I know getting into WP from NJ is hard BUT !

NJ_Dad

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We all know getting into WP is very difficult and from New Jersey its more than super competitive but when the field force rep tells a room full of kids interested from NJ with its competition you need to be a genius its down right sucks. But Hey you might as well set the record straight up front.
 
It was probably his way of encouraging the students to simply try their hardest in school.

I will take my "Proud Momma" hat off for a minute and say that my cadet is not a genius. He is smart and he worked very hard for all four years of high school, but he did not graduate high school with a 4.0 gpa nor with perfect SAT scores. Regular kids do get accepted, but they are regular kids who worked hard, did well in sports and sought out leadership opportunities.
 
I should have noted that my cadet is from a competitive district in NJ. We heard reps in NJ say the same things that NJ_Dad also heard and naturally it was intimidating to hear, but I can attest to the fact that 'regular, hard-working kids' can get accepted to WP.
 
I agree as I would say all these kids that attend many of these events know the deal just the delivery in my opinion is a bit harsh or bravado. Just say its easier to get into Princeton and the kids know the deal and call it a day . Since I have yet to meet a genius thus far anyway
 
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Just say its easier to get into Princeton and the kids know the deal and call it a day

Just say that the vagaries of the nomination process make applying to service academies harder than applying to civilian colleges. Once in the admissions pool, the acceptance rate is relatively high.
 
Getting a NOM from some areas is more difficult than other parts of the country since more people are applying. However, the process of getting 3Q is the SAME nationwide. Some people seem to confuse the two. I wasn't at the meeting referred to by the OP, so can't comment on the exact words used, but getting an appointment to any of the SA's is a challenging process and you are competing with many of the best/brightest students from all over the country. However, you do not have to be a 'genius' to get an appointment.
 
Getting a NOM from some areas is more difficult than other parts of the country since more people are applying. However, the process of getting 3Q is the SAME nationwide. Some people seem to confuse the two. I wasn't at the meeting referred to by the OP, so can't comment on the exact words used, but getting an appointment to any of the SA's is a challenging process and you are competing with many of the best/brightest students from all over the country. However, you do not have to be a 'genius' to get an appointment.

Agreed. Some parts of the country, even different parts of states, are so competitive and extremely difficult to get a nomination. I know several who were academically bright but did not get a nom.
 
As a product of the NJ public school system and a verified "non-genius" I just want to offer the following: NJ kids have way too much attitude and confidence to worry about that comment or the delivery. "Super competitive" and needing to be a "genius" mean nothing. Don't let your children self-limit themselves. Apply and see what happens!
 
I agree my DS just shrugged his shoulders and said dad NJ is what it is especially congressional District 12. I said that's my boy with a attitude like that you would have had no issues on the streets of Brooklyn where I grew up. You don't push hard in the school yard you never get to play in the game.
 
I thought I would put my two cents in. NJ is super competitive and we produce excellent college candidates as we pay the highest taxes in nation to do so (lucky us). Our main export without a doubt, college kids. That being said the term genius, in my mind is not quite right as I don’t think WP is looking for super smart one dimensional kids. My DS is very bright but I know there are others in his school who have done better on SAT/ ACT. However these kids studied hard but did not earn a Varsity letter, did not do part-time work, or put in the many, many hours to obtain Eagle. My impression after watching and going through the very difficult process is that WP is looking for well rounded leaders. We both attended the congressional seminars and out-reach programs provided by the Academies and the impression I got in speaking with all the fine representatives is that they want smart well rounded, confident kids that are hard working and determined. They told us that he should take the SAT/ ACT as many times as possible to improve his score as it shows determination. What kid wants to sit through multiple 3 hour tests. They want to see improvement on the CFA and to take multiple times etc Anyway, tell your DS not to be discouraged, to work hard and good things will come. Finally, in the middle of the process, after being rejected to SLE, I wanted to sit down with my DS and watch the movie Rudy, as that is what it felt like to me watching my DS go through the process ( we never did but still worth the watch).
 
I agree as I said he just shrugged his shoulders and said its all good I know what is expected. As far as SLE we had a talk and funny of all places at the NY Auto show in April where WP had a booth and a Mr Vega the adult leading the cadets took 30 minutes to talk with my DS who is a Soph at St Joe's in Metuchen and said SLE its a good thing but at times can be more difficult to get accepted to in the end to because of the sheer number of applicants. Which when you think about it %wise make sense. I was also told by someone who was part of the NJ field force group that NJ also had 39 candidates offered acceptance of the NWL this year. A testament to the level of caliber from our state. In the end for schools like St Joseph's that do not rank students you better hope your a good test taker :) In the end all the hours rowing, campus ministry , Model UN, studying etc acceptance or not my DS will be a leader in the US Army is what he said. My response "its all up to you my son. So go get it."
 
Yes, tell your son to 'go get it' and also formulate a plan B.
My son thought I was being unreasonble to make him have a plan B, C & D. Since I have never claimed to be anything but a 'mean mommy' I simply accepted it and continued to show him other military options. In the end, he fell in love with his plan B and was very content with it until plan A sent the BFE.
Anyway, my point is that there are some very excellent plan Bs for kids from NJ.
 
Scaring kids is probably a factor, too. Rather get rid of those who aren't willing to try hard enough to get in early than after they spend money on them. I know my liaison did the same to myself.
 
Don't mean to threadjack or anything, but does anyone know if Illinois is competitive. I have no way of knowing.
 
Don't mean to threadjack or anything, but does anyone know if Illinois is competitive. I have no way of knowing.

Not too many people here will be able to answer your question because competitiveness can vary greatly by district. If you want a more accurate count then you can ask your congressman's office how many applied for a Nom and got it.
 
Yes, tell your son to 'go get it' and also formulate a plan B.
My son thought I was being unreasonble to make him have a plan B, C & D. Since I have never claimed to be anything but a 'mean mommy' I simply accepted it and continued to show him other military options. In the end, he fell in love with his plan B and was very content with it until plan A sent the BFE.
Anyway, my point is that there are some very excellent plan Bs for kids from NJ.
Yes he already told me he has Plan B,C,D,E and F.
 
Not too many people here will be able to answer your question because competitiveness can vary greatly by district. If you want a more accurate count then you can ask your congressman's office how many applied for a Nom and got it.
Funny enough that was my first question I asked the staff support my MOC and said they dont keep that info. - hard to believe but the Dist 12 MOC is only in office 2 years. But I know for this year 3 from Dist 12 going to AF, NAvy and MMA and from my son's school 1 to CGA
 
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