Reasons for NASS rejection?

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mx130

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Jan 29, 2018
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Hello, I received an email today saying that I was rejected from the Naval Academy Summer Seminar. The application asked about my color vision and I answered honestly that I had mild color blindness. Could this be the main reason why I was rejected?

My SAT scores are in the 75th percentile for USNA test scores and I also come from a competitive congressional district in PA.
 
I don't know if color blindness is why, but I suppose it's possible. If you come from a competitive district, that could be the reason. The aim of Summer Seminar is to get the word out about USNA to underrepresented regions and demographics, and spots are very limited. Many who do not attend Summer Seminar go on to recieve appointments, and vice versa. I suggest you don't sweat it.
 
If NASS didn’t accept people for minor medical flaws, several people in my platoon would not have been there. They probably accepted less from your district, as they did mine, because it’s overrepresented/ competitive.
 
DS just received an appointment for the Class of 2022 after being rejected for NASS. I've talked to some Academy grads who were picked up for NASS and some who weren't. Doesn't appear to be a true indicator of competitiveness for an appointment.
 
I’m not buying the arguement that NASS is an outreach program designed to get the word out. Rejection is ok as DS got his today, but it would be nice to get some feedback on the reasons for why applicants did and did not make it: not enough athletic accomplishment, SAT/ACT or GPA thresholds, etc

I just wish the reject letter had a bit more honest evaluation in specific areas to work on
 
scotto said:
I’m not buying the arguement that NASS is an outreach program designed to get the word out. Rejection is ok as DS got his today, but it would be nice to get some feedback on the reasons for why applicants did and did not make it: not enough athletic accomplishment, SAT/ACT or GPA thresholds, etc

I just wish the reject letter had a bit more honest evaluation in specific areas to work on
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Yes, it would be helpful to have a little insight. DD was not accepted to NASS or AF summer session, but was accepted to West Point within a week of applying. What made her more attractive to one school vs the others?
 
Their bottom line is there are more candidates than spots and it is a recruiting a tool. If was based purely on competitiveness then it would be points to the WCS. It does not bring points to it. Geography does play a very large part in NASS selection. Each SA views their summer programs differently, so can’t speak to the weight they do or do not carry.
 
It appears that a number of factors play into NASS selection outside of competitiveness. Our DS was rejected for NASS, but received an LOA. I'm sure outreach plays more of a part in the decision than simply being a competitive candidate. So I wouldn't place any credence to being rejected for NASS due to some flaw or lacking in the candidate's application. In the grand scheme of things, being selected or not selected for NASS really doesn't play a factor.
 
It's my understanding (current mid mom) that NASS has absolutely no bearing on your application and, as posted above, it's a "numbers game" and an over-represented district would come into play.
 
scotto said:
I’m not buying the arguement that NASS is an outreach program designed to get the word out.
Click to expand...

You can believe what you want. Looks like you are new here, so I would encourage you to go back through the numerous threads on this topic. There are several people here who know what they are talking about, and all have the same message. NASS is a recruiting and awareness program, and has no bearing on whether DS is competitive for appointment next year. I heard it directly from Admissions during BGO training last year.

scotto said:
Rejection is ok as DS got his today, but it would be nice to get some feedback on the reasons for why applicants did and did not make it: not enough athletic accomplishment, SAT/ACT or GPA thresholds, etc. I just wish the reject letter had a bit more honest evaluation in specific areas to work on
Click to expand...

Are you suggesting that USNA give each NASS applicant feedback on how they can improve their application ? Do you realize how many applicants there are, and that NASS is essentially a sideshow to the main event ? From January to April, Admissions is busting their ass to seat the next years class....I suspect that there is not a whole lot of time to analyze each applicant, let alone give individual feedback.

Is DS one of those that has always dreamed of attending Annapolis ? Do you live in the DC/VA/MD area ? If yes to either of those questions, DS is not the target audience for NASS. Sure, some get selected... but it's really not the purpose of the program.
 
The geographic proximity of Pennsylvania may have played into it. USNA Admissions knows that candidates from surrounding states can gerally get to Annapolis with their families to tour and experience at least a bit of the place. Candidates from far off places like Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, etc can't really do a day trip to visit and NASS might be their only chance to get a good look at USNA ahead of time.*

*Explanation from BGO training
 
As someone who got into NASS, I am happy about it but I also know that I shouldn't get arrogant. I'm pretty sure a good percentage of the reason why I got into NASS was because I come from a place where it's not really considered normal for people to want to join the military. I'm the only person in my high school who is even considering joining the military in any form. Most of the kids in my grade don't know what the service academies or ROTC are.
 
scotto said:
I’m not buying the arguement that NASS is an outreach program designed to get the word out. Rejection is ok as DS got his today, but it would be nice to get some feedback on the reasons for why applicants did and did not make it: not enough athletic accomplishment, SAT/ACT or GPA thresholds, etc

I just wish the reject letter had a bit more honest evaluation in specific areas to work on
Click to expand...

“I’m not buying the arguement that NASS is an outreach program designed to get the word out”......It’s not an argument, it’s been stated as fact that it’s a way to spread the word (aka: recruit). Lots of info about that from those that know here on the forums if you care to search that topic.

These forums are a wonderful place to seek advice. If your DS/DD is interested, they can seek out advice on where to improve. They will get a lot of good, honest constructive feedback. Additionally, you can search “chance me” threads, although I personally am NOT a fan of those as one could get either a false sense of security OR defeat by comparing yourself to others’ stats. But especially at this point in your journey (a HS junior), looking at stats can give you an idea of the packages that people are putting forth to the academy.

The thing to keep in mind is to do ALL you can to make you the best you can be. That is the only thing within your control. This week many super qualified candidates are receiving their TWE’s for the class of ‘22 after being in your shoes about a year ago. And wondering WHY they, too, were rejected (although I prefer to think of it as a ‘not yet’ notice). With no obvious good reason for their TWE. There simply is no single simple answer. Usna puts together what they are looking for at both SS and their class appointments. Neither offers are simply based upon your stats/package.

You mention attending SLE? Perhaps you could piggyback a visit to USNA surrounding that event? There are other ways to experience the academy. Not sure how CVW’s work but that’s another popular choice.

Of note: DS accepted his appointment to USNA ‘22. We are one of those states that doesn’t even really have a lake. He did attend SS. He was ‘rejected’ for usafa seminar (closer to home). He is the only one in his group that received an offer of appointment.

15,000 Open applications for appointments. 7,500 Open applications to summer seminar. It’s simply impossible for admissions to evaluate and provide feedback. The good news is that you can seek that out yourself (aaahhhh....the Internet!!!) here.

Welcome to this wild, emotional crazy journey. There is not a better test of patience, resourcefulness and tenacity then this journey toward obtaining an academy appointment. It’s not for the weak!!!
 
Old Navy BGO said:
scotto said:
I’m not buying the arguement that NASS is an outreach program designed to get the word out.
Click to expand...

You can believe what you want. Looks like you are new here, so I would encourage you to go back through the numerous threads on this topic. There are several people here who know what they are talking about, and all have the same message. NASS is a recruiting and awareness program, and has no bearing on whether DS is competitive for appointment next year. I heard it directly from Admissions during BGO training last year.

scotto said:
Rejection is ok as DS got his today, but it would be nice to get some feedback on the reasons for why applicants did and did not make it: not enough athletic accomplishment, SAT/ACT or GPA thresholds, etc. I just wish the reject letter had a bit more honest evaluation in specific areas to work on
Click to expand...

Are you suggesting that USNA give each NASS applicant feedback on how they can improve their application ? Do you realize how many applicants there are, and that NASS is essentially a sideshow to the main event ? From January to April, Admissions is busting their ass to seat the next years class....I suspect that there is not a whole lot of time to analyze each applicant, let alone give individual feedback.

Is DS one of those that has always dreamed of attending Annapolis ? Do you live in the DC/VA/MD area ? If yes to either of those questions, DS is not the target audience for NASS. Sure, some get selected... but it's really not the purpose of the program.
Click to expand...

To the OP:
My suggestion is that your DS reach out to his BGO and get advice on how to improve his app. That is the purpose of the BGO. If you have read any info on the process, most suggest that you reach out to the BGO before you even begin the app and let them know that you are considering applying. If you have all of the pertinent information, I am sure most will be more than happy to tell DS where to improve.
Don't be bitter about a rejection from NASS as it has been stated over and over that it is a recruiting tool and has zero bearing on the application/ and subsequent acceptance or rejection in the future. If you or DS have read the pinned posts, you'll know even without asking, where your candidate needs to improve.
 
mx130 said:
Hello, I received an email today saying that I was rejected from the Naval Academy Summer Seminar. The application asked about my color vision and I answered honestly that I had mild color blindness. Could this be the main reason why I was rejected?

My SAT scores are in the 75th percentile for USNA test scores and I also come from a competitive congressional district in PA.
Click to expand...
Lots of good answers and info here so far and probably answers the mail (original question).
I'll go a little further as the poster seems to be questioning their competitiveness. To be blunt, there is far too much that we don't know about you to even begin to answer this. Your 75th percentile scores might seem great to you looking nationally but in your "competitive district", they may be below (the local) average as they would be in my highly competitive district. We know absolutely nothing about your grades, extra-curriculars, leadership experience or the myriad of other factors that a highly competitive candidate might display.
But remember this about Summer Seminar. After 25 years as a BGO and Senatorial interviewer, after an interview, I can normally tell if an applicant has a good or even great shot at getting into USNA. I do get surprised from time to time with a turndown but the best do stand out to me. BUT Summer Seminar is a different animal and I've seen superstars get turned away from NASS.
 
scotto said:
I’m not buying the arguement that NASS is an outreach program designed to get the word out. Rejection is ok as DS got his today, but it would be nice to get some feedback on the reasons for why applicants did and did not make it: not enough athletic accomplishment, SAT/ACT or GPA thresholds, etc

I just wish the reject letter had a bit more honest evaluation in specific areas to work on
Click to expand...

My DD attended NASS in 2013 and also SLE that year, where they only selected 500 attendees. She said, in her opinion, there was a vast difference in the types of kids who attended each of the programs that year. To her, it was evident that NASS was very much being used as an outreach/introductory program to certain demographics. She was surprised to see some kids who were quite out of shape and would not come close to meeting the height/weight standards, others who refused to participate in some of the physical events, some who left the week early, not because of other commitments, but because they found they just didn't want to be there. Now, don't get me wrong, there were still plenty of high calibre, top-notch, hoorah types, too, but there was quite a mix. In contrast, she felt that virtually all that went to SLE seemed to really meet the profile of those who would get into West Point and were fit, highly motivated, etc. I don't know if it was unique that year, because they only had 1 session with 500, and perhaps they were more selective, but that was her observation. Our DS also went to NASS the following year, and his concurred with what his sister had said.
 
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