Regarding ADMISSIONS

[Michael_T]

Hello, my name is Michael, and to whoever may answer my questions, I really appreciate it. First of all, as an introduction, I am a Junior in High School, Class of 2022. Regarding USNA, ever since I have been in high-school, and a representative from the USNA, came for an informational visit, I've had the urge to want to attend USNA. Unfortunately in my Freshman and Sophomore year of HighSchool, my grades have not been where I need them to be. I've unfortunately had like 2 Ds and a couple of Cs. As we speak, I am currently trying very hard in my academics, to get near the grades of As and Bs, therefore I can get somewhat competitive when I go to apply later in the spring. My first question is: Does the USNA check all of your grades in HighSchool, or are there certain years that would stand out. compared to others. Such as if I were to do better in my academics this year? Back in my sophomore year, I took the PSAT, as a practice test, as my school has it as a requirement. it doesn't really count for anything, except to show you, how you stand. My score on the exam was 940. I know this may not be the best, but to be honest, I didn't take it extremely seriously. Next, a couple of weeks ago, I took my OFFICIAL PSAT, where it goes to qualify for NMSQT, and other potential college scholarships. My score is yet to come in, expected around December, which I will update in the future. The second question, I have to ask is, with all the COVID-19 problems that are going around, and SAT Exams being canceled, when should I take my SAT Exam, or ACT Exam, would taking both exams, and potentially doing well on them, in any way affect my admission chances.

As far as Extracurricular Activities, go, my school has a requirement of 25 hours of service to the community, which I try to do, not the minimum, but much further, such that in Freshman year, I did almost 60 hours of community service. I usually do my service, at the local library, and other events around town, in which people need volunteers. I guess this can lead to my next question: With all the COVID-19 restrictions currently still in place, I have not been able to do much service to the community as a result, will this badly affect me, or will the service academy, understand, as to why I have not been able to do so. Further into E.C. Activities, I am part of an organization, that is called YOUTH RESOURCES, which is an organization that helps the youth of the city that I live in, I can further explain if asked.

Another thing, I must mention is the fact that all my courses I currently take in my school, are all either AP courses or IB Courses. Is there any chance that some of my bad grades, would constitute for my admissions since they are all AP/IB courses?

IF ANYONE COULD ANSWER SOME OF THESE, I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT!

 

[spencermc]

To answer your question if USNA Checks all grades in High School, the answer is Yes.

As far as how that will look, it really just depends on how well you do this year first and second semester. Depending on where you stand, they might ask you for your First Semester Senior year grades (they did with me), and use that to evaluate you further. My best suggestion is that given you are taking IB/Honor classes, try your best in all of them and aim for all A's, if not A's and B's. They will see the improvement in your grades and like to see that trend.

As far as SAT, they are being text flexible right now, meaning if you don't have an SAT score in, it's not the end of the world. They'll just look at your other attributes and make decisions based off those. However, they really prefer it if you are able to get an SAT score in. Especially with your grades and everything you just mentioned, a good SAT score might help them look past your bad grades.

When it comes to ECA, they are aware that everyone is being cheated out of their activities, so its just a matter of what you can do now given our current climate and making the best out of a bad situation. Obviously if you can't do anything depending on your location, they're not gonna hold it against you, but if you still manage to participate through clubs/ECA virtually or something, that will definitely help your case.

Hope this helps!

Btw, I'm not an official or anything. I'm a college reapplicant who is trying to get in for the class of 2025, so take what I say with a grain of salt cause I'm definitely not admissions lol.

 

[Old Navy BGO]

To respond to the COVID impact question -- Yes, COVID is impacting everybody, in a variety of ways. Do not let it be an excuse ...but instead look at it as an opportunity. What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them ?

This is not an official USNA policy statement -but mine philosophy and (somewhat educated) belief of what USNA is going to be looking for in Candidates the next few years. There are many people and organizations that are doing wonderful things to adapt and overcome COVID --and they will come out ahead in the post-pandemic world.

 

[Michael_T]

To answer your question if USNA Checks all grades in High School, the answer is Yes.

As far as how that will look, it really just depends on how well you do this year first and second semester. Depending on where you stand, they might ask you for your First Semester Senior year grades (they did with me), and use that to evaluate you further. My best suggestion is that given you are taking IB/Honor classes, try your best in all of them and aim for all A's, if not A's and B's. They will see the improvement in your grades and like to see that trend.

As far as SAT, they are being text flexible right now, meaning if you don't have an SAT score in, it's not the end of the world. They'll just look at your other attributes and make decisions based off those. However, they really prefer it if you are able to get an SAT score in. Especially with your grades and everything you just mentioned, a good SAT score might help them look past your bad grades.

When it comes to ECA, they are aware that everyone is being cheated out of their activities, so its just a matter of what you can do now given our current climate and making the best out of a bad situation. Obviously if you can't do anything depending on your location, they're not gonna hold it against you, but if you still manage to participate through clubs/ECA virtually or something, that will definitely help your case.

Hope this helps!

Btw, I'm not an official or anything. I'm a college reapplicant who is trying to get in for the class of 2025, so take what I say with a grain of salt cause I'm definitely not admissions lol.

Thank you! This does help quite a bit. Do you think im "screwed" per se since I got those Cs and Ds in Freshman + Sophomore year?

 

[Michael_T]

To respond to the COVID impact question -- Yes, COVID is impacting everybody, in a variety of ways. Do not let it be an excuse ...but instead look at it as an opportunity. What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them ?

This is not an official USNA policy statement -but mine philosophy and (somewhat educated) belief of what USNA is going to be looking for in Candidates the next few years. There are many people and organizations that are doing wonderful things to adapt and overcome COVID --and they will come out ahead in the post-pandemic world.

Thank you, that does help!

 

[OldRetSWO]

To respond to the COVID impact question -- Yes, COVID is impacting everybody, in a variety of ways. Do not let it be an excuse ...but instead look at it as an opportunity. What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them ?

This is not an official USNA policy statement -but mine philosophy and (somewhat educated) belief of what USNA is going to be looking for in Candidates the next few years. There are many people and organizations that are doing wonderful things to adapt and overcome COVID --and they will come out ahead in the post-pandemic world.

Spot on!
Look at the COVID impact as a potential ADVANTAGE instead of it hurting. It takes some imagination and perhaps a little leadership.

Example: In my local area Halloween is very unsettled with towns scheduling and then cancelling "Trunk or Treat" events with the result being
a chance for a motivated person to perhaps organize an event in their neighborhood or perhaps even beyond.

I know of one mom who organized a neighborhood Halloween parade - town is not involved, publicity via word of mouth and social media. It wouldn't be very hard to organize a couple of people to set up candy drop tubes or other social distancing devices to deliver treats to the trick or treaters, maybe organize a photo station where costume pics could be emailed to the families/parents.

Beyond Halloween, there is Teacher's Convention/no-school for a few days in this state followed by Veterans Day and the Thanksgiving. If you are in need of outside activities and leadership, why not organize and execute events in the upcoming weeks. Of course, there is also the need in
many areas for tutoring/extra help for kids who are remote learning.

Bottom Line: There are lots of potential opportunities for leadership & service but you might need to organize and create them.

 

[Michael_T]

Spot on!
Look at the COVID impact as a potential ADVANTAGE instead of it hurting. It takes some imagination and perhaps a little leadership.

Example: In my local area Halloween is very unsettled with towns scheduling and then cancelling "Trunk or Treat" events with the result being
a chance for a motivated person to perhaps organize an event in their neighborhood or perhaps even beyond.

I know of one mom who organized a neighborhood Halloween parade - town is not involved, publicity via word of mouth and social media. It wouldn't be very hard to organize a couple of people to set up candy drop tubes or other social distancing devices to deliver treats to the trick or treaters, maybe organize a photo station where costume pics could be emailed to the families/parents.

Beyond Halloween, there is Teacher's Convention/no-school for a few days in this state followed by Veterans Day and the Thanksgiving. If you are in need of outside activities and leadership, why not organize and execute events in the upcoming weeks. Of course, there is also the need in
many areas for tutoring/extra help for kids who are remote learning.

Bottom Line: There are lots of potential opportunities for leadership & service but you might need to organize and create them.

Thank you for your response. I might look more into that idea. Where I currently am, there aren't an extreme amount of restrictions, but every day my cities case numbers are on the rise, so everything currently is on a hiatus, as I am not certain what tomorrow will bring. I will definitely try to make it an opportunity instead of a disadvantage

 

[Old Navy BGO]

Do you think im "screwed" per se since I got those Cs and Ds in Freshman + Sophomore year?

A slow start in HS never helps -- -there are plenty of Candidates that are running a 4.0 x 4 years. That said, the only Candidates who is completely out of the game is the one the doesn't try. You are starting in a hole, and the first rule of holes is STOP DIGGING. Figure out why you aren't getting the grades you think you are capable of - get together with your teachers, your guidance counselor, etc. and turn the grades around. Take the SAT/ACT and knock them out of the park. Get involved in School sports and extra curriculars --work yourself up to leadership positions in both. Getting accepted to a Service Academy takes more than desire -- you need to demonstrate to Admissions that you have the ability to succeed at a Service Academy and as a Naval Officer.

Finally -- think about why you want to attend USNA ? Your end objective should be commissioning as an Officer in the Navy. There are other ways to achieve that goal, so have a Plan B, C and D. Good luck.

 

[Michael_T]

A slow start in HS never helps -- -there are plenty of Candidates that are running a 4.0 x 4 years. That said, the only Candidates who is completely out of the game is the one the doesn't try. You are starting in a hole, and the first rule of holes is STOP DIGGING. Figure out why you aren't getting the grades you think you are capable of - get together with your teachers, your guidance counselor, etc. and turn the grades around. Take the SAT/ACT and knock them out of the park. Get involved in School sports and extra curriculars --work yourself up to leadership positions in both. Getting accepted to a Service Academy takes more than desire -- you need to demonstrate to Admissions that you have the ability to succeed at a Service Academy and as a Naval Officer.

Finally -- think about why you want to attend USNA ? Your end objective should be commissioning as an Officer in the Navy. There are other ways to achieve that goal, so have a Plan B, C and D. Good luck.

Thank you for the straightforward approach. Thank you for your response as well, it is definitely one of my more important. What about if I had to retake a class.

 

[Dr. Strange Love]

What about if I had to retake a class.

.
It say’s a lot about who you are if you retake a subject - especially a challenging one. You are a strong person for doing that.
.

 

[Michael_T]

.
It say’s a lot about who you are if you retake a subject - especially a challenging one. You are a strong person for doing that.
.

For example, I have to retake Chemistry and a Precalculus course for only 1st Semester, but I chose to do it the full year, so I can fix my GPA. WIll this affect my chances?

 

[Dr. Strange Love]

.
@MichaelT2022 .... There is a cliché that says a teacher will teach a course because she or he desires to know more about the subject. You should be proud of yourself for wanting to know more, and it is a good thing that you want to learn more in Chemistry and Pre-Calc by “Retaking” those subjects. Retaking those subjects will not affect your chances. You are doing it because “You” want to. Anybody, including USNA admissions, can see this. This is a good trait in a person. It shows a lot of desire.

I am always learning new pathways and solutions to problems in subjects that I took in my College days nearly 40 years ago.
.

 

[Michael_T]

.
@MichaelT2022 .... There is a cliché that says a teacher will teach a course because she or he desires to know more about the subject. You should be proud of yourself for wanting to know more, and it is a good thing that you want to learn more in Chemistry and Pre-Calc by “Retaking” those subjects. Retaking those subjects will not affect your chances. You are doing it because “You” want to. Anybody, including USNA admissions, can see this. This is a good trait in a person. It shows a lot of desire.

I am always learning new pathways and solutions to problems in subjects that I took in my College days nearly 40 years ago.
.

I understand what you are saying here, but retaking the class for at least the Semester 1, was unfortunately not my choice. At my school, it is required that you retake a class, if you get below a C. That is what happened to me for Semester 1, but in Semester 2, of last year I got a C+ in those classes, and I am choosing to retake them, because I was not satisfied with them, as well as it gave me the chance to fix my GPA

 

[spencermc]

I understand what you are saying here, but retaking the class for at least the Semester 1, was unfortunately not my choice. At my school, it is required that you retake a class, if you get below a C. That is what happened to me for Semester 1, but in Semester 2, of last year I got a C+ in those classes, and I am choosing to retake them, because I was not satisfied with them, as well as it gave me the chance to fix my GPA

Yea you choosing to retake it on your own accord in order to improve is a really good thing and I'm sure admissions will see that. It's just a matter of if you succeed the second time around.

 

[DiscoF15]

I apologize if someone already mentioned this, I just skimmed the comments. Sometimes you simply aren’t ready after High School. If you want the USNA (or any service academy) bad enough there are other pathways you can take. I saw someone mention they were a college applicant - you can prove your ability to do well at college level classes for a year. This goes a long way toward canceling out a bad 9th grade year. You can enlist. A certain number of spots are available for high performing enlisted troops, but it can be a difficult path. You can attend a prep school. Nothing much you can do to increase your chances of the Naval Academy prep school, but there are other civilian options out there if you are willing to do the research. Finally, you can become a world class athlete. That last one is a little bit of a joke, but it does highlight the point that these are “whole person” institutions. A lapse in one area isn’t the end, but it probably means you need to be something a little extra in another area. Just my 2 cents, good luck.

 

[Michael_T]

There is one problem I currently have, though, which is the fact that my school does not have an actual gym, therefore, they do not offer any sport-related activities.

 

[THParent]

There is one problem I currently have, though, which is the fact that my school does not have an actual gym, therefore, they do not offer any sport-related activities.

I hope that this isn't widespread in the USA, or the next generation is going to be in hover chairs slurping pizza in a cup.

 

[MidCakePa]

There is one problem I currently have, though, which is the fact that my school does not have an actual gym, therefore, they do not offer any sport-related activities.

There’s a couple ways to see this “problem.”

Is the gym preventing you from playing a team sport? USNA likes those who play team sports because it indicates someone with leadership, grit, discipline, perseverance, resilience, time management and a team mentality. Those great attributes can be acquired and demonstrated in venues beyond courts and fields. So seek out those alternative opportunities.

Is the gym preventing you from getting fit? As we’re all discovering, there are many ways to maintain and even build fitness without a gym. Seek out the various options available online for at-home exercise. Use public facilities such as tracks and fields. Buy an inexpensive pull-up bar. Do push-ups and sit-ups in the comfort of your bedroom or basement.

In the end, fortune favors the resourceful. As an officer, you’ll be tasked with always finding a way. You can start that practice now.

 

[OldRetSWO]

I hope that this isn't widespread in the USA, or the next generation is going to be in hover chairs slurping pizza in a cup.

View attachment 7258

Probably very dependent on the location (state).
NJ requires daily PE class for four years of high school.
Every public school has to provide that in some way.

 

[Michael_T]

There’s a couple ways to see this “problem.”

Is the gym preventing you from playing a team sport? USNA likes those who play team sports because it indicates someone with leadership, grit, discipline, perseverance, resilience, time management and a team mentality. Those great attributes can be acquired and demonstrated in venues beyond courts and fields. So seek out those alternative opportunities.

Is the gym preventing you from getting fit? As we’re all discovering, there are many ways to maintain and even build fitness without a gym. Seek out the various options available online for at-home exercise. Use public facilities such as tracks and fields. Buy an inexpensive pull-up bar. Do push-ups and sit-ups in the comfort of your bedroom or basement.

In the end, fortune favors the resourceful. As an officer, you’ll be tasked with always finding a way. You can start that practice now.

Thank you for your response. As far as my school goes, since we are a small charter school, they don't have a gym, but they did happen to take us students as Freshmen to the YMCA, every other day. This only went on for Freshman Year. As far as exercising goes, I try to do at-home workouts, such as pushups and situps, as you mentioned.