Rejected from USNA

[xc2024]

I don’t know if any of you have experienced this, but I spent all my time thinking about USNA that I didn’t even consider a second option or what my life would be like at a civilian college. Whenever I would workout, take tests, complete my academic work, USNA was my motivation. Now, after being rejected, I almost feel as if I don’t have a purpose. I have nothing to work for. I went from thinking I had the next 9+ years later out for me to not even knowing where I’m going to go when the May 1st deposit deadline comes around. My number one goal in life is to give back to the world. I thought that’s what I would do in the military.

As a '24 applicant that was waitlisted, I feel the exact same way. It's almost eerie how much you have put my feelings into words. There are others in the same boat, and the advice above is so motivating and encouraging. There's a motto at USNA that says "I will find a way, or make one." Despite this discouragement, we can keep our head up and once the dust settles... try again.

 

[hchen5041]

Not a USNA cadet candidate but c/o 2024 cadet candidate for West Point. I relate hard with this post. Since sophomore year all I wanted was West Point. Went to SLE, enjoyed it, and fought and fought and got in. Like you, every step I took was with West Point in mind. When I was accepted I felt over the moon, like my entire life and all my effort was validated. After about a week it wore off and I remembered that I am still the same person as before. I'm not special, nor does getting in make me any better than I was before I got in. I spent so much time trying to get in that now that I have, it's like I've lost part of myself. I'm going to spend some time reflecting on myself and what I want, and what it'll take for me to feel satisfied with myself and to feel successful. Setting goals like "Get into Naval Academy" is good because it has a clear win condition and a clear losing condition. Lots of people wander through life being unable to determine what they want, so they never lose but they never win either. Losing is painful, and winning this amazing feeling but both are temporary. Someone posted on the west point forum that they applied five times and got in, and is seriously considering starting all over again for it. I've met people who've had to apply three times to get in. There's no shame in trying again. If you want to give back to the world, then find a way to do that. Get obsessed with something again, something that clears the fog and lights a fire under you. Putting all your eggs in one basket is a bad idea, I hope you applied for NROTC too. It's not as awesome as a service academy but gives you a good chance for reapplying. Hope this helps.

 

[Kierkegaard]

While I don’t have nearly has much life experience as some of those who have given some stellar advice here, I’d like to throw in my perspective as somebody who has been on both sides of the fence: Rejected one year, and accepted the next.

It really is true that the grass is always greener on the other side. When you’re an applicant, there is so much hype and it can feel like USNA is the only way for you to achieve your goals. Then once you’re in, a little disillusionment sets in. Not that it’s bad, it’s just that “the suck” makes everyone question why they chose the Naval Academy, and in doing so most folks realize that they ultimately care about the end goal of service, and once they realize they could have reached their goal without having to follow MidRegs for four years, they realize that they would have been just fine doing ROTC at a normal college. (And some even regret not choosing it!)

I have absolutely no regrets about re-applying and I’m thrilled to now be where I am. But today I also realize that if I instead went all in on ROTC at a good civilian university, my life would still turn out just fine (I’d definitely have more freedom too!).

So consider re-applying if you truly desire the unique, eudaemonic experience of a service academy. If you’re gonna do that, follow the advice that’s been given. Also realize that by executing a solid backup plan you may still be in a great spot.

 

[AMac]

Reapplying sounds so daunting... is it worth it? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

If this is something that you truly want, then reapply. Nothing of true worth is easy; the application process isn't easy, becoming a candidate isn't easy and building the portfolio to get selected isn't easy. You sound like you are focused on what you want so do what it takes to get it. Applying can be the easy part. Building your portfolio could be the tough part, but if you want it I know you will find a way to make it happen. Some mids have applied multiple times before reaching success. Head up and press forward.

 

[Memphis9489]

In our area we always have a Welcome Aboard ceremony for all the local candidates who have received appointments to the Naval Academy. It's in June just prior to their departure for I-Day. I usually speak briefly at this ceremony. One of the things I tell them is this: "People are probably telling you that, 'Now the hard part begins'. But, statistically, that's far from true. The fact that you're sitting in this room today with an appointment in hand means you've already accomplished the 'hard part'. You got an appointment! Around only 10% of applicants get an appointment. Yet, of those who show up on I-Day, almost 90% of them will graduate. If you want to graduate you probably will. But the application field is full of those who 'wanted' to attend and never received an appointment. Quite frankly, many of them were every bit as qualified as you - and would probably would graduate had they received an appointment. When you're sitting in T-court in a few weeks taking your oath, don't forget that there are thousands of applicants who would trade places with you in a heart beat."

 

[USN23]

There is a lot of great advice above and to come in the future on this thread. I know exactly how you feel. Exactly a year ago I was in your same shoes. I felt like all the effort I had put in for almost five years did not matter and was for nothing. However, after a day I began to get excited about plan B. Accepted it a few days later, and am enjoying NROTC (albeit from home due to COVID). I have not realistically considered reapplying since getting rejected. Regardless, of whether you decide to reapply or continue an alternate path towards commissioning, or decide to not pursue the service, you will eventually recover. It hurts... a lot. But life goes on and you will be okay. Good luck with wherever you go!