IronmanDaremo
What, me worry?
- Joined
- Dec 7, 2020
- Messages
- 2,898
Except physics classes are standard 3/C courses at USNA, not Plebe's. 

Thank GOD! I'm in AP Physics right now and it is a battleExcept physics classes are standard 3/C courses at USNA, not Plebe's.![]()
The Mids at Kings Point have to take Physics Plebey year because they go out for their sea year 3/C year.Chem is the Plebe killer. Physics is the Youngster one.
Just remember, there are a ton of resources on campus, and the professors all hold office hours to assist any student that asks. Unless someone is just atrocious at a subject, there are so many ways to get help. They want you to pass, and will do whatever they can to help you get there. *
* That doesn't mean there aren't some mediocre/questionable professors. You hear stories of those.
I wonder if you could retake the SAT over the summer and see if you can get a high enough math score to be placed into calculus. Try emailing your college academic advisor and explaining that you will be retaking the SAT and asking if it is possible to use that score for your placement.I did not receive a nomination for C/O 28 and was turned down 4/16. I knew my chances of direct entry were extremely slim, but frankly was shocked that I didn't receive NAPS (or even NAPS waitlist). I only say this because my profile really seemed to fit what USNA looks for in NAPS, and my BGO thought I had a really good shot. Anyway, onward and upward. I will be a programmer in NROTC and participating in a D1 sport next year, however I learned today that most likely the highest math I will be able to do next fall is College Algebra/Trig. The college I am attending is heavy engineering, so they are pretty strict on Math placement. I will be able to take Chem and essentially mirror the plebe year as much as possible, but wondering if the experts think that this will really hurt my chances when I reapply. My verbal score was just over 700, but was never able to crack 530 on the Math portion (that's the reason for my placement). I did receive a B in pre-calculus, but the university is holding firm. Not trying to be negative, but starting to wonder with my Math scores that my best shot at Annapolis pretty much ended on 4/16 since I know that NAPS and foundation are pretty much out of the picture now. Is it possible that even with the lower math class that improving my SAT scores along with an A in College Algebra will be looked upon favorably, or am I hosed?
I am a college reapplicant. This gives me hope for the next cycle!Funny, my kid got a C in Chem his first semester as a re-applicant.
Guess what? He's a Youngster right now .....
I responded to your dupe post in another thread with current discussion thread link:Interesting to listen about how the class of 2028 potentially will have a make-up of 40% re-applicants, up from 26-30%:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60iI7N5jRtQ&t=180shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60iI7N5jRtQ&t=180s
Presumably he has read this during his research on reapplication:I think I've read through this entire thread and was tempted to start a new one, but decided to be a good forum member and continue the discussion here. I have a son who was not offered an appointment for the class of 2028. He's moving forward with NROTC and is reporting for NSI tomorrow. He's keeping an open mind about NROTC and is excited to begin with his unit. He knows that he has our support either way, but I think his heart is still at the Academy.
I'm aware of the basic recommendations such as taking a plebe-like schedule and the importance of his first semester grades. As a result, he's repeating several classes that he took as AP courses in high school. His thought is that it is better to solidify those concepts and walk away with a strong GPA. Plus, he'll be taking 19 credit hours. He's not afraid of going a non-traditional route and even took the SAT again after graduation, bringing up his score from a superscore 1280 to a single test score of 1430.
What else can we learn from successful reapplicants? How can I best support him as a parent?
Thank you for such thoughtful comments and suggestions. We're taking every word to heart.Presumably he has read this during his research on reapplication:
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Previous Candidates & College Candidates
Previous Candidates and College Candidates page for Admissions at USNA.edu. Updated Sun Jan 12 04:23:41 EST 2025.www.usna.edu
He can earn a ROTC nomination from his NROTC PNS, to go with the usual 4 he is reapplying for (3 MOC, VP), plus any others. He should update his essays for applications all around to demonstrate growth, new personal insights, etc.
He should think strategically about this, commit to giving 100% as a forward-leaning, hit the deck running new midshipman. Always early to scheduled events. Always a hard worker with a positive attitude. Always a strong performer at fitness events. Emerges as both a reliable team member and peer leader. Always well-groomed with a squared-away uniform. Academically, does what he needs to do, with no loitering around the borderline. Volunteers for unit projects or the ones no one wants to spend time one. Be the midshipman known to help others who might be struggling rather than shine a light on himself. Keep his mouth shut about USNA reapplication until he has established himself and built a strong, top-performer reputation in the most junior group at the unit. Do not let the first interaction with the PNS or chain of command be, “Sir or ma’am, I need you to nominate me for USNA.” There may well be others, and the PNS’ endorsement via a nom will be the professional opinion of a senior officer.
I’ll page @GWU PNS (emeritus) for former-PNS insight of how this can be strategically and tactically accomplished in the most professional way.
And, your son should allow himself the mental room to fall in love with his unit, the school and realize he has found his tribe, and not worry one bit if he decides to let USNA go. That is perfectly fine. NROTC, just like USNA and OCS, produces outstanding, good, mediocre and poor officers. His goal should be the first, on the path that suits him best.
As for you supporting him, it’s time for your own transition from active parenting to trusted consultant, available as needed. A practical thing to do is to teach him how to make his own travel plans, a basic life skill for any military officer. You can still be the bank. He can start building miles/points in affinity programs on his own.
Kid got in with a 1250 (630/620). It not all about the standardized test scores. He's a math major maintaining a 3.0 GPA rising into his 2/C year.I am reapplying from last year after a turndown and I had some questions regarding the SAT. I submitted a 1220 last year and I took it again after graduation and have a 1360 (710 r/w 650m) now. I could do better on the math but I would have to take it again during the fall. I was thinking that college grades are much more important and I should focus my time on that rather than studying for the SAT in September/October. 650 is not ideal but I'd rather have that with an A in Chem and Calc rather than a 690 with a B in both of those subjects because I decided to study for the SAT while trying to study for chem and calc. Should I retake the SAT though if I could do a little better? Also, how many reapplicants actually complete the application?