Is NAPS still a possibility?

S

Sam0704

USNA ‘26
Joined
Dec 26, 2021
Messages
76
A few weeks ago I received an LOA with the only unfulfilled condition being to receive a nomination. After a long wait I have received all my nomination decisions, and unfortunately they were all rejections. I did apply to the VP nom a few weeks ago also, so there is still a chance of a direct appointment, but I was wondering if NAPS was still a possibility.

I do Know that you can receive an appointment to NAPS without a nom, but I always thought it was for individuals who need an extra year of academics. Will they appoint someone to NAPS with an excellent academic record, simply because he/she didn’t get a nom?
 
If you're fully qualified with a LOA and no nomination, then NAPS is not a likelihood in your case.
It's not over until it's over, however. You could still get a VP nomination. There is also the Superintendent's nomination which is rare, but requires nothing in the way of an application from you. It's a long shot, but a shot nonetheless.
 
My DD was in similar situation last cycle, LOA but no NOM at all. Few days before decision day, she was called by admissions and offered a nom. So as others have pointed out, it is not over till it is over. There are NO guarantees for nom though as there were many on this forum who had LOA and no nom, so could not make it last cycle.

Here is my suggestion: Keep in touch with admissions on a regular basis and if afforded an opportunity to visit USNA, take it.
 
Are you completely set on USNA? There are a couple weeks left for NROTC but that would take a lot of jumping through hoops to finish.
 
GWU PNS said:
Are you completely set on USNA? There are a couple weeks left for NROTC but that would take a lot of jumping through hoops to finish.
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USNA is my first choice, I am not part of the NROTC unit at my school though.
 
JROTC would be what is offered at the high school level. NROTC refers to the collegiate level.

NROTC would be a good "back-up plan" if you're not successful in getting an Offer of Appointment to USNA. Think of it as going to college on a scholarship with a little of the military stuff mixed in - but not nearly as much of the military stuff as a service academy - and with Liberty every night of the week.
 
THParent said:
JROTC would be what is offered at the high school level. NROTC refers to the collegiate level.

NROTC would be a good "back-up plan" if you're not successful in getting an Offer of Appointment to USNA. Think of it as going to college on a scholarship with a little of the military stuff mixed in - but not nearly as much of the military stuff as a service academy - and with Liberty every night of the week.
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Sorry, I meant JROTC. I am not part of the JROTC unit at my school.

I’ve already been accepted to VMI and have applied for a marine-option NROTC scholarship there as my backup.
 
Thank you for the insight! You said you wanted to know a little more about my background, so I can summarize some of the key points for both you and anyone wondering what made me qualified for an LOA.
  • 4.26 GPA
  • Only 1 AP class, but multiple IGCSE and AICE classes (part of the Cambridge program)
  • 2 Varsity sports (Wrestling and Lacrosse)
  • ~100 service hours at my local elementary school as a teachers aide/tutor
  • Attended VA Boys state and was elected Sheriff( In charge of ~30 people for an entire week)
  • And I did fairly well on my CFA
I live in probably one of the most competitive districts (VA-11) and can’t think of anything off the top of my head that would be a reason as to why I was rejected, I even received complements from my interviewer, but I’ll be sure to reach out and ask.
 
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It’s been mentioned here before that some nominating sources feel that with an LOA, the candidate is assured an appointment. That the SA will ‘find one’ for them. So they DONT give them a nom.

No clue how true that is, but *could* make sense.

It could also be nothing against you, but rather your competition edged you out, if ever so slightly. Perhaps the strength of your school. Or your classes. Or someone had just that much more SOMETHING that they liked. And another cycle? You could be the standout.

You aren't out until you are out. And if you receive the TWE? Apply next year if you desire. It’s a tough place to get into! And amazing candidates don’t make it, ever year. There just isn’t enough room.
 
VA-11 is extremely competitive. There are generally hundreds competing for spots. Many with extremely high stats from very good high schools. It’s hard to earn a Nom from this district. NAPS would not be the norm in this case, but you are in the game until a TWE arrives. We have seen candidates receive a VP or Supts nom and we have seen some get TWEs. Honestly, you more than likely won’t hear until late March or into April. Work on Plan B and hope for trh best at this point.
 
Son was in the same boat last year. Made it to pretty much the last day (of regular notifications) with a LOA and no nom. Got his TWE on April 30th last year. No NAPS offer.

Re-applying this year, but has already received one rejection for a nom, so prospects aren't looking good, again.

But, keep your head up, plan for alternatives at your other school applications, and hope for the lucky nom shot!
 
Agree with VA-11 being super competitive (I used to live there). There could easily be more than 10 folks in the district with LOAs. I suspect that, for various reasons, MOCs also don't want to give all of their noms to LOA candidates and you thus likely fell victim to the numbers game. It would be extraordinarily rare for an LOA candidate to be offered NAPS.
 
usna1985 said:
Agree with VA-11 being super competitive (I used to live there). There could easily be more than 10 folks in the district with LOAs. I suspect that, for various reasons, MOCs also don't want to give all of their noms to LOA candidates and you thus likely fell victim to the numbers game. It would be extraordinarily rare for an LOA candidate to be offered NAPS.
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At CVW - admissions said my son would not be offered NAPS with his academic record.
 
If you're shopping for alternatives the CGA doesn't require nominations, but I think things are closed up for class of 2026.
 
StPaulDad said:
If you're shopping for alternatives the CGA doesn't require nominations, but I think things are closed up for class of 2026.
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Ultimately, commissioning as a Marine Corps officer is the goal so I wouldn’t pursue any other SA. I’ll more than likely attend VMI and hopefully reapply next year because I would still love to attend USNA, and although it sucks ,because c/o 27 doesn’t sound as nice as c/o 26, there isn’t much that can be done on my part.
 
Sam0704 said:
Ultimately, commissioning as a Marine Corps officer is the goal so I wouldn’t pursue any other SA. I’ll more than likely attend VMI and hopefully reapply next year because I would still love to attend USNA, and although it sucks ,because c/o 27 doesn’t sound as nice as c/o 26, there isn’t much that can be done on my part.
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You're still in it though, until you're not. Keep that head up!
 
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