Homeschool student in need of advice/constructive criticism

D

Don'tGiveUpTheShip

5-Year Member
Joined
Sep 9, 2014
Messages
1
Hello,
I’m sorry to post another ‘what are my chances’ question but I really need the advice of someone who has dealt with homeschooled applicants. I’ve just started my senior year, and although my grades so far have been A’s except for one B+, I have very few extracurricular activities and, barring the fact that I’m the eldest of four siblings, no leadership experience. However, I have held two jobs as an organist, first for a retirement community chapel, and then for a Lutheran church. For sports, I’m taking tennis lessons, training for my first 5k race in January, and playing ultimate Frisbee with a group from my church. Except for my job, I don’t have transportation, so I’m trying to be creative and find extracurricular activities that I can do from my home. So far I’ve started knitting hats and scarves to be donated to Operation Gratitude, which sends them to active duty and overseas military personnel. I’m also going to volunteer as a poll worker at a polling place near my home. My SAT scores are 720-Reading, 710-Writing, and 520-Math, and I’ll be retaking in January. I’ll be applying to USNA next year and simultaneously attending junior college during the summer and fall. Does anyone have any advice or suggestions for me, especially in the area of sports and leadership? I’m really serious about making the navy a career, but based on the records of other candidates it doesn’t seem to me that I have much of a chance of getting into USNA. Thank you.
 
Hello!

You really need to get that math up (as you probably know), other than that keep pegging at schoolwork, I think USNA will understand that you're trying to become a leader. But, how about Boy or Girl scouts?
Civil Air patrol?
Sea Scouts?
 
USNA really wants to see varsity athletes. If you look at the class of 2018 profile you can see that and a lot of other things that are common in people who enter USNA. They should understand that you can't play a varsity sport since you're homeschooled; however, you should still have a sport. Try joining a club/rec/homeschool league even if you have to bike there.


Sent using the Service Academy Forums® mobile app
 
Not everyone who gets into USNA is a varsity athlete. Yes, 90%+ are, but if you completely max out your CFA, that would put you in an a very good standing concerning your (lack of) sports.


I'm home-schooled. Can I still get an appointment?
Yes. Home-schooled students make up an increasing number of applicants for admission to the Naval Academy each year. Each applicant is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, but we generally look for the same academic prerequisites as traditional high school applicants. Additionally, you should let us know if your schooling is recognized by the local school board or the State Board of Education. In addition to qualifying academically for admission, home-schooled applicants should also demonstrate participation in local extracurricular activities, both athletic and non-athletic.

http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/FAQ.php
 
Last edited:
We had a sponsor daughter who was homeschooled at her working ranch home in rural CO. Homeschoolers have to be a bit more proactive to show well-rounded profile - which means the academics should be pristine as a key building block. She managed to get her private pilot's license and was also a highly skilled whitewater kayaker who volunteered with a disadvantaged youth group to organize rafting trips for them - worked it in around her ranch chores.
She also did county rec program soccer. P.S. If you are new to forum, "sponsor" means the local family who volunteered to have mids spend time at their home.


Sent using the Service Academy Forums® mobile app
 
Yes, USNA admits homeschooled students and the number is increasing as the number of homeschooled students increases. USNA's "concerns" about homeschooled students are (1) it's difficult to measure their academic status; (2) their teacher recs are written by parents and/or friends of parents; (3) they aren't engaged in team activities; (4) they may not be in shape and/or it's difficult to determine if they are physically fit. So you need to do your best to counter those concerns.

If you're a homeschooled student and don't participate in organized team sports, your CFA will count A LOT -- so be sure to practice it and try to max as many events as possible, with a focus on crunches, push-ups and the mile run.

You standardized tests are important too, as it is one way for USNA to "measure" you vs. traditional students. If you can take a prep course, you should try to do so. If you can't, get the study books (or on-line programs) and tutor yourself. Also try taking the ACT as some students perform better on it.

Assuming you have some transportation available to you at least on WEs (your parents, friends' parents or friends), consider leading by organizing an event that could take place on the WE. For example, a special day at a senior citizens' home or an animal adoption day or a frisbee day (picking up on something you already do) for special needs children. Organizing and running even a single event is a way to demonstrate leadership.
 
In our school district home schoolers can join athletics at their local high school. Is that an option?

Howard
 
And around here we have "home-schooler" teams composed of home-schoolers in the area. Perhaps another option for sports.
 
I am the mom of two homeschooled kids who were at USAFA.

They found plenty of opportunities to compete at a high level in sports, worked 20+ hours a week (and got themselves to their jobs, w/o benefit of driver's licenses), etc.

Of course, the math score MUST come up (I think under 530 is deemed non-competitive?) so get into some more intensive math program ASAP.

FIND leadership opportunities! Lead a class, teach your knitting to others.

While the SA's understand that you probably are not able to participate in your local district's sports programs (though many now allow homeschoolers to enjoy things like sports, band, etc, since we do pay our taxes, after all)(high horse rearing its ugly head there), you must find a way to become proficient in some sport: fencing comes to mind. Martial arts, local running club (NOT JOGGING! Competition is a key!), ski team, swim team, dance team... SOME TEAM.

As a homeschooler you must take the bull by the proverbial horns and get the ducks in a row.

You may pm me if you'd like to discuss this further.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top