s. folks tend to hang out together. You take the Plebe courses but have the opportunity for a lot of extra instruction, should you need it. My relative didn't feel like s/he was "back in h.s." It's a new environment, you're living away from home and meeting new people.

You're told to apply for all nominations for which you're eligible. However, if you fail to obtain a nom, that isn't an issue as a Foundation student; you will still receive an appointment. You may be asked to retake the SAT/ACT. You will take the PRT (what is done at USNA) and must pass it. You must stay out of conduct trouble, drugs, alcohol, etc. If you complete the program successfully and want to attend USNA, you are essentially guaranteed an appointment. The reasons people don't receive an appointment are: got into serious trouble, failed their courses (or did very poorly with no effort to improve), could not pass the PRT or wanted to leave. If you decide to leave the program on your own or get booted, your parents will typically be asked to repay the Foundation scholarship money.

There is NO downside to accepting a Foundation scholarship in terms of a direct appointment. IOW, you still remain eligible for a direct appointment. Does it happen that a NAPS/Foundation acceptee is later offered a direct appointment? Rarely, but it does happen.

So what are your choices?

1. Turn down Foundation and attend civilian college (ROTC scholarship or not). As an aside, it would be stupid to attend a civilian college and then reapply to USNA. The reason is that you currently essentially have an offer of appointment for a year from now; why would USNA admit you next year? So if you go the college/ROTC route, you are turning down USNA, most likely permanently.

2. Attend another SA if you were accepted and want to attend. I STRONGLY advise not attending a different SA that you're not interested in just to "spite" USNA (i.e., Ha! They wanted me right away and you didn't so I'll go there -- the only one who loses in that scenario is you).

3. Attend Foundation. Get the extra year of academics, maturity, etc. Have a "guaranteed appointment." Then go to USNA and move on with your life.

4. Turn down Foundation and hope for a direct appointment. Not smart (see above). You already are still in consideration for a direct appointment; accepting Foundation won't change that.

To finish the story. My relative enjoyed his/her time at Foundation and was better prepared for USNA. Graduated from USNA. [As an aside, Foundation students have the highest USNA graduation rate of any accession source.]. If you asked him/her today whether prep school was a good experience -- answer would be absolutely yes. Still in touch with quite a few classmates. If you asked him/her whether prep school was "necessary," would probably say "no."

I respond in two ways. First, USNA thought it was necessary and they're the only ones who count! Second, how do you know it wasn't necessary, since you didn't experience USNA without it. Was USNA "easier" because of that extra year? IOW, did the fact you have that extra year cause you to think you didn't need it? No one will ever know.

For the OP . . . take some time to reflect on what has been offered. I believe USNA will put you in touch with mids who were Foundation students if you want to get their perspective. Also, keep in mind that there are A LOT of people who would "kill" to be offered NAPS or Foundation, especially this time of year. So, when you post publicly that you're disappointed, be mindful of how that view may be perceived by others.
 
WT Door said:
Cross posted with @NavyHoops

You got some good advice and a nice steer @Physicsguru guru.

Let me clarify a tad from my original post. Your peers will be students - not high schoolers - that will be functioning as college freshmen. Why not look at the Foundation offer as a delay in achieving the goal you originally set – to attend the Naval Academy and serve as a commissioned officer. Admissions sees something in you. Here are the silver linings you may not see because your presently “bummed.” No more sweating out this year’s admission cycle like those others are doing now. It is done. No need to continually check your portal. You now have a concrete offer and an avenue to get to USNA. Do well at the Foundation school and you are in there bigger than Dallas. Some of your application from this year will rollover and will be kept open for the Class of ’29. DoDMerb will still be good. So, for now, take time to assess your disappointment. Reflect and give it time. Then decide. If you are not sure you can stick around and wait another year, maybe USNA isn’t the place you really wanted. Good luck.
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Well said!!!
 
justdoit19 said:
If you struggled in STEM, and are taking a STEM course load through NROTC, you will struggle there as well.

Hands down, if that’s the case, I know from being a mom to four of my own and countless friends, that stem in college is no joke. And having a year of building a foundation is a GIFT. I would tell mine to be grateful that USNA recognized that, and is willing to invest a year in you to help you succeed at the next level.
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Another well said post!
 
usna1985 said:
Had a relative (not child or grandchild) go through a Foundation school and ultimately graduate from USNA. Here is some information that may be helpful.

First, I understand that some young people are initially "disappointed" that they were offered Foundation vs. a direct appointment. There can be anxiety about telling their friends and relatives that they have to do "another year of h.s." Remember, these young people are probably top of their class in h.s., both in academics and leadership and sports, etc. It IS hard to explain, especially to an unknowledgeable audience on the Homefront. You'll get over it. By October, they will be at their colleges or working or whatever they're doing. You'll be at school. No one will remember or care -- and most importantly, you will have started your journey to USNA!

My relative excelled at h.s. but the h.s. was crappy (best in the area but still not very good from an academic standard) and his/her standardized tests were OK but not exceptional. We figured that was the reason. In other cases, it could be that the h.s. doesn't offer high level math or chem or physics. Or that the candidate has great SATs but lower grades (or the converse). You may never know the exact reason it was offered to you.

There are many choices among prep schools. Some offer a military environment; most do not. There is no need to do a military prep school unless you want to. USNA doesn't care. People choose schools for all sorts of reasons. Some want to be close to home; others want to be far away. Some choose the school because it's really great at a particular sport. Some do it based on cost.

Costs for Foundation is a combination of 3 things. First, the school itself provides a discount b/c they love having sponsored prep students. Second, the Foundation provides scholarship money. Third, the parents are expected to contribute based on their ability to pay. Parents of little means may pay next to nothing. Wealthy parents will be asked to contribute more. The USNA liaison will explain it to your parents.

For the most part, your fellow students are high school and post high school. There are typically several USNA prep students per school (my relative had 3-4 others). There may be prepsters from other SAs and/or self-prep either for a SA or just for college in general. There are also international students (my relative's roommate was from another country). The post-h.s. folks tend to hang out together. You take the Plebe courses but have the opportunity for a lot of extra instruction, should you need it. My relative didn't feel like s/he was "back in h.s." It's a new environment, you're living away from home and meeting new people.

You're told to apply for all nominations for which you're eligible. However, if you fail to obtain a nom, that isn't an issue as a Foundation student; you will still receive an appointment. You may be asked to retake the SAT/ACT. You will take the PRT (what is done at USNA) and must pass it. You must stay out of conduct trouble, drugs, alcohol, etc. If you complete the program successfully and want to attend USNA, you are essentially guaranteed an appointment. The reasons people don't receive an appointment are: got into serious trouble, failed their courses (or did very poorly with no effort to improve), could not pass the PRT or wanted to leave. If you decide to leave the program on your own or get booted, your parents will typically be asked to repay the Foundation scholarship money.

There is NO downside to accepting a Foundation scholarship in terms of a direct appointment. IOW, you still remain eligible for a direct appointment. Does it happen that a NAPS/Foundation acceptee is later offered a direct appointment? Rarely, but it does happen.

So what are your choices?

1. Turn down Foundation and attend civilian college (ROTC scholarship or not). As an aside, it would be stupid to attend a civilian college and then reapply to USNA. The reason is that you currently essentially have an offer of appointment for a year from now; why would USNA admit you next year? So if you go the college/ROTC route, you are turning down USNA, most likely permanently.

2. Attend another SA if you were accepted and want to attend. I STRONGLY advise not attending a different SA that you're not interested in just to "spite" USNA (i.e., Ha! They wanted me right away and you didn't so I'll go there -- the only one who loses in that scenario is you).

3. Attend Foundation. Get the extra year of academics, maturity, etc. Have a "guaranteed appointment." Then go to USNA and move on with your life.

4. Turn down Foundation and hope for a direct appointment. Not smart (see above). You already are still in consideration for a direct appointment; accepting Foundation won't change that.

To finish the story. My relative enjoyed his/her time at Foundation and was better prepared for USNA. Graduated from USNA. [As an aside, Foundation students have the highest USNA graduation rate of any accession source.]. If you asked him/her today whether prep school was a good experience -- answer would be absolutely yes. Still in touch with quite a few classmates. If you asked him/her whether prep school was "necessary," would probably say "no."

I respond in two ways. First, USNA thought it was necessary and they're the only ones who count! Second, how do you know it wasn't necessary, since you didn't experience USNA without it. Was USNA "easier" because of that extra year? IOW, did the fact you have that extra year cause you to think you didn't need it? No one will ever know.

For the OP . . . take some time to reflect on what has been offered. I believe USNA will put you in touch with mids who were Foundation students if you want to get their perspective. Also, keep in mind that there are A LOT of people who would "kill" to be offered NAPS or Foundation, especially this time of year. So, when you post publicly that you're disappointed, be mindful of how that view may be perceived by others.
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Great advice, and I hope more than the OP will take this wisdom to heart!
 
usna1985 said:
Had a relative (not child or grandchild) go through a Foundation school and ultimately graduate from USNA. Here is some information that may be helpful.

First, I understand that some young people are initially "disappointed" that they were offered Foundation vs. a direct appointment. There can be anxiety about telling their friends and relatives that they have to do "another year of h.s." Remember, these young people are probably top of their class in h.s., both in academics and leadership and sports, etc. It IS hard to explain, especially to an unknowledgeable audience on the Homefront. You'll get over it. By October, they will be at their colleges or working or whatever they're doing. You'll be at school. No one will remember or care -- and most importantly, you will have started your journey to USNA!

My relative excelled at h.s. but the h.s. was crappy (best in the area but still not very good from an academic standard) and his/her standardized tests were OK but not exceptional. We figured that was the reason. In other cases, it could be that the h.s. doesn't offer high level math or chem or physics. Or that the candidate has great SATs but lower grades (or the converse). You may never know the exact reason it was offered to you.

There are many choices among prep schools. Some offer a military environment; most do not. There is no need to do a military prep school unless you want to. USNA doesn't care. People choose schools for all sorts of reasons. Some want to be close to home; others want to be far away. Some choose the school because it's really great at a particular sport. Some do it based on cost.

Costs for Foundation is a combination of 3 things. First, the school itself provides a discount b/c they love having sponsored prep students. Second, the Foundation provides scholarship money. Third, the parents are expected to contribute based on their ability to pay. Parents of little means may pay next to nothing. Wealthy parents will be asked to contribute more. The USNA liaison will explain it to your parents.

For the most part, your fellow students are high school and post high school. There are typically several USNA prep students per school (my relative had 3-4 others). There may be prepsters from other SAs and/or self-prep either for a SA or just for college in general. There are also international students (my relative's roommate was from another country). The post-h.s. folks tend to hang out together. You take the Plebe courses but have the opportunity for a lot of extra instruction, should you need it. My relative didn't feel like s/he was "back in h.s." It's a new environment, you're living away from home and meeting new people.

You're told to apply for all nominations for which you're eligible. However, if you fail to obtain a nom, that isn't an issue as a Foundation student; you will still receive an appointment. You may be asked to retake the SAT/ACT. You will take the PRT (what is done at USNA) and must pass it. You must stay out of conduct trouble, drugs, alcohol, etc. If you complete the program successfully and want to attend USNA, you are essentially guaranteed an appointment. The reasons people don't receive an appointment are: got into serious trouble, failed their courses (or did very poorly with no effort to improve), could not pass the PRT or wanted to leave. If you decide to leave the program on your own or get booted, your parents will typically be asked to repay the Foundation scholarship money.

There is NO downside to accepting a Foundation scholarship in terms of a direct appointment. IOW, you still remain eligible for a direct appointment. Does it happen that a NAPS/Foundation acceptee is later offered a direct appointment? Rarely, but it does happen.

So what are your choices?

1. Turn down Foundation and attend civilian college (ROTC scholarship or not). As an aside, it would be stupid to attend a civilian college and then reapply to USNA. The reason is that you currently essentially have an offer of appointment for a year from now; why would USNA admit you next year? So if you go the college/ROTC route, you are turning down USNA, most likely permanently.

2. Attend another SA if you were accepted and want to attend. I STRONGLY advise not attending a different SA that you're not interested in just to "spite" USNA (i.e., Ha! They wanted me right away and you didn't so I'll go there -- the only one who loses in that scenario is you).

3. Attend Foundation. Get the extra year of academics, maturity, etc. Have a "guaranteed appointment." Then go to USNA and move on with your life.

4. Turn down Foundation and hope for a direct appointment. Not smart (see above). You already are still in consideration for a direct appointment; accepting Foundation won't change that.

To finish the story. My relative enjoyed his/her time at Foundation and was better prepared for USNA. Graduated from USNA. [As an aside, Foundation students have the highest USNA graduation rate of any accession source.]. If you asked him/her today whether prep school was a good experience -- answer would be absolutely yes. Still in touch with quite a few classmates. If you asked him/her whether prep school was "necessary," would probably say "no."

I respond in two ways. First, USNA thought it was necessary and they're the only ones who count! Second, how do you know it wasn't necessary, since you didn't experience USNA without it. Was USNA "easier" because of that extra year? IOW, did the fact you have that extra year cause you to think you didn't need it? No one will ever know.

For the OP . . . take some time to reflect on what has been offered. I believe USNA will put you in touch with mids who were Foundation students if you want to get their perspective. Also, keep in mind that there are A LOT of people who would "kill" to be offered NAPS or Foundation, especially this time of year. So, when you post publicly that you're disappointed, be mindful of how that view may be perceived by others.
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I can't thank you enough for this perspective. I am still having trouble to think clearly after the disappointment of not getting a direct appointment, but later on I will consider this. I guess I am still holding onto hope I still have somewhat of a fleeting chance (I'm delusional) my brother went to usna directly so I guess seeing him go in first makes me upset I didn't get a chance. I have heard that many kids would kill for even a foundation, so I'll think about it. Also, I am talking to some foundation mids who went there to get their view on it. I guess I'm just nervous about what people will think of me, "oh! thats the kid that wasnt smart enough to get into USNA and has to go to prep school!" i guess ive gotten a negative view of all that. But seriously, thanks so much for your response. I truly appreciate it and will consider Foundation.
 
"my brother went to usna directly so I guess seeing him go in first makes me upset I didn't get a chance."

You are getting a chance!! (unlike many others who will get the TWE and it's the end) Best wishes on your decision making process. So many have given great advice!! Look forward and update everyone on your decision.
 
bethf said:
"my brother went to usna directly so I guess seeing him go in first makes me upset I didn't get a chance."

You are getting a chance!! (unlike many others who will get the TWE and it's the end) Best wishes on your decision making process. So many have given great advice!! Look forward and update everyone on your decision.
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thanks! And my brother was a BIG time nerd so ig i can't compare me to him lmao
 
severn said:
... so I can assume you're the parent? And your son was offered?

Most likely the Captain from foundation will conduct an interview with your family via Zoom. If everything is in order, then at some point, the foundation needs to determine your share of the tuition (family/School/foundation share of tuition). I suggest getting the financial documents in order like tax returns (amend if necessary).

Regarding your question, the Captain will make a point that there's no need to reapply because your son is already in the system. A standing order will be issued (and reminded often): don't get in trouble, avoid Cs, stay fit, pass fitness test, submit photo-bio, and apply to all nomination sources.
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That's correct. Thank you! We're researching the list of Foundation schools now.
 
As a parent of a newly minted ensign who started in Foundation, I can definitely tell you there is a maturity that happens from that first year away from home. I'm glad he got that at Foundation instead of trying to learn it as a plebe. On I-day, I could definitely see the difference in maturity between the Foundation and the Napsters vs the straight from high school plebes. Blessing in disguise.
 
mols.cast8 said:
thanks! And my brother was a BIG time nerd so ig i can't compare me to him lmao
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Every USNA class need is different. Feel good about your accomplishments. USNA wants you, but there's not a place in this year's class so they're holding a place for you next year. If they didn't want you, you would have received a TWE. Just think about those who have already received one ... they would take your place on the Foundation roster any day!
 
Don’t take it personally.

I asked in my BGO training if having a sibling attend increases appointment chances and they said no it does not unless they are twins because studies show that twins do better when they’re retained together.

You and your big brother are two different people. You have already mentioned that stem is not your strong point. So your ego is taking a blow. Not the last time that will happen.

Honestly, no one should have to talk you into this. Especially since you have already been exposed to the Academy through your older brother. My oldest got in early December, my second was pulled from the waitlist late in May and he had a better résumé in my opinion. So you just can’t compare yourself to your brother.

But don’t dismiss NAPS/Foundation. Get over your disappointment and then make your decision. Maybe you want to forge your own way through NROTC anyhow.

It’s a no brainer if you want USNA. Accept prep.
 
justdoit19 said:
I asked in my BGO training if having a sibling attend increases appointment chances and they said no it does not unless they are twins because studies show that twins do better when they’re retained together.
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My identical twin and I were separated in elementary school for behavior issues. Combined, we were intolerable. 😂
 
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