Do service academy Preparatory schools guarantee you a spot in the academies? Because my congressional nominator had an option for students who attended prep schools to confirm they went to one on their nomination application. So does that mean even students who go to prep schools have to apply for nominations, and are not guaranteed a spot?
Prep School Option in my Congressional Nominator's application
- Thread starter Ladybug24
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No.
Yes.
The prep schools, if it's a sponsored prep deal, give the successful completer of the prep curriculum that extra shot of confidence in the eyes of the Admissions Board, that the candidate can handle SA academics. Candidates still need a nom for the applicable cycle.
Yes.
The prep schools, if it's a sponsored prep deal, give the successful completer of the prep curriculum that extra shot of confidence in the eyes of the Admissions Board, that the candidate can handle SA academics. Candidates still need a nom for the applicable cycle.
usna1985
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Can only speak to USNA prep schools (NAPS and Foundation). If you successfully complete the program, don't have drug/alcohol or conduct issues, and still want to attend USNA, you are essentially guaranteed a slot.
NAPS and Foundation students need a nom and are strongly encouraged (read, "told to") to apply for an MOC nom. Most get one. However, if they don't, they will get a SecNav nom.
NAPS and Foundation students need a nom and are strongly encouraged (read, "told to") to apply for an MOC nom. Most get one. However, if they don't, they will get a SecNav nom.
What's a SecNav nom?
MichUSNA2021hopefulparent
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Nomination from the Secretary of the Navy. You can't apply for it. For enlisted.
Great question! CaptMJ provided good insight on your question. Even if you attended a service prep or civilian prep school you will need a NOM. And its conditional if you are not injured, committed crimes, have a defendant, or did not do well academically at the prep school. However, attending a prep has its advantages such as being a year older (mature) high ACT/SAT test scores and well equipped to handle academics
Push Hard, Press Forward
usna1985
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One other important point, there are "sponsored" prep programs (for USNA, NAPS and Foundation) and self-prep, which includes students who attend prep school on their own, not sponsored by a SA. For USNA at least, there is NO guarantee that you will receive an appointment as a self-prep, as there essentially is with sponsored prep. In other words, you are in the general competition pool with high schoolers, college applicants, etc. Having that extra year of self-prep CAN be helpful as TugBoat has said, but it is just one element of your application.
There is a lot of discussion in this forum about whether or not to self-prep.
There is a lot of discussion in this forum about whether or not to self-prep.