Current junior. What tips and advice do you have for me for this year, and the coming year when I apply. Don't be afraid to say a lot if you have a lot to say . The more the merrier.
3 things you wished you knew back when you were going through the application process and/or wished you did differently?
Don't stress about the application process. Just about the only thing you can control is putting forward your best package. Get that done and then focus on grades and enjoying your senior year.
Take time to reflect before you write your essays. My first drafts were trash because I was writing what I "thought" the board would want to read. Everyone here is different. Write a personal essay.
See my first point again but replace "application" with "medical."
Sorry for hijacking the thread.
What company/platoon are you in?
Current junior. What tips and advice do you have for me for this year, and the coming year when I apply. Don't be afraid to say a lot if you have a lot to say . The more the merrier.
Hey!
Best tip I could give is to start as early as possible! If I started earlier, I would have received an LOA earlier, which definitely helps with the stress when applying to Service Academies and other Universities.
Besides that, retake your SAT/ACT as many times as you can--a higher score always makes you more competitive. The Academy super-duper-scores the SAT and ACT, meaning they take your highest ACT and transfer it to an SAT and then superscore your highest SAT scores from that. I only got a 29 on the ACT and a 1290 on the SAT, but with the super-duper-score, I was put at a competitive 1450. Remember to have the recommended pre-requisite classes. It is not a MUST, but it helps.
Also, the nomination is one of the most important parts that is often overlooked. Once you get a nomination, your chances of getting in increase drastically. For the nomination process, the MOST important part is the interview. BE YOURSELF! I was the Principal Nominee for my district because I walked in confidently, showed professionalism, and most importantly, I was myself! I recommend preparing for some of the tougher questions like "What's a weakness you have?" to which I responded, "People are afraid to approach me because I seem intimidating to them". I was completely honest--but I also did not divert the question, nor did I say the cliche response of "I care TOO much" or "I work TOO hard". Know how to work the questions to your advantage. If they ask you why you did not choose West Point or USAFA for your top choice, simply say, "I don't want to go there". I was nervous about this question, it IS a trick. Just tell them: I only want to go to USNA! I want to be a Naval Aviator, I want to be a SWO, I want to be on the ocean, I don't want to be the Army. Know what you want and make sure they know it too!
That's about all I have right now off the top of my head! If you have any other specific questions, ask away!
That's tough! I wish I turned it in earlier. I waited a long time to turn in my personal statement, because I was having trouble perfecting it... and the prompt is HUGE! Somehow I got it all in there, but it took some time. I waited a while for my DoDMERB exam too, because I was a few pounds over for the height requirement. Fortunately, they just requested a body fat form and I was good to go! Other than that, my application process went by smoothly. I recommend getting involved with your Congressman as well... anything helps to get your name out there and to have it as a talking point for the interview!3 things you wished you knew back when you were going through the application process and/or wished you did differently?
What a potential candidate should do to prepare for USNA life ( studies, fitness etc)
Take the hardest classes you can manage and excel in them. Be comfortable interviewing. Contact your BGO sooner rather than later. Don't do anything stupid to get in trouble. If you haven't already, join a team/sport/ECA you can take an active leadership role in. Get in shape. Be able to pass the PRT. Be able to run long distance as well as the 1.5 mile test.
--fellow '23
My son is in P 30. Maybe you have met him.
I'm in 29! Papa Company!! I'm sure you've heard the war-stories!
How often are you allowed to leave the yard on weekends? Is Thanksgiving the first time you’ll be able to visit home?
I'm also a current plebe and feel that I can chime in.
3 things you wished you knew before attending USNA??