Is it a bad reflection that I am not applying to any Plan B or safety schools?

BT03

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Apr 23, 2021
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12
Hi all,

C/O 2026 applicant here and current HS senior. As I finally start my application process, I have started to think about the unfortunate "what if.." scenario, more specifically - what if I don't get in? During the entirety of my high school years, I have been focused on working towards admission to USNA. I have given thought to if I end up not being where I hope to be whether that be from being denied the first time around or even after reapplying. I have also given thought to conventional 4-Years and ROTC and although these would definitely be the ideal pathway I would go down towards if I don't make it into USNA, I never had much appeal to it when compared to what USNA had to offer. My sole focus and priority was USNA since freshman year and perhaps this is the main reason why I have not applied to any other college and this just may show my potential naiveness.

I should note that I am attending community college in the Fall during my admissions process for Navy, I just have not applied to any universities during my senior year.

However, just for self-assurance purposes, is it entirely "bad" that this is the choice I made?

Although I haven't applied to any other colleges as of now, going to a conventional 4-year with ROTC is definitely a realistic and likely route I will end up taking if I don't get in. My ultimate goal in this entire process is to serve, and that being said, I have also considered enlistment if the Naval Academy does not end up being the turn my life takes.
 
A few things I learned this last admissions cycle (from a recipient of a TWE for the C/O 2025 and 2026 hopeful):

There is no guarantee when it comes to USNA/any SA. You can go in with all the confidence in the world, nail your SAT/ACT, play three different varsity sports and have hundreds of community service hours, but the truth of it is you just never know what the admissions board will decide. I had my eyes on an SA (originally USMA) from sophomore year on and I did my time strengthening my application, and here I am on the other side with a TWE.

This is obviously just opinion, but when you say ROTC never had the appeal of USNA, I do wonder if you're getting caught up in the prestige and mystery of Annapolis - which is entirely understandable. ROTC is a respectable path to commissioning; I plan on joining the ROTC unit at my university this fall as a college program student while reapplying to USNA.

Before my nomination interviews, the MOC websites made it very clear that when you only apply to X academy and no ROTC/civilian schools, that's a red flag because it leads them to think you might not be committed to serving as an officer and are more interested in the academy because of reputation. Unless, of course, this is the only viable option financially, in which case I recommend making sure the interview panels are aware of this.

And I am not an expert on this by any means, but judging by what I've seen on this forum, enlisting in the hopes to eventually get to USNA is a risky gamble because you will be committed to serving X amount of years per your enlistment contract, among other factors.

I don't think it's necessarily bad, per se, but if you are able, I would highly recommend applying to a few backup schools and the 4-year ROTC scholarship.
 
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Hi all,

C/O 2026 applicant here and current HS senior. As I finally start my application process, I have started to think about the unfortunate "what if.." scenario, more specifically - what if I don't get in? During the entirety of my high school years, I have been focused on working towards admission to USNA. I have given thought to if I end up not being where I hope to be whether that be from being denied the first time around or even after reapplying. I have also given thought to conventional 4-Years and ROTC and although these would definitely be the ideal pathway I would go down towards if I don't make it into USNA, I never had much appeal to it when compared to what USNA had to offer. My sole focus and priority was USNA since freshman year and perhaps this is the main reason why I have not applied to any other college and this just may show my potential naiveness.

I should note that I am attending community college in the Fall during my admissions process for Navy, I just have not applied to any universities during my senior year.

However, just for self-assurance purposes, is it entirely "bad" that this is the choice I made?

Although I haven't applied to any other colleges as of now, going to a conventional 4-year with ROTC is definitely a realistic and likely route I will end up taking if I don't get in. My ultimate goal in this entire process is to serve, and that being said, I have also considered enlistment if the Naval Academy does not end up being the turn my life takes.
Typically, people serious about becoming a Naval Officer will have ROTC and or USMMA or a State Maritime school as plans B, C. You may be very competitive and still not get in to USNA just because of your local slate competition. You say you would go ROTC, then why not apply?
 
+1 with all AN21 said. There's no guarantee you'll be accepted to a SA. If you look through the forums you'll hear from a few parents/applicants about their phenomenal stats and how they were denied an appointment/scholarship. My great-uncle works on nomination boards, and he's told me that SAs want to know you're prepared in any scenario. USNA doesn't work out, what's your plan B, C, D, etc? I myself am applying to USAFA, USNA, USMA, as well as a couple civilian schools on top of that.

What are your plans for the future? If you're interested in certain fields, there are plenty of other civilian schools that can have amazing programs for what you're interested in. Look into those, and apply! Don't apply to random schools just so "you can be prepared". Think of what happens if you are accepted only into schools you don't care about. Wouldn't be fun, right?

Just my two cents, and take my advice with a grain of salt since I don't have much experience in life overall compared to many of the members on this forum. Best of luck!
 
My son only applied to USNA. In the middle of his senior year he applied to a SUNY school that would have accepted his AS degree.
 
Hi all,

C/O 2026 applicant here and current HS senior. As I finally start my application process, I have started to think about the unfortunate "what if.." scenario, more specifically - what if I don't get in? During the entirety of my high school years, I have been focused on working towards admission to USNA. I have given thought to if I end up not being where I hope to be whether that be from being denied the first time around or even after reapplying. I have also given thought to conventional 4-Years and ROTC and although these would definitely be the ideal pathway I would go down towards if I don't make it into USNA, I never had much appeal to it when compared to what USNA had to offer. My sole focus and priority was USNA since freshman year and perhaps this is the main reason why I have not applied to any other college and this just may show my potential naiveness.

I should note that I am attending community college in the Fall during my admissions process for Navy, I just have not applied to any universities during my senior year.

However, just for self-assurance purposes, is it entirely "bad" that this is the choice I made?

Although I haven't applied to any other colleges as of now, going to a conventional 4-year with ROTC is definitely a realistic and likely route I will end up taking if I don't get in. My ultimate goal in this entire process is to serve, and that being said, I have also considered enlistment if the Naval Academy does not end up being the turn my life takes.
I'd advise having as close to USNA-like course work scheduled at the community college, and continuing to participate in and demonstrate leadership and athletic roles.

Also, be prepared to "correctly" answer the question, should it be asked in the BGO interview, what you will do to fulfill the ultimate goal of becoming a commissioned officer should you not get an appointment to USNA. That is where I would advise (or at least strongly consider) applying to colleges and A/AF/NROTC programs etc.

Personally, I am not impressed with individuals that do not have solid back-up plans, in general.
 
Have plan B's lined up! Ones that you can be excited about if your first choice does not work out. When you are too focused on ONE dream, the TWE really stings bad! (Ask DS!) Do lots and lots of research on ROTC and other SAs or enlisting and OCS. Good luck to you!
 
A few things I learned this last admissions cycle (from a recipient of a TWE for the C/O 2025 and 2026 hopeful):

There is no guarantee when it comes to USNA/any SA. You can go in with all the confidence in the world, nail your SAT/ACT, play three different varsity sports and have hundreds of community service hours, but the truth of it is you just never know what the admissions board will decide. I had my eyes on an SA (originally USMA) from sophomore year on and I did my time strengthening my application, and here I am on the other side with a TWE.

This is obviously just opinion, but when you say ROTC never had the appeal of USNA, I do wonder if you're getting caught up in the prestige and mystery of Annapolis - which is entirely understandable. ROTC is a respectable path to commissioning; I plan on joining the ROTC unit at my university this fall as a college program student while reapplying to USNA.

Before my nomination interviews, the MOC websites made it very clear that when you only apply to X academy and no ROTC/civilian schools, that's a red flag because it leads them to think you might not be committed to serving as an officer and are more interested in the academy because of reputation. Unless, of course, this is the only viable option financially, in which case I recommend making sure the interview panels are aware of this.

And I am not an expert on this by any means, but judging by what I've seen on this forum, enlisting in the hopes to eventually get to USNA is a risky gamble because you will be committed to serving X amount of years per your enlistment contract, among other factors.

I don't think it's necessarily bad, per se, but if you are able, I would highly recommend applying to a few backup schools and the 4-year ROTC scholarship.
I should clarify that my lack of appeal was towards civilian colleges rather than just the ROTC program (which I do have appeal for). This was on the basis of comparison of overall student life, culture, and tradition - just a few to list. And the consideration of enlistment in hopes of eventually getting into USNA isn't the intended goal, rather it was a general consideration of a route I could take to pursue the overall goal of serving and working towards becoming an officer (through OCS). Regardless, other 4-years aren't completely out of the book yet as I am still exploring my options and my decision to whether or not to go out-of-state and what's financially feasible for me.
 
Typically, people serious about becoming a Naval Officer will have ROTC and or USMMA or a State Maritime school as plans B, C. You may be very competitive and still not get in to USNA just because of your local slate competition. You say you would go ROTC, then why not apply?
I am still exploring my options in terms of other colleges and ROTC even though I am already close to graduation. My intention to attend community college this Fall was so that I can figure out what exactly my safety routes will be while continuing my education and completing the USNA admissions process I will definitely apply to ROTC once I figure out what works best for me financially even with the ROTC scholarship opportunity. I have already visited other potential colleges with NROTC but figuring out where exactly I believe I would fit in and enjoy my time while considering financial elements is still in the works.
 
A few things I learned this last admissions cycle (from a recipient of a TWE for the C/O 2025 and 2026 hopeful)
...

Before my nomination interviews, the MOC websites made it very clear that when you only apply to X academy and no ROTC/civilian schools, that's a red flag because it leads them to think you might not be committed to serving as an officer and are more interested in the academy because of reputation.

That was one piece of amazing advice DS received from his BGO. Applying to NROTC shows interest in the Navy and not just going to Navy. It also provided him some Plan B or C options while waiting on the USNA decision.
 
When my DS was applying to SA's, he also applied for ROTC scholarships at some reach schools as well as the state school. Plan B was most likely the state school and ROTC and applying again the following year. ROTC would also have provided another nomination source, if re-applying. I'm not sure how competitive your district is, but planning this way shows clear goals and must look good in interviews.
 
Hi all,

C/O 2026 applicant here and current HS senior. As I finally start my application process, I have started to think about the unfortunate "what if.." scenario, more specifically - what if I don't get in? During the entirety of my high school years, I have been focused on working towards admission to USNA. I have given thought to if I end up not being where I hope to be whether that be from being denied the first time around or even after reapplying. I have also given thought to conventional 4-Years and ROTC and although these would definitely be the ideal pathway I would go down towards if I don't make it into USNA, I never had much appeal to it when compared to what USNA had to offer. My sole focus and priority was USNA since freshman year and perhaps this is the main reason why I have not applied to any other college and this just may show my potential naiveness.

I should note that I am attending community college in the Fall during my admissions process for Navy, I just have not applied to any universities during my senior year.

However, just for self-assurance purposes, is it entirely "bad" that this is the choice I made?

Although I haven't applied to any other colleges as of now, going to a conventional 4-year with ROTC is definitely a realistic and likely route I will end up taking if I don't get in. My ultimate goal in this entire process is to serve, and that being said, I have also considered enlistment if the Naval Academy does not end up being the turn my life takes.
I did the same thing as you. I am currently on the waitlist for the class of 2025 and praying every night I get a call that I am appointed. I know that a civilian college isn't for me, because of the cost and the overall environment, so if I do receive a TWE I will be enlisting in the Marines and hopefully re-applying next year. There is never a "bad" choice you can make, just have a plan and be happy with what you are doing.
 
This was on the basis of comparison of overall student life, culture, and tradition - just a few to list
I agree with the posts about having backup plans beside USNA, to include NROTC. Community College would be a backup to that if you don't get a scholarship or otherwise can't afford it.

I would add that you get to decide how much you wish to immerse yourself in typical student life, culture, and tradition. You can do none of it, take part in some of it, or take it all on within the confines of what NROTC allows. It's all up to you.
 
Do not discount USMMA. It’s often overlooked but IMHO it’s an excellent preparation route for the Navy. Plenty of USMMA grads direct commission into the Navy in all fields and no other school gives you the at sea experience of USMMA sea year. I would also encourage you to look at SMC’s like VA Tech and Texas A&M. The college experience at these schools is anything but traditional and may appeal to you as they did to my DS. If anything a strong backup plan will impress your BGO and mom MOC nom interviewers.
 
Hi all,

C/O 2026 applicant here and current HS senior. As I finally start my application process, I have started to think about the unfortunate "what if.." scenario, more specifically - what if I don't get in? During the entirety of my high school years, I have been focused on working towards admission to USNA. I have given thought to if I end up not being where I hope to be whether that be from being denied the first time around or even after reapplying. I have also given thought to conventional 4-Years and ROTC and although these would definitely be the ideal pathway I would go down towards if I don't make it into USNA, I never had much appeal to it when compared to what USNA had to offer. My sole focus and priority was USNA since freshman year and perhaps this is the main reason why I have not applied to any other college and this just may show my potential naiveness.

I should note that I am attending community college in the Fall during my admissions process for Navy, I just have not applied to any universities during my senior year.

However, just for self-assurance purposes, is it entirely "bad" that this is the choice I made?

Although I haven't applied to any other colleges as of now, going to a conventional 4-year with ROTC is definitely a realistic and likely route I will end up taking if I don't get in. My ultimate goal in this entire process is to serve, and that being said, I have also considered enlistment if the Naval Academy does not end up being the turn my life takes.
Like you’ve heard by now, USNA is definitely not a secure place to put all your proverbial eggs. There are a lot of people applying 2, 3, even 4 times. It’s slightly unrealistic to expect a first time win. Definitely happens, and what I’m hoping for. But, as a 2025 candidate still waiting to hear, I can tell you I’d be insanely stressed if USNA was the only school I applied to.

I also applied to USMMA and a couple junior military colleges. Recieved an appointment to USMMA in February, so it’s a big weight off my shoulders to have a really good plan B in my pocket.

If I were you, I’d look into USMMA and some of the Maritime Academies, or the junior/senior military colleges.

Good luck with your whole process!
 
@BT03
A junior officer is expected to identify a goal and develop a strategy with various tactics to reach it, creating a multi-pronged approach, with alternate plans ready to go in case the primary tactic fails. The “all-eggs-in-one-basket” approach is a high-risk strategy; operational risk analysis is another JO skill. Creating momentum toward the goal should be part of the plan, whether a direct or a lateral move via an alternate path. There is a reason the SAs have detailed instructions for re-applicants. The long pole in the tent for you should be a commission as a Navy or Marine Corps officer. USNA is your preferred way station to get there, but there are some other paths. Re-attack on the USNA path, if needed, is a logical part of the strategy. Focus on the long pole.

Here’s a list of the SMCs. It’s from an Army source, because I prefer primary sources, but it provides good background. There will be Navy ROTCs at some of these. The SMCs give you the not-quite-civilian culture that seems to be of interest to you. There are also JMCs.

It is not too late to apply to other colleges.

Finally,

I would advise you to be very careful in your essays if you want to describe any elements of your desire to attend USNA since 9th grade, because you have essentially taken a “gap year” in applying. As long as you can articulate your more deliberate approach of applying a year after you were first eligible, you should be able to counter-balance the issue.
 
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Why did you not apply to any colleges your senior year of high school? You used the phrase "finally starting your application" while also stating "entire of your high school/since 9th grade you've been focused on applying for USNA". That's a big disconnect. What is the story there? Or do you mean that you finished your USNA application and are awaiting admissions decision?
I was thinking the same thing.

Completely focused on USNA but did not apply at earliest opportunity as a HS senior when it would be expected. No interview panel is going to overlook asking about that. It’s one thing to come to the realization late and eventually apply, but it’s odd to claim a years-long focus and then not apply at the first and most logical time. To be fair, something may have happened in the OP’s life, that we don’t know about here, that disrupted a plan to apply for Class of 2025 when his or her peers would be applying.
 
I was thinking the same thing.

Completely focused on USNA but did not apply at earliest opportunity as a HS senior when it would be expected. No interview panel is going to overlook asking about that. It’s one thing to come to the realization late and eventually apply, but it’s odd to claim a years-long focus and then not apply at the first and most logical time. To be fair, something may have happened in the OP’s life, that we don’t know about here, that disrupted a plan to apply for Class of 2025 when his peers would be ap
I was thinking the same thing.

Completely focused on USNA but did not apply at earliest opportunity as a HS senior when it would be expected. No interview panel is going to overlook asking about that. It’s one thing to come to the realization late and eventually apply, but it’s odd to claim a years-long focus and then not apply at the first and most logical time. To be fair, something may have happened in the OP’s life, that we don’t know about here, that disrupted a plan to apply for Class of 2025 when his peers would be applying.

plying.
UGH! I can't figure out what i'm typing!

I deleted my post because I may have misunderstood whether the OP applied at all to USNA. SORRY for the confusion. Back to OP - yes, there could be a compelling story there. and community college is a gem, something that should be considered for everyone, due to college prices and this new world of how decisions may be affected given various states of a pandemic environment.
 
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I was thinking the same thing.

Completely focused on USNA but did not apply at earliest opportunity as a HS senior when it would be expected. No interview panel is going to overlook asking about that. It’s one thing to come to the realization late and eventually apply, but it’s odd to claim a years-long focus and then not apply at the first and most logical time. To be fair, something may have happened in the OP’s life, that we don’t know about here, that disrupted a plan to apply for Class of 2025 when his or her peers would be applying.
Not applying to the C/O 2025 was definitely a difficult choice I had to make and one I had to talk with my counselor several times about. COVID slowed many aspects of my life down. When 2025 applications opened up, I was not where I wanted to be in terms of overall strength in candidacy. There were definitely pros and cons to applying or not applying during the time, but considering I have been focused on USNA for years, I personally wanted to put my best foot forward and have strong confidence during the process. There's definitely a part of me that regrets not applying last year and being able to gain valuable insight on the process even if I don't get in, but that was the choice I made and I'm still pursuing my goal.

Edit: I read your previous post. SMCs are definitely an element I haven't researched much about. After reading all the feedback on this post, I reflected on my poor choice as to not having a solid backup plan. I started my NROTC application this morning and I'm accelerating my college searches but I'm leaning towards staying in-state an ROTC program.
 
My DS was similarly focused on USNA. Didn’t apply to any other service academies. Only applied to ROTC because his BGO assured him it would not reflect well upon his goal to be a Naval Officer if USNA was his only option.

Here we are in April of his Senior year and he chose his top ROTC option INSTEAD of the Naval Academy.

Funny how life works out, huh??
 
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