Questions about NWP

flight9

Member
Joined
Jan 2, 2016
Messages
17
Hello!
I am currently a candidate for USAFA- however, my test scores (32 CR, 23 M, 26 W, 26 S: 550M, 570 CR, 560 W) are holding me back. I retook my SAT and am still waiting to hear back about the scores- but it is very late in the process. I self-applied to Northwestern Prep and it seems like a really good fit as a plan B. If I do not hear back from USAFA, that will most likely be where I end up. However, I am curious about a few things.
1. What is the daily life like? Do you make close friends? Do the guys/girls get along?
2. Can you take your own laptop/phone? Is there decent service? (I live in VA... So I would be across the country)
3. Was it beneficial to go through the program or do you feel you would've been fine at a normal university?

I am curious about the daily life/schedule. I have many options in place if USAFA is not in the books this year, even though I plan on reapplying. I am very interested in NWP, however, I would like to know more!

Thank you!
 
flight9, NWP is a fantastic choice and I would highly recommend you go through the program. I was NWP c/o '15 and I'll do my best to answer your questions.

1) Daily life varies based on what rotation you are, but it's essentially the same for everyone: Wake up, dorm inspection, breakfast, classes, lunch, more classes, PT, dinner, study hall, lights out. Your days are strictly regimented and free time is virtually nonexistent, but the benefit is immeasurable. You have classes six days a week and Sunday is devoted to study (but you will have some time to yourself). You will make some of the closest friends you'll ever make. In an environment like that, you can't not make friends. The guys and girls get along just fine.

2) I believe c/o '15 was the first class allowed to bring their own laptops, so I'd double check if this rule will carry on for future classes. You can bring your own phone, but you won't be able to use it much; I just left mine in the dorm. As far as cell service goes, NWP will redefine what "decent" service is (it's not that great. Like, at all. But it's certainly adequate to let people know that you're still alive).

3) It was 110% beneficial to go through the program. All my scores went up, I got in excellent shape, I met people that will be my friends for life, and I have a bond with them that will never be broken. I think it was far superior t0 a normal university because the rigor of NWP makes you a better person/candidate. To put this in perspective, NWP was my second military prep school and it blew the first one out of the water.

Best of luck to you in your journey and if you have any further questions, don't hesitate to send me a message!
 
flight9, NWP is a fantastic choice and I would highly recommend you go through the program. I was NWP c/o '15 and I'll do my best to answer your questions.

1) Daily life varies based on what rotation you are, but it's essentially the same for everyone: Wake up, dorm inspection, breakfast, classes, lunch, more classes, PT, dinner, study hall, lights out. Your days are strictly regimented and free time is virtually nonexistent, but the benefit is immeasurable. You have classes six days a week and Sunday is devoted to study (but you will have some time to yourself). You will make some of the closest friends you'll ever make. In an environment like that, you can't not make friends. The guys and girls get along just fine.

2) I believe c/o '15 was the first class allowed to bring their own laptops, so I'd double check if this rule will carry on for future classes. You can bring your own phone, but you won't be able to use it much; I just left mine in the dorm. As far as cell service goes, NWP will redefine what "decent" service is (it's not that great. Like, at all. But it's certainly adequate to let people know that you're still alive).

3) It was 110% beneficial to go through the program. All my scores went up, I got in excellent shape, I met people that will be my friends for life, and I have a bond with them that will never be broken. I think it was far superior t0 a normal university because the rigor of NWP makes you a better person/candidate. To put this in perspective, NWP was my second military prep school and it blew the first one out of the water.

Best of luck to you in your journey and if you have any further questions, don't hesitate to send me a message!

flight9, NWP is a fantastic choice and I would highly recommend you go through the program. I was NWP c/o '15 and I'll do my best to answer your questions.

1) Daily life varies based on what rotation you are, but it's essentially the same for everyone: Wake up, dorm inspection, breakfast, classes, lunch, more classes, PT, dinner, study hall, lights out. Your days are strictly regimented and free time is virtually nonexistent, but the benefit is immeasurable. You have classes six days a week and Sunday is devoted to study (but you will have some time to yourself). You will make some of the closest friends you'll ever make. In an environment like that, you can't not make friends. The guys and girls get along just fine.

2) I believe c/o '15 was the first class allowed to bring their own laptops, so I'd double check if this rule will carry on for future classes. You can bring your own phone, but you won't be able to use it much; I just left mine in the dorm. As far as cell service goes, NWP will redefine what "decent" service is (it's not that great. Like, at all. But it's certainly adequate to let people know that you're still alive).

3) It was 110% beneficial to go through the program. All my scores went up, I got in excellent shape, I met people that will be my friends for life, and I have a bond with them that will never be broken. I think it was far superior t0 a normal university because the rigor of NWP makes you a better person/candidate. To put this in perspective, NWP was my second military prep school and it blew the first one out of the water.

Best of luck to you in your journey and if you have any further questions, don't hesitate to send me a message!
 
Thanks for the information about your time at NWP. I have a few questions for you.
Were you a sponsored prep or self prep? Also did you get an appointment at the Academy that you were hoping for? Did you spend a lot
of time working on SAT/ACT prep? The Naval Academy specifically says for reapplicants to attend a 4 year university and take Plebe year classes.
Since NWP is not considered a university I was wondering how the admissions board would look at that??
Any thoughts?
 
Thanks for the information about your time at NWP. I have a few questions for you.
Were you a sponsored prep or self prep? Also did you get an appointment at the Academy that you were hoping for? Did you spend a lot
of time working on SAT/ACT prep? The Naval Academy specifically says for reapplicants to attend a 4 year university and take Plebe year classes.
Since NWP is not considered a university I was wondering how the admissions board would look at that??
Any thoughts?
As of now, self prep. I have not heard back from USAFA yet- however my math score is academically disqualifying and prep school is in the picture. I am trying to get my plan B's and C's in place. I have been accepted to 5-6 other universities so far, but USAFA is my #1 goal. I had a tutor for my SAT/ACT and did a lot of self prep, but I could not get my scores where I needed them to be. I took each test 4 times. I am not familiar with USAFA's advice on reapplicants, however- I know NWP works closely with USAFA.
 
Let me shed a little light on the subject. Everyday you will learn words to increase your vocabulary. You'll learn the definition, how to apply in sentence structure, break down sentences and write paragraphs. You will learn 1200 new words this way. You will have math and chem classes at a college level instruction.

The Jewel: You will have the admission directors visit from all the academies. You will get a chance to interact and ask questions. More importantly they will be able to put a name to a face. The Durbecks are in constant communications with the directors and will give you a thumbs up or down. They provide progress reports. During your stay, they will assist you with applying for your NOM and it is usually conducted over Skype. They will also help with re-applying for the SA you are interested in.

The second half you will be required to attend a college of your choice and take classes to better prepare you. Even if you are not appointed to an academy you'll be well prepared for college.

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
Thanks for the information about your time at NWP. I have a few questions for you.
Were you a sponsored prep or self prep? Also did you get an appointment at the Academy that you were hoping for? Did you spend a lot
of time working on SAT/ACT prep? The Naval Academy specifically says for reapplicants to attend a 4 year university and take Plebe year classes.
Since NWP is not considered a university I was wondering how the admissions board would look at that??
Any thoughts?

I was self prep. I have yet to hear from USAFA, but I received my appointment from VMI earlier this week. Your entire existence up on the mountain is to prepare you physically and academically, and my ACT & SAT scores reflected that, as did my CFA scores. NWP, from what I know, is looked exceedingly favorably among admissions. Even though USNA tells re-applicants to attend a university, NWP's numbers are exceptionally impressive. The Naval foundation and Navy free agents that were in my class year were all stellar and I'm sure they'll do just fine for themselves when it comes to appointments.
 
Army sponsored, NWP c/o 15... let me know if you want any extra opinions!
 
I was in a very similar situation last year with my test scores. Going to NWP as a self-prep was highly rewarding, and I would do it all over again. My classmate did a very good job of describing it, but if you have any specific questions about how to make the most out of your experience (and really raise those scores) feel free to PM me and I will be happy to share some advice that I found beneficial to helping me excel in such a demanding environment.
 
NWP...and the words...

"Echelon: a steplike division of troops or planes; a subdivision of an organization."

Now WHY do I still remember that?

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
(NWP '78-'79, Mound, MN)
 
Thank you everyone! I sent in my deposit for NWP this morning. If I do not hear anything from the academy this year, that plan B is set in stone. Thank you for all the advice, help, and encouragement!
 
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