NASS advice

CALIapplicant20

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Oct 21, 2015
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*First a disclaimer. I am not insinuating that I know everything about the Naval Academy, admissions process, or its NASS program. I obtained a slot at NASS 2015, and subsequently received an appointment to the Naval Academy class of 2020 in December.

I have a few pieces of advice for interested high school students who are or will attend NASS. (also if anyone has advice please feel free to add in something I missed!)

1. You are constantly being evaluated during the week.
This isn't meant to scare you, but luckily my BGO told me before hand that I would be evaluated during my time at the NASS. My advice would be to give 100% in every evolution whether it is memorizing your "rates," doing PEP in the morning, or sounding off at night. A positive attitude means a lot to these midshipmen, and it looks very appealing when a potential candidate is not whining about the humidity or waking up at 5:00am. From what I remember your squad leader will write an evaluation form at the end of the week. This actually goes into your application packet, and will be there when the board makes a decision on your application. Therefore, please try to do your best!

2. Do not bring an excess amount of clothes.. aka SAVE ROOM in your suitcase.
When you get off the bus they will ask you to tuck in your shirts and make your way into a building. You check in with your ID and they literally issue you everything you will wear for that week (besides undergarments). You will also get a chance to go to the Midshipmen Store where you can pick up some "sick swag." (I think every boy in my platoon bought these American flag board shorts.) Therefore, please leave enough room in your suitcase to bring home the issued stuff you get, and the apparel that you buy.

3. Get to know your squad.
This was honestly one of my favorite parts. Being from California there were quite a bit of us (since we are such a large state), however they do a very good job with making sure you are people from across the nation. I think we had New York, Arizona, Florida, California, Ohio, New Mexico, and West Virginia all represented in my squad. Let me tell you, it was a blast getting to learn about the different cultures and things high schoolers did across the nation. I can say that I am still friends with a few of them, and I text one of my squad mates on a weekly basis.

4. Some parts are going to be hard.
While you are there you will workout in the morning every day, take the CFA, and go through a fake "Sea Trials." While it was very physically demanding, and some exercises really sucked, I promise you will get through it and doing it with your squad really helps. Also, NASS is supposed to provide insight as to what midshipmen life will be like, so the physical aspect (while not anything close to Plebe Summer or plebe year) it is hard. My advice is to just breathe, smile through the pain (that is what my squad leader told me), and also from the words of my squad leader one must learn to "embrace the suck." It really isn't that bad, I just want to warn you.

5. Finally, please be energetic!
My year we were split into 5 companies (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, and Echo.) There was basically a rivalry between the companies as to who could be the loudest, the silliest, the strongest, etc. I encourage you to let loose, lose your voice, and have fun chanting ridiculous cheers. You are only in high school once, and you only get to experience NASS once. Please try to have fun!!
 
I agree with everything ^ they said. But I would add one thing. Ask a lot of questions about the Academy; whether it's from midshipmen or the teachers. It shows enthusiasm, and you'll get a good feel for the place. Also, if the mid store still has them, pick up a pair of the American Flag board shorts. They're awesome and I still wear mine regularly.
 
Thank you very much CALIapplicant20 and Socnorb for the helpful advice :). I recently got accepted to NASS 2016 and I've been looking for a post like this. I'm looking forward to the seminar and I want to be prepared as much as I can. Congratulations on your appointment!
 
I wrote on a post awhile back about what goes on at NASS and AFSS. I'll go find the post if you want it.
 
Ask a lot of questions about the Academy............

But do so to help you learn if this is where you want go, not because you think it will make you look better to teachers and/or mids. Usually they can tell when someone is asking to be informed vs trying to ask important sounding questions to impress them...........i.e. be yourself.
 
You will also be administered the CFA. Practice your basketball throws beforehand. My DS had never thrown one before and embarrassed himself when his first try went wide right out of bounds. LOL! He ended up only throwing about 50 ft on his second try (still wide right), but they "passed" him anyway. (He maxed the push-ups and pull-ups). During Fall of his Senior year he practiced, improved and had his scores updated. His BGO told him that even though he had already passed, they like it when you show a desire to improve. It wouldn't hurt to go through the whole CFS routine a few times before you go.

My DS loved the Sea Trials. He said it was super hard, but felt he could accomplish anything afterwards. Have a fun!
 
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