Going back?

[rtt11]

I'm going to be straight-forward here. My greatest shame, embarrassment, and most importantly, regret, has been my leaving the academy during the summer.

I don't want this to follow me, but I also want to try and improve myself and learn from it. Is the door closed for me reapplying to the academy? I'm assuming if they were gracious enough to offer me a second chance (which I doubt) it wouldn't be until maybe my 2nd or 3rd attempt minimum. I unfortunately haven't heard of anyone leaving then returning.

Is this an avenue I can pursue, or is nrotc/ocs my means to and end goal of service at this point. By all means, both are excellent, but I was at the academy and I myself threw that opportunity away and recognize it. Would it be prudent to email my original academy region advisor and express this? Or just apply however many times it takes and see what happens?

 

[Capt MJ]

Former plebes do bail, re-apply and yes, get back in. It's the same hard road, the same standards, plus you need to have a clear and cogent explanation (I don't need to hear it here) of why you left, what has changed, and why you are still a viable candidate worthy of a spot. And, you should show that you used the time since then productively: appropriate college courses and grades, volunteer work, community leadership, fitness achievements. Everything should show desire, commitment and newfound maturity.

I knew a plebe who left during Plebe Summer, said it wasn't for her. Kicked herself very soon after, took a STEM-heavy load at the local college, joined a marathon club, volunteered at the ER, organized an athletic shoe charity drive at her health club. Convinced everyone with her actions and words of her committed state of mind. Was re-appointed, broke her leg during PS, had to leave. Worked like a maniac on her physical therapy, did more of the above, came back a 3rd time. Her original classmates were now her detailers. She kept her nose to the grindstone and went on to do very well.

First step is probably talk to Admissions about the re-admit process, then get yourself in gear. Have that long talk with yourself about why you left in the first place, get clear on that and how you have to adjust, then go for it, if USNA is the path you want to commissioning.

If you left during Plebe Summer, remember the four years are not like that, and while the first academic year can be painful, it is not PS either. If you left during the academic year, do a self-inventory on skills that may have been lacking and figure out the fixes.

 

[Letsdothis]

I'm sorry you're unhappy with your decision to leave. My two cent advice- if you realize you made a mistake and want to go back, then try. You don't want to go through life with a double regret of leaving and then not trying to be admitted again. Even if you don't get back in, at least you will know you tried to correct what you feel was a mistake.

 

[Voyager20]

rt11, I do wish you all the best whenever you decide to reapply. I have read several threads over the years about young people leaving and then regretting it and as a result ...I want to take a moment and say..... "Don't beat yourself up over this decision that you determined was a mistake." Oftentimes, the hardest thing to do in life is to forgive ourselves, please give yourself grace and then press on to whatever end you decide to strive for.

If it is possible and only if your willing, can you let me know why you decided to leave and what do you think could have been said to you or what preparation before PS would have helped you steer clear of the decision to leave? I ask because I have a son who is applying and these points or lessons make good conversation moments when discussing the realities that occur in the first year. If you prefer not to discuss it - I will understand.

Take care and again, best of luck on your road ahead.

 

[usnabgo08]

Agree with CaptMJ, contact Admissions. Normally, candidates that have been separated re-apply through the academic board via the admissions office, however, since you left in the summer...not sure if the process is different.

 

[Non Ducor Duco]

In the mean time, join NROTC. It can help with your application by showing your dedication to the military, and you may even find that you love ROTC and want to continue on that route instead.

 

[jersey2016]

You are definitely not first who left and wanted to return. Read "Brothers Forever", the book about life of former midshipman, Travis Manion...an amazing read on his journey into USNA, then out, and back again, detailing his service in Iraq that followed.