Is a 3rd App Worth It?

[fearthegoat17]

I still feel the burn for USNA. Definitely feel like to do not belong at my current school as well. My dilemma is that if they've seen you once and don't want you, seen you a second time after you've improved and still don't want you, aren't they sending a pretty clear message? I know people have got in on a 3rd shot. But after submitting a throughly improved application and getting rejected, its hard to justify doing the same once more. And yes there is nothing I want in my life than USNA, but I just worked the hardest I've ever worked in my life and have nothing to show for it.

 

[ktnatalk]

Have you reached out to your AC to ask what "came up short" this time which you had a principal nom yet? That response may give you a clearer picture than any of us can.

 

[Capt MJ]

I still feel the burn for USNA. Definitely feel like to do not belong at my current school as well. My dilemma is that if they've seen you once and don't want you, seen you a second time after you've improved and still don't want you, aren't they sending a pretty clear message? I know people have got in on a 3rd shot. But after submitting a throughly improved application and getting rejected, its hard to justify doing the same once more. And yes there is nothing I want in my life than USNA, but I just worked the hardest I've ever worked in my life and have nothing to show for it.

fearthegoat - you have a LOT to show for it, it just doesn't look like what you want. You have proven yourself possessed of perseverance, determination and commitment, and the ability to pick yourself back up after disappointment and try again. Those are traits valued in officers, by whatever path they get their commission.

I hope you have a goal of "nothing I want more in my life" than being a Navy or Marine officer. If that's what you want, and I hope so, given your sticktoitiveness, there are other doors to a commission to bang on and hope they open. Give it your best shot - if #3 try is what you need to do, do it. Please explore other routes concurrently.

I understand USNA is something you want. It may be it is not in your path. Be open to others. I would hate to see your drive and spirit walk away from serving.

Good advice to ask for specific feedback.

 

[Trackgirl1999]

Dear Fearthegoat: Don't ever lose your dream! Whatever negativity is swirling around you, use it to motivate you to become that Navy officer. Please don't give up. You can do it and hope to see you at USNA class of 2022.

 

[ktnatalk]

@fearthegoat17, I hope you have contacted admissions and discussed your application to gain clarity in your next steps. I am sure you have seen the unexpected turn on this thread:

https://www.serviceacademyforums.co...-appointment-thread.51469/page-54#post-550929

Not expecting lightning will strike twice the same week, and I am not suggesting you to bring up another individual's situation during your conversation, but stuff happens and at a minimum they know you still care. Good luck!

 

[pa_ptmom]

Also check out a current post by Nillet on the Air Force Forum, a few threads down. He got in to USAFA on his third attempt.

 

[coachkarl]

Yeah, one of my son's best buddies got in on his last chance. He would have graduated this year from his Plan B school. Instead, he's slogging through Plebe Year.

Don't Give Up The Ship!

 

[Maplerock]

You've probably deserved it twice already. Will you deserve it more next time? Or will you rely on the board putting your determination over all else? It could happen, but the odds are against it. Weigh the pros and cons... if your benefits would make it worthwhile then give it a go. You'll have to stay on your toes and put your heart into it, all the while knowing that you've been rejected twice before, I hope you make it, but don't fall into the trap that USNA is the only way to a satisfying career of service.

 

[DrMom]

My West Point Old Grad is good buddies with a guy who applied three times. Third time is the charm.
He never got into his first choice (USAFA) but was a bright and shining star at USMA.
Call you Admissions Counselor--at both academies. Have a frank and potentially uncomfortable discussion.

Then, you can think: A third try? Transfer universities? ROTC? (Have you looked at other pathways to commissioning in the Navy--or Marine Corps?)

You seem pretty motivated FearTheGoat. You will find a way.

 

[Dadof2]

And yes there is nothing I want in my life than USNA, but I just worked the hardest I've ever worked in my life and have nothing to show for it.

If there is truly nothing you want in your life more than USNA, I think you answered your own question - apply again. Sure, it's a lot of work to apply again but if USNA is truly what you want then what's the harm in trying again, other than the time you'll spend working on the next round? And if you've worked the hardest you've ever worked in your life on the 2nd attempt, believe me, that hard work was not wasted even if you don't ever get in to USNA. Working hard toward any goal yields benefits in the long run even if you don't achieve that particular goal, but explore and work on alternate plans to become a Navy/USMC officer as others have suggested. There is more than one path to your goal.

USNA is just the 4-year path to your goal (and a great one it is), not the end goal. There are other paths.

 

[JM45]

Coming from the parent of a turned down - self prep - reapplicant - turned down - revived - appointed DS ... why not!? You really never know what can happen! You have made it this far - twice - because you already have what it takes. Absolutely talk to BGO, AC, MOC, etc and find out what you can add for next year, and then embrace the journey! As DS likes to quote, "It's good to have a Plan B, but don't let it distract you from Plan A!"