Improving My Chances

2012Cadet

10-Year Member
5-Year Member
Joined
Apr 7, 2008
Messages
608
I have previously applied to both USNA STEM and the CalTech YESS program, and have recently learned that I got rejected from both. This bothers me because getting rejected from both tells me I must be doing something wrong or not have something that others have. For those who got accepted to either of these, could you post stats, and also, what should I improve on? I'm great in academics...all As, AP/gifted student, 197 PSAT, member of Beta Club and Mu Alpha Theta, sports....played varsity lacrosse (will letter next year), football, and extracurriculars....regularly volunteer in clubs, member of FCA, and do Venturing and JROTC, among other things. I know my leadership is not the greatest...C/Staff Sgt. in JROTC, Hunting Club Wellness Officer, and may be volunteering for a "camp couselor" type position this summer and participate in a JROTC leadership camp...but it's still pretty good, right? So I don't know what to do.

In need of advice,
2012 Cadet
 
Sounds like you have great stats, I'm really surprised you didn't get in! Perhaps your application essay wasn't so strong? But really, you have a very diverse resume, I'm really surprised.

See my problem is that my family moves a lot. I went to one high school for freshman year, another for sophomore year, and I'm moving to a new one next year. I recognize that I still should have gotten involved in more activities each year, but nonetheless it's really hard to get any leaderships--that takes at least one year of attendance normally. So I'm not sure if colleges will recognize that challenge or what I should do to make up for it?.....
 
Sounds like you have great stats, I'm really surprised you didn't get in! Perhaps your application essay wasn't so strong? But really, you have a very diverse resume, I'm really surprised.

See my problem is that my family moves a lot. I went to one high school for freshman year, another for sophomore year, and I'm moving to a new one next year. I recognize that I still should have gotten involved in more activities each year, but nonetheless it's really hard to get any leaderships--that takes at least one year of attendance normally. So I'm not sure if colleges will recognize that challenge or what I should do to make up for it?.....

Thanks...yeah, I know. The essay might be possibly why. I think I did rush a bit but thought it was good. As for your problem, I can see what you're talking about, and I would probably mention this when you apply to the academies. Other than that, just try your best to do what you can and best of luck to you.
 
I have previously applied to both USNA STEM and the CalTech YESS program, and have recently learned that I got rejected from both. This bothers me because getting rejected from both tells me I must be doing something wrong or not have something that others have. For those who got accepted to either of these, could you post stats, and also, what should I improve on? I'm great in academics...all As, AP/gifted student, 197 PSAT, member of Beta Club and Mu Alpha Theta, sports....played varsity lacrosse (will letter next year), football, and extracurriculars....regularly volunteer in clubs, member of FCA, and do Venturing and JROTC, among other things. I know my leadership is not the greatest...C/Staff Sgt. in JROTC, Hunting Club Wellness Officer, and may be volunteering for a "camp couselor" type position this summer and participate in a JROTC leadership camp...but it's still pretty good, right? So I don't know what to do.

In need of advice,
2012 Cadet

Hmm, I'm surprised you didn't get in also. From the posts you've had on the forums you seem like top 10%. Maybe your short essay (STEM, not sure about YESS) wasn't strong enough. In the extra information areas did you right down achievements within a club/group? Such as 25 hours of tutoring - 30 hours of community service.
 
Hmm, I'm surprised you didn't get in also. From the posts you've had on the forums you seem like top 10%. Maybe your short essay (STEM, not sure about YESS) wasn't strong enough. In the extra information areas did you right down achievements within a club/group? Such as 25 hours of tutoring - 30 hours of community service.

Yes, I did...I was almost afraid I wrote to much in the comments section...would this have affect my chances at all?

The essay might have possibly been the culprit (wish I could retrieve it and post it), but I thought it was okay. May have possibly had a harsher essay reader?

Also, question: is GA an over-represented state, and is so could that possibly be why I wasn't accepted, seeing as they look for people in underrepresented states?

Did you make it in, attacklax17?
 
2012Cadet,

You might consider showcasing your Venturing participation and assume leadership within the organization. Venturing is a co-ed branch of the Boy Scouts. BSA is a highly esteemed organization amongst all service academies. Cut yourself some slack. USNA is looking for candidates who are ADAPTABLE. Moving yearly, while maintaining your sanity and academics is a great feat of accomplishment alone. Best wishes.
 
Not being accepted to NASS or STEM isn't necessarily determinative of whether you'll get into USNA. NASS is a recruiting tool and both programs focus heavily on those who demonstrate an interest in math, science, and engineering. I suggest you follow up with your BGO -- he/she is really in a better position to advise you than those on this board, myself included.
 
What exactly are the underrepresented states? I'm moving to Tennessee....
 
2012Cadet,

You might consider showcasing your Venturing participation and assume leadership within the organization. Venturing is a co-ed branch of the Boy Scouts. BSA is a highly esteemed organization amongst all service academies. Cut yourself some slack. USNA is looking for candidates who are ADAPTABLE. Moving yearly, while maintaining your sanity and academics is a great feat of accomplishment alone. Best wishes.

Sorry for the mix up...it's kwill958 who's moving every year.

To all: thanks for the advice and compliments.
 
What exactly are the underrepresented states? I'm moving to Tennessee....

There's a list, that now is probably at least two application cycles old. But, if you search the forums for "under represented districts" you will find it.
 
There's a thread on "under represented districts" by me! Feb 4, 2010.:thumb:
 
i was in an underrepresented area

act
31 math
28 reading
these were the 2 that they saw
sophmore

BSA- senior patrol leader
BSA OA- Chapter cheif
SC 3A state champ quiz bowel team
TARC national qualifying model rocketry team

i applied the night it was due and was accepted

btw its on ROLLING ADMISSIONS
in other words they accept ppl on first come first qualified basis- if u applied too late u may be out of luck in a competitive region
 
i was in an underrepresented area

act
31 math
28 reading
these were the 2 that they saw
sophmore

BSA- senior patrol leader
BSA OA- Chapter cheif
SC 3A state champ quiz bowel team
TARC national qualifying model rocketry team

i applied the night it was due and was accepted

btw its on ROLLING ADMISSIONS
in other words they accept ppl on first come first qualified basis- if u applied too late u may be out of luck in a competitive region

I applied the first night the application opened, but anyways...those are impressive stats.

Well, looked at the list and my district wasn't included, but that doesn't mean its over-represented, but still...
 
Last edited:
Back
Top