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How much would it help being a minority during admissions and how much more would it help to be fluent in your native language?
Minorities at USNA
- Thread starter navalacademy12
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usna1985
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USNA is actively looking to increase the number/percentage of certain minority groups (primarily -- but not exclusively -- African-American and Hispanic). One reason is that the percentage of "minority" officers in the USN and USMC is significantly below the percentage of enlisted people in those groups and USNA is a large "feeder" of the officer ranks. There are many ways USNA is trying to broaden its appeal to minorities and doing so is one of the primary goals of the current Superintendent.
The above does not mean that it is "easier" to get in if you're a minority. You still must meet the requirements for admission. There is a recognition that some members of minority groups may not have had the same academic preparation/opportunities as others but are otherwise considered to have the attributes of a midshipman and future officer (e.g., leadership, ECAs, fitness). Those individuals are typically sent to NAPS/Foundation to enhance their academics so that they will succeed at USNA.
So, if you are a well-qualified person from a "minority" ethnic background, USNA is looking for you. If you're not well qualified, simply being a member of a minority group won't save the day. If you are well qualified but could use some additional academic prep (b/c you didn't have great opportunities not b/c you didn't study all during h.s.), NAPS/Foundation is a possible option -- just as it is for non-minority students in similar situations.
As for speaking your native language -- depends on what it is. Right now, the military is very interested in Chinese and Arabic speakers. Having fluency in one of those languages would be a plus -- but not a difference maker. Being fluent in other languages (Spanish, French, German, Japanese, etc.) is probably not going to make any signficant impact.
The above does not mean that it is "easier" to get in if you're a minority. You still must meet the requirements for admission. There is a recognition that some members of minority groups may not have had the same academic preparation/opportunities as others but are otherwise considered to have the attributes of a midshipman and future officer (e.g., leadership, ECAs, fitness). Those individuals are typically sent to NAPS/Foundation to enhance their academics so that they will succeed at USNA.
So, if you are a well-qualified person from a "minority" ethnic background, USNA is looking for you. If you're not well qualified, simply being a member of a minority group won't save the day. If you are well qualified but could use some additional academic prep (b/c you didn't have great opportunities not b/c you didn't study all during h.s.), NAPS/Foundation is a possible option -- just as it is for non-minority students in similar situations.
As for speaking your native language -- depends on what it is. Right now, the military is very interested in Chinese and Arabic speakers. Having fluency in one of those languages would be a plus -- but not a difference maker. Being fluent in other languages (Spanish, French, German, Japanese, etc.) is probably not going to make any signficant impact.