good EC to take to get in?

H

humanbeing#92

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Feb 16, 2024
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currently i feel as if im lacking and not on the right track to get in, i currently have good grades and im taking the hardest school classes (im ranked at like 14.7% of my school) but the only Things i do out of school is Scouts which ive almost completed, almost getting eagle and having the highest leadership position and njrotc drill teams. I really dislike sports and trying not to get one even though it would look good but im thinking of trying to volunter at a summer camp or library. Any tips to make me look more competetive?
 
Sports. Seriously. For your fitness look.

And get that eagle!!

Another suggestions is boys/girls State.
 
You've really got to do sports even if it's on your own and not at school. My DD was not in a sport and was advised to consider a contact sport to add to her profile. She decided to get into martial arts and went for jiu jitsu. She also trained for the CFA by attending Crossfit classes twice a week. She started all of that in the spring of her junior year and is waiting to hear from the SAs. Sports is a HUGE deal. Athletes have an enormous advantage.
 
If you dislike sports what do you plan on doing if you do get to the Academy where every Mid is required to be involved in some sort of athletics? Sports are a big part of life at any academy. To quote General Douglas MacArthur, “Upon the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that upon other fields on other days will bear the fruits of victory,"
humanbeing#92 said:
currently i feel as if im lacking and not on the
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humanbeing#92 said:
right track to get in, i currently have good grades and im taking the hardest school classes (im ranked at like 14.7% of my school) but the only Things i do out of school is Scouts which ive almost completed, almost getting eagle and having the highest leadership position and njrotc drill teams. I really dislike sports and trying not to get one even though it would look good but im thinking of trying to volunter at a summer camp or library. Any tips to make me look more competetive?
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I imagine that you are working out as part of NJROTC, so 'lean into' that aspect of the program too. Plus, as I tell my students, prepare for the CFA. That point will be critical if you are not playing a sport or do not have a history of doing so. A workout routine must be "routine." Good luck!
 
smokey% said:
If you dislike sports what do you plan on doing if you do get to the Academy where every Mid is required to be involved in some sort of athletics? Sports are a big part of life at any academy. To quote General Douglas MacArthur, “Upon the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that upon other fields on other days will bear the fruits of victory,"
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im gonna be a D1 bench warmer for some sport lol
 
Academician said:
I imagine that you are working out as part of NJROTC, so 'lean into' that aspect of the program too. Plus, as I tell my students, prepare for the CFA. That point will be critical if you are not playing a sport or do not have a history of doing so. A workout routine must be "routine." Good luck!
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For the physcial fitness to be tripple checked is that just general fitness or do you really have to play a sport? I go to the gym and im above average but i have leadership and the grades.
 
humanbeing#92 said:
For the physcial fitness to be tripple checked is that just general fitness or do you really have to play a sport? I go to the gym and im above average but i have leadership and the grades.
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Pretty much the only thing you really need on your resume at this point is a varsity sport. It shows traits of leadership, athleticism, discipline, etc. . And the academy really values it. If you want to get into the academy, you should do a varsity sport. If you want to go to a college where your value of not doing sports is common, you should probably try a civilian college, or maybe USAFA.
 
Frankly, I am concerned about the mindset--you don't "take" EC's to get in ..you participate in activities that you enjoy and contribute to , and when those elements connect you become a leader...it is the participating and leadership in ECA's that USNA looks for..not a laundry list of things that look good on a resume.

humanbeing#92 said:
hings i do out of school is Scouts which ive almost completed, almost getting eagle and having the highest leadership position and njrotc drill teams.
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You never really have to "complete" Scouts--there is always more to contribute and aspire to... I was Eagle Class of 1977, did all there was to do in Scouting as a kid, was away from the program, for 30+ years, but have been back in the program for 10+ years as an adult, including a 3 year term as Council President.

humanbeing#92 said:
For the physcial fitness to be tripple checked is that just general fitness or do you really have to play a sport?
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Many many threads here about the importance of athletics. Looks at the Class Profile USNA posts ---its pretty clear that USNA values participating in team athletics . I would recommend taking a deep dive into the statement " I really. dislike sports"...Sports and competition are integral to the USNA program, and if you don't like sports, you should really consider whether USNA is really the right fit.
 
Rome said:
Pretty much the only thing you really need on your resume at this point is a varsity sport. It shows traits of leadership, athleticism, discipline, etc. . And the academy really values it. If you want to get into the academy, you should do a varsity sport. If you want to go to a college where your value of not doing sports is common, you should probably try a civilian college, or maybe USAFA.
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Love the jab at USAFA 😂
 
humanbeing#92 said:
im gonna be a D1 bench warmer for some sport lol
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My son was a very good high school athlete in three sports. He maxed the CRT.

He wasn’t good enough to be a D1 “benchwarmer.” They are great at their sports, just not better than someone else on the team.
 
humanbeing#92 said:
currently i feel as if im lacking and not on the right track to get in, i currently have good grades and im taking the hardest school classes (im ranked at like 14.7% of my school) but the only Things i do out of school is Scouts which ive almost completed, almost getting eagle and having the highest leadership position and njrotc drill teams. I really dislike sports and trying not to get one even though it would look good but im thinking of trying to volunter at a summer camp or library. Any tips to make me look more competetive?
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Since you're in NJROTC, strive for the highest position you can achieve. Put your sights on the CO position and get after it.

Sports is crucial in the admissions process because it teaches you lessons as an athlete that you'll likely never pick up on otherwise; you're applying to put on the jersey of the greatest team in the world, the US Armed Forces. Having an athlete mindset is not just about being fit or good at throwing a ball. It's about the work ethic and, most importantly, being part of a team. Join a sports team that you remotely think you can do and learn the lessons required of an athlete and a warrior. Doesn't matter your skill level, just expose yourself to the very act of being an athlete.
 
smokey% said:
If you dislike sports what do you plan on doing if you do get to the Academy where every Mid is required to be involved in some sort of athletics? Sports are a big part of life at any academy. To quote General Douglas MacArthur, “Upon the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that upon other fields on other days will bear the fruits of victory,"
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The whole “every mid has to do sports” thing is really blown out of proportion. Yes, that is technically true, but those sports can consist of intramural cross country, where you don’t have to show up to any practices or meets. You can definitely get by without being involved in sports, although working out and running on your own is recommended.
 
Old Navy BGO said:
Frankly, I am concerned about the mindset--you don't "take" EC's to get in ..you participate in activities that you enjoy and contribute to , and when those elements connect you become a leader...it is the participating and leadership in ECA's that USNA looks for..not a laundry list of things that look good on a resume.
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I agree. Also curious how you have become so set on attending USNA if your goals/aspirations/interests don't align with what they are looking for?

To me it is a bit like saying you want to attend a 'college for the performing arts', but have no ability/interest/aptitude for singing/dancing/performing or playing a musical instrument.
 
Navy_Simp said:
The whole “every mid has to do sports” thing is really blown out of proportion. Yes, that is technically true, but those sports can consist of intramural cross country, where you don’t have to show up to any practices or meets. You can definitely get by without being involved in sports, although working out and running on your own is recommended.
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So much of this. My room mate at USNA was a genius. Rhodes finalist. PhD at 24. Not an athletic bone in her body. Had to work hard to do okay on the PRT. Like her coordination was so unbelievably bad I used to think she would hurt herself. There are more Mids like this than you would believe. But, she knew what she had to do to qualify for VGEP and other programs, so she worked hard at it. Our PRT was a warm up to a workout for our team. Wasn’t really an issue, half effort and we had Bs.

Yes, sports are something USNA looks for. Don’t do them if you hate it that much. But also understand you are at a disadvantage without that on your resume. If your JROTC has some athletic teams with a competition component, look at those. Cross fit, 5ks, etc are also good. While it might not garner points for your app, I think it helps round out a gap in your app. The CFA will also be looked at deeper than an athlete. It’s important that you crush that.

Find volunteer activities to lead. Find something you are passionate about, sign up. Find a way to give back. Lead a follow on effort.
 
You don't have to love sports to be successful at USNA. However, you do have to be sufficiently self-motivated to pass the PRT, swimming, etc.

NOT having sports on your resume can create an initial "red flag." It can be overcome with great CFA scores, strong academic record and demonstrated leadership.

Agree with the above on doing activities that you enjoy. There are mids who excelled in music, theater, journalism, Model UN, etc. You will do better and likely achieve more if you participate in things you enjoy.
 
Rome said:
If you want to go to a college where your value of not doing sports is common, you should probably try a civilian college, or maybe USAFA.
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@Rome, best we can tell, you’re not a veteran or alumnus, but an applicant awaiting a decision. So you haven’t earned the right to talk trash about any branch or academy. Save that for when you’re actually a mid or cadet. It’s a matter of respect — a privilege that’s earned.
 
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