Performing Arts

G

Griff

Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2024
Messages
13
Hello,

I'm a sophomore in highschool, and mainly do show choir, which is a singing/dancing group that competes, and have been to nationals in New York from it (I’ll hopefully gain leadership next year). I also do tech work for my high school theater, and am the Lights Crew Head in charge of all lighting and leading my crew. I do work with professionals at a musical theater institute in my state. Will these extra-curriculars be good for USNA, I know the Naval Academy is a STEM-focused school, so will these extra-curricular set me apart as not as many candidates do these, or will this make me a less appealing candidate? Thanks!
 
Hi Griff, I think you don’t have to be doing all the ‘stemy’ things, but be sure your grades in your math and sciences are your best. My DD received and LOA from USNA and secured 2 nominations (USNA and USAFA) for class 2029 without stem extracurricular activities. She is a violinist since age 4, currently Concertmaster at the youth orchestra she’s been for the last 8 years and her forte is performing arts as well. Most of her leadership and service involvement was around music, and community service through church and school and sports (fencing and outdoor leadership [combination of hiking, rock climbing, etc]). That being said, she tried her best to perform well in all her stem classes (humanities came easier for her). SA are looking for well-rounded individuals who are leaders in their areas (whatever that may be) and serve their communities while also expecting a strong academic performance, involvement in sports, Great SAT/ACT, etc.

If you don’t intend to major in a Stem field (DD wants to major in Economics) don’t be discouraged if you don’t have that background 🙂.
 
Do you play any sports? Are you working on your physical fitness?

Will you take the hardest courses your school offers? How are your grades?

When my son went to CVW, I sat in a presentation about USNA and they had USNA singers perform. It was fantastic.

In NY, are you in a competitive area?
 
The Academy Glee club is amazing. And they devote as much time to it as many athletes do to their sport. If your desire is to become a Naval/Marine officer and attend the Academy, you'll have a lot of options to continue your passions. See above to things to concentrate on in the meantime.
 
A1Janitor said:
Do you play any sports? Are you working on your physical fitness?

Will you take the hardest courses your school offers? How are your grades?

When my son went to CVW, I sat in a presentation about USNA and they had USNA singers perform. It was fantastic.

In NY, are you in a competitive area?
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Yes I run Varsity XC and Track, I would say I'm in good shape, and take all honors and AP classes. My GPA is 4.111 weighted and top 10% of my class (which will probably go down by the end of this year. I'm in the Columbus area, not too sure about the competitiveness of around here.
 
You sound like a very competitive candidate to me. Prepare for the SATs.

Search the forums for the CFA discussions. Start working towards those standards.
 
Griff said:
I didn't prepare, but I was planning on starting to.
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Definitely take the SAT at least 3 times. Also consider the ACT (some do better on those). Regarding your singing, dancing and theater activity: be prepared to make a case of how you have learned about hard work, ethics, leadership, following, teamwork, competition, failure and success.
 
I second the ACT. My daughter (not academy applicant) got a 1500 SAT and a perfect ACT. My son, (applying this year to SA's) took the SAT on paper, then took the digital one and his score went down. He also got a better score on the ACT.
 
Griff said:
I got a 1340 on the practice SAT this fall, how much more should I aim for when I really take it? What is a good goal for the academy?
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Goal is 1600. What is normally competitive depends on your district but if the other local applicants have a good year, you'd better have one as well. That said, do not rest on a 1340 as that would not be competitive in my district and others where I've lived.
 
Griff said:
Hello,

I'm a sophomore in highschool, and mainly do show choir, which is a singing/dancing group that competes, and have been to nationals in New York from it (I’ll hopefully gain leadership next year). I also do tech work for my high school theater, and am the Lights Crew Head in charge of all lighting and leading my crew. I do work with professionals at a musical theater institute in my state. Will these extra-curriculars be good for USNA, I know the Naval Academy is a STEM-focused school, so will these extra-curricular set me apart as not as many candidates do these, or will this make me a less appealing candidate? Thanks!
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There is a segment in this video about some of the performing arts at the Academy, it was encouraging for us. My son is big into his HS musical and some Shakespeare competitions. We're hoping that it helps him stand out since it appears that they definitely want this type of thing on campus.
 
gck105 said:
There is a segment in this video about some of the performing arts at the Academy, it was encouraging for us. My son is big into his HS musical and some Shakespeare competitions. We're hoping that it helps him stand out since it appears that they definitely want this type of thing on campus.
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Haha, just saw this a couple days ago, I was excited to see the theater program featured.
 
DutchAmerican said:
My Mid was a singer in HS. He now sings in glee club, Skivs, Halloween show and winter musical. Plenty of musical outlets. Glee counts as your sport. If you made all-state, regional, or national bands/choir, it definitely counts.
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Skivs! Cool.
 
Performing Arts activities are like any other ECA -- you're looking to demonstrate commitment and leadership. We often preach that there is no "right" or "wrong" ECA (with some limits). There are great singers and dancers and artists and musicians at USNA. The key is that, like every candidate, the rest of your package (academics, sports) is strong. And be sure you also like military activities and keeping fit.
 
IronmanDaremo said:
The Academy Glee club is amazing.
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DS has enjoyed Glee Club as his ECA. Always amazes what a vibrant and high caliber Music Department is at the USNA with many offerings, Glee Club, Gospel choir, D&B, Mariachi Band, etc., when there is no Music education offered.

Bottom line, be a an all around, focused, driven, performing candidate with demonstrated leadership experience and physical ability.
 
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